Castle of Sirok: A Historic Fortress in Hungary

Visitor Information

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Official Website: sirokivár.hu

Country: Hungary

Civilization: Early Modern, Medieval European

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

The Castle of Sirok stands on a volcanic hill known as Várhegy in the municipality of Sirok, Hungary. Its origins trace back to early fortifications likely established by the Avar people, a group that inhabited the region during the early Middle Ages. Later, in the 8th century, Slavic tribes took control of the site, reconstructing the fortress to suit their defensive needs.

Following the arrival of the Hungarians, the castle became the property of the Birh-Bodon branch of the Aba clan. This family undertook significant upgrades, transforming the existing fortifications and constructing a more robust upper castle. The first written record mentioning Sirok Castle dates to 1320, during a period when King Charles I’s forces captured it from Aba descendants amid regional conflicts.

Throughout the 14th century, ownership of the castle shifted repeatedly. It was held by both royal authorities and various noble families, including the Kompolthy, Chenyk, Domoszlai, Tari, Guthi Országh, and Kompolti clans. In 1475, the fortress was confirmed as property of King Matthias Corvinus, also known as Hunyadi Mátyás, reflecting its continued strategic importance.

In 1561, Országh Kristóf undertook major modernization efforts, particularly on the upper castle. He also built the lower castle fortified with three bastions designed in an Italian style, introducing advanced military architecture. These improvements integrated Sirok into the defensive border system centered near Eger, elevating its status as a key stronghold.

The castle’s military role changed dramatically in 1596 when it was abandoned by its poorly equipped garrison and surrendered without resistance to the Ottoman forces. The Turks reinforced the outer walls using stones from a demolished church and built wooden structures, strengthening the fortress. Sirok supported the defense of Eger in 1687 but gradually lost its military significance and fell into disrepair after this period.

By 1694, the castle came under the ownership of Marquis Bagni, who restored parts of the fortress and stationed imperial troops. Although it did not play a military role during Rákóczi’s War of Independence in the early 18th century, imperial forces deliberately damaged the castle in 1713 to prevent it from becoming a rebel stronghold.

Over the following centuries, the castle passed through the hands of several noble families, such as the Orczyné, Novotny, Vécsey, and Nyáry. Its last private owner before the mid-20th century was Count György Károlyi, who held it until 1945. Throughout this time, the fortress was recorded as a ruin, with little maintenance carried out by the Austrian authorities.

Archaeological excavations led by Béla Kovács between 1965 and 1972 uncovered the full extent of the lower castle and parts of the underground tunnel system beneath the upper section, revealing much about its past. In 1994, the site was officially recognized as a national heritage monument, highlighting its historical value.

Remains

The Castle of Sirok is built upon rhyolite tuff rock, forming an irregular layout divided into two principal parts: the lower castle and the upper castle. The lower castle represents the oldest section and features two pentagonal bastions oriented in an Italian military style, positioned at the southwest and northeast corners. These sturdy walls, between 2.2 and 3.5 meters thick, include cannon embrasures that indicate adaptations for artillery use. The main entrance once stood beneath a protective northern wall projection, secured by a double wolf trap—a defensive pitfall—and originally accessed via a counterweight drawbridge.

Within the lower castle area, archaeologists have identified remnants of a stable, constructed partially by cutting into the rock and partially from masonry. Evidence of timber-framed buildings appears through post holes in the northern area. Behind the entrance lies a grain storage pit, notable for its clearly visible top inlet and a side door, designed for easy access. A well or cistern used historically to provide water remains visible, though not fully excavated, and the original water source supplying it has yet to be determined.

Connecting the lower and upper castles is a steep, rock-cut pedestrian path roughly ten meters long and two meters wide, enabling access up a height difference of about twelve to thirteen meters. Below this path lies a large cavity believed to have served as an enclosed space for keeping animals, demonstrating practical use of the terrain.

The upper castle is laid out on a rectangular plan and distinguished by its large bastions, approximately eighteen by eighteen meters in size, standing multiple stories tall and fitted with cannon openings. The walls here average about 1.5 meters in thickness. On its southeast side stands a building historically referred to as the “Mulatópalota” or entertainment palace. The northern segment houses a complex system of casemates—vaulted chambers—carved directly into the cliff face, complete with windows, chimneys, and niches for doors and partitions. Near the entrance to these tunnels, there is a drawing of an armored knight etched into the wall, which adds symbolic character to the site.

The upper castle enjoys natural protection on its southern side through a steep cliff rising some 25 to 30 meters above the village below, while the northeast side is defended by an outer rampart and a rock-cut ditch approximately four meters deep and several meters wide, restricting access along a narrow passage.

Beneath the upper castle, the extensive underground tunnel system includes a cellar probably used for storing wine. This cellar connects to three branching pathways diverging from the main access corridor, with a vertical shaft that allowed supplies and barrels to be lifted up from below. A legend suggests the existence of a secret tunnel linking Sirok Castle to the nearby Eger Castle, though archaeological investigations have not uncovered this passage.

Restoration efforts have reinforced and conserved many of the castle’s walls, with parts heightened while maintaining their ruined appearance. Two artillery towers have been outfitted with reconstructed wooden floors, transformed into viewing terraces with covered spaces underneath. The stone stable building has been converted into an enclosed exhibition area and features sanitary facilities. Notably, a fully functioning counterweight drawbridge has been rebuilt and installed, demonstrating medieval engineering.

The area surrounding the castle courtyard, along with its approach paths, has been cleared and arranged with benches and tables suitable for gatherings. The inclusion of interpretive signage and lighting enhances understanding of the site’s history and architecture. At night, the castle is illuminated from the valley side, emphasizing its prominent position on the volcanic hill.