Castle of Döbrönte, Medieval castle ruins near Pápa, Hungary.
Castle of Döbrönte stands on a rocky outcrop with wall sections reaching 2 meters thick, displaying window openings from various construction phases. The ruins preserve parts of the inner castle walls and outdoor fortification structures that visitors can explore today.
King Lajos I commissioned the construction in 1367, entrusting Benedek Himfi, a viceroy of Bulgaria, to oversee the fortress that was completed by 1374. It served as a strategic command stronghold within the realm.
The name Szarvaskő means Deer-stone, referencing the Himfy family crest that featured a deer. This symbol was central to the ruling family's identity and continues to shape how locals understand the site.
The site is freely accessible and located near the village of Döbrönte, with foot access available via local paths. Visitors should wear suitable footwear since the ground is rough and uneven in places.
German settlers from 1761 onward took stones from the castle ruins to build their houses, significantly altering the original structure. This reuse shows how the ruins remained embedded in local life across generations.
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