Sümegi Castle
Sümeg Castle
“From afar, approaching from any direction, the castle revealed itself—its strength unmistakable, its presence commanding… I see it daily, multiple times. I need to see it. Not only because its beauty gives me strength and courage, evoking vivid memories of my student years, but primarily because it is a symbol. A manifestation of human achievement, the continuity and historical scale of human existence. It elevates me—elevates us—above ourselves. Literally, it sets the bar high.”
—Dr. László Högyész: The Centuries of Sümeg, 1989, Veszprém
FAVORITE EXCURSION DESTINATION – SÜMEG CASTLE
A film by Sümeg City Television
Sümeg Castle is one of Hungary’s most beautiful and relatively well-preserved medieval fortresses, built atop a bare hill towering over its surroundings.
The castle consists of three main sections: the outer ward, inner ward, and citadel. Its construction spanned multiple eras. The oldest part, the lower level of the Old Tower in the citadel, dates back to the 1260s, likely topped by a wooden upper structure. Significant changes occurred in the 14th century under the Anjou kings, when the citadel walls and the upper level of the Old Tower were built, and existing structures were reinforced.
Major expansions took place in the 15th century under bishops Mátyás Gathalóczy (1440–1457), Albert Vetési (1458–1486), and János Vitéz the Younger (1489–1499). First, the large plateau before the inner ward was enclosed by high walls, creating a grand courtyard. Under Vetési, the Inner Gate Tower was erected, and the southern cliffs were fortified with a palace. Later, the Outer Gate Tower and crenellated battlements were added. The chapel is attributed to Bishop Vitéz.
The next large-scale construction began after Veszprém fell to the Ottomans in 1552, forcing the bishopric to relocate to Sümeg. Under Bishop András Köves (1553–1568) and Captain Józsa Ormányi, a massive two-story pentagonal bastion (later named after Köves) was built at the castle’s northern corner, and the palace wing was renovated.
Bishop György Széchenyi (1648–1658) formally established Sümeg as the episcopal seat and initiated Baroque modifications to the palace. His successor, Bishop István Sennyei (1659–1683), fortified the Outer Gate Tower and added a tall bastion bearing his name. The castle’s construction history concluded under Bishop Pál Széchenyi (1687–1710), who oversaw repairs and new additions.
The castle’s decline began in the early 18th century. After the Rákóczi War of Independence, it was set ablaze in 1713 and left to ruin for 250 years. Restoration began in 1957, lasting seven years. Since 1989, the castle has been privately owned and continuously renovated.
At the castle’s base, near the stable entrance, stands Sándor Oláh’s equestrian statue of St. George Slaying the Dragon.
Guided tours for groups are available in Hungarian, English, German, Russian, and Spanish—advance booking required!
