Motte of Miskolctapolca, Medieval motte-and-bailey castle in Miskolctapolca, Hungary.
The Motte of Miskolctapolca is a medieval fortification in northeastern Hungary that consists of a raised earthen mound surrounded by defensive structures. The site makes use of natural slopes and provides views across the surrounding landscape.
The earthwork on Várhegy is dated to the late Bronze Age; excavations by Magdolna Hellebrandt in the 1970s and an on-site inspection by Levente Nagy in 2007 support this. Scattered Roman-era finds also came to light. From the 1890s to 1950 limestone was quarried on the hill's northwestern side, and since 2002 the site has been under local protection.
The hill is called Várhegy, and the yellow triangle-marked hiking trail leads to its top. Limestone was quarried on the northwestern side from the 1890s until 1950, and the site has been under local protection since 2002. The Viktória Cave and the Fecske-lyuk also lie here.
The site is reachable on foot from Miskolctapolca center, with parking available near the grounds. Visiting during dry weather is advisable since the paths on the mound can become slippery after rain.
The hilltop is now wooded and marked by a yellow-triangle hiking trail; the castle itself has vanished, leaving only faint earthworks. Limestone was quarried on the hill's northwest side from the 1890s until 1950, and the Viktória Cave and Fecske-lyuk open in the hill. The site has been under local protection since 2002.
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