The area of Simontornya had already been inhabited by the Eurasian Avars before the Hungarian Conquest of Carpatian Basin. Saint István the First (1000-1038) settled Pechengs families who later established many other villages in the area. The present town was named after the tower constructed by the order of Simon son of Salamon at the year of 1272, the tower later expanded to a fortress and finally served as a part of a defence line. The town’s heydays were during the first decade of the 16th century when the new lord, Mózes Gergellaki Buzlay erected a strong tower and renaissance facades of his palace that gave a peerage appeal of the residence.
In 1543 the Ottoman Empire occupied the fortress until Earl Lajos Badeni’s army marched against them and liberated it in the fall of 1686. At the time of the Rákóczi Independence War (1703-1711) the fortress was the base of the legendary general János Bottyán the heroic defender of Esztergom (1685).
Nowadays the castle houses a rich museum with its archaeological, historical relics such as the outstanding weapon arsenal and certificates. Also we can visit the late-gothic chapel and knight’s hall from the year of 1508.

Further information: www.simontornya.hu