There are some pretty interesting castles in Hungary and Csesznek is certainly is one of them. The castle stands on the steep hills of Bakony in the village of Csesznek, less than an hour drive from Győr and from Veszprém.
This castle was built as one of the many fortresses after the Mongol invasion of Europe in the mid-13th century - to protect the 'salt road' between from the Great Plain to Győr via Pannonhalma. The first castle was built on a high cliff by Jakab Cseszneky then the Csák family conquered it in 1315. Later in the 14th century it was in the possession of King Charles Robert then in 1392 the Garai family received the castle and the 31 surrounding villages from Sigismund of Luxembourg. The 15th century was the golden age of this stronghold, when the castle was extended and became a Gothic residency. After the Garai clan John Zápolya became the owner of the castle in 1482.
In the 16th century - during the Ottoman invasion - Csesznek became an important fortress against the invading Turks. In the next century the 'kuruc' troops used the castle as an arsenal and prison in the Rákóczi's War of Independence - then in 1709 the 'labanc' troops conquered the fort and it got into the hands of the Habsburg-dynasty.
After the wars the Castle of Csesznek became a comfortable Baroque residence under the rule of Esterházy family. The family moved out in 1780 and unfortunately the castle was destroyed not long after that - in 1810 an earthquake hit the area then in 1820 a huge fire (caused by a lightning) made the fort uninhabitable.
The excavation and reconstruction started around 1970s and today the castle is visitable. Do not expect reconstructed rooms and authentic furnishing - it is a ruin. Despite that, it is well worth a visit and it offers a beautiful scenery to the Bakony region. On a clear day you can even see the Pannonhalma Archabbey in the distance!
FUN FACT: The classical Hungarian movie of Géza von Radványi 'Somewhere in Europe' (1948) was shot in this castle.
Csesznek lays next to the Road 82 between Győr and Veszprém, less than an hour road from both cities. There is a free parking lot under the hill and the castle is easily accessible on foot from there. The entry ticket is 700 HUF, for students and pensioners is 500 HUF. Check the actual opening hours on the official website.
TOP TIP: If you get thirsty, try the fresh lemonade under the castle!
If you want to explore the area, there are heaps of options - the Arboretum and Abbey in Zirc, the Pannonhalma Archabbey in Pannonhalma, the Ördög-árok hiking area in Dudar, Bátorkő fort in Várpalota or the Roman bath waterfall in Bakonynána. We explored Csesznek with Zirc on a daytrip from Veszprém.
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