The settlement of Nógrád is situated 60 kilometres far from Budapest in the ravine at the East part of Börzsöny Mountain where from we can enjoy the view of the mountain’s highest point, the Csóványos (939 m). The castle stands at the middle of the town, the erection of the building dates back to the 11th century. The land had been part of the royal estates until László Kun from the Árpád dynasty donated to the episcope of Vác. The inner keep was built in the corner of the plateau under the order of Bishop Miklós Báthory of Vác. At the same time a large, three-story high tower was erected which ruins gives a representative character to the castle. Later a royal annexe constructed by the design of an Italian architecture. Also the royal court’s architecture Giovanni Dalmata was involved in the construction. The final refinements of the construction was indicated by the Báthory family’s blazon with dragon and wolf tooth ornaments from 1483. The gunpowder storage exploded and destroyed the inner keep after it was struck by lightning in 1685. The ruins still offer a picturesque view of the plateau and the manifold offers great hiking tours.

Further information: www.nograd.hu