Castle of Sirok, Medieval castle ruins near Sirok, Hungary.

The Castle of Sirok sits on a volcanic mountain at 296 meters elevation, with walls carved directly into the natural rock face. The structure blends built elements with the surrounding stone into a single defensive installation.

The fortress was built in the 13th century and served as a border outpost for centuries. Imperial forces damaged parts of it in 1713 following Rákóczi's rebellion.

The castle grounds display how medieval craftsmen worked with volcanic stone, cutting chambers and passages directly into the rock. Visitors can see the traces of this hands-on building approach throughout the site.

The site is reached by a walking path that climbs the slopes of the volcanic mountain. The approach is steep, so sturdy footwear and extra time are important.

The castle's lower ward was rebuilt between 2010 and 2011 with 365 million forints of EU funding: all walls were consolidated, some raised while keeping the ruin outline. Archaeologist Kovács Béla led excavations from 1965 to 1972 that cleared the lower ward and much of the underground passages and rooms of the upper castle.