Castle of Szigliget

"Recently restored, the castle looks out on a panorama of Lake Balaton toward the Tapolca Basin.Stalwart castle ruins with a tower to climb, military artifacts & peaceful panoramic views. The history of the castle dates back to the mid-13th century when castle constructions had intensified following the Mongol Raid. The first owner was the Abbey of Pannonhalma. The castle was built on a volcanic peak surrounded by swamp and was much smaller than today having just two towers with a keep in between and a walled bailey. Later it passed into the hands of the king by exchange and then it was obtained by the Bishop of Veszprém who kept it until the end of the century. Over time locals gathered the stones and rubble for their own use and renovation started only in the 20th century. The latest major restoration project finished in 2013 and more exhibition rooms opened, such as a Baroque kitchen and a weapon collection. The castle boasts a stunning view over Balaton on one side (another hill on the peninsula obstructs the view a little), buttes and Keszthely Mountains on the other."