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Diósgyor – Historic Magyar CastleA Spectacular Castle in a Suburb of Miskolc, Eastern Hungary
The ruins of a Hungarian castle dating from the 12th century have a new lease of life with festivals, craft demonstrations, museums and concerts throughout the year.
At first glance Diósgyor is just an outer suburb of Miskolc, a city at the foothills of the Bukk Mountains, to the east of Hungary. There are pleasant tree lined streets, nice houses, and gardens bursting with colour. And then you turn a corner, and wow! Pot of GoldThat's the only thing you can say when you see the castle, with its four square towers aggressively thrust into the sky. According to an old legend, a pot of gold was found under a nut tree where the castle was to be built. It was a walnut – or a dió – tree. Its wood was used to build the castle, hence the name. This ancient link with money has been carried over to the modern day, because the castle is featured on the current Hungarian 200-forint banknote. Early HistoryThe earliest sections of the castle date from the 12th century, and were most likely built of earth. It suffered, literally, the slings and arrows of fortune. The Mongols destroyed it, and after this setback, on the site King Bela IV ordered that to prepare for other invasions, each hill in the country had to have a castle built on it. At that time, the castle constructed was oval in shape, with strong defensive walls. But it didn't save it from the ravages of the Turks, later invaders. It was damaged, rebuilt, changed hands many times, and finally fell into ruin. Restoration of the ruins began in 1953. Queen’s CastleDuring its heyday in the Renaissance period, after King Sigismund had given the castle to his Queen for a summer residence, it became tradition for subsequent Queens to spend time there, and it was known as the Queens’ castle. Tower MuseumsApart from the roaming around the stunning outer walls, there’s plenty to see. Each of the four towers are now museums. One tower features arms. There also a wax works museum with the biggest collection of waxwork figures in Central Europe. And one of the towers has a working mint, turning out coins and medallions – you can even have a small medallion pressed as a souvenir of your visit. Narrow Gauge RailwayOnly a short walk away from the castle, the narrow gauge railway that goes to Garadna in the Bükk mountains, past the picturesque palace hotel of Lillafüred, has a terminal. This rail trip, which winds through the forest, has been described as "one of the most delightful narrow gauge train rides in Hungary." Quirky TramsDiósgyor is also the terminal for the quirky painted old fashioned but efficient trams that run through the outer suburbs and down the lovely main street of Miskolc, and passing also the markets, which are presently being renovated. FestivalsThere is always plenty going on at Disogyor castle. The most important festivals include the "Spring of the Queens", a welcome to spring festival. Later the castle hosts the Historic Castle Games, complete with various medieval themed shows and crafts. There's also an international folklore festival "Kalaka" and archery competition in July, theatre evenings and castle games in August, and wine days in September. Evening VisitAnd there's nothing nicer than visiting the castle in the evening, for a festival, or just to enjoy the sight of the flood lit towers against the night skies.
The copyright of the article Diósgyor – Historic Magyar Castle in Hungary Travel is owned by Christiane Birkett. Permission to republish Diósgyor – Historic Magyar Castle in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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