Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FESTIVALS
Each year (usually on the second weekend in July), Visegrád hosts the International
PalaceGames , an orgy of medieval pageantry featuring jousting and archery tournaments,
craftworkshops,astreetfair,andplentyofeatinganddrinking,mostofwhichisheldinthe
grounds of the Royal Palace and surrounding streets; tickets for the jousting start at around
1600Ft; check palotajatekok.hu for more information.
During the second half of June, the Danube Bend Summer Games see sports, musical
and cultural events in all the villages between Szentendre and Visegrád; for details, visit
dunakanyar.org .
Solomon's Tower
Salamon-torony • Salamon-torony utca • May-Sept daily 9am-5pm • 800Ft
Leaving the Royal Palace, turn right along Fő utca and then follow Salamon-torony utca up
through a fortified gate to reach Solomon's Tower . Named after an eleventh-century Hun-
garian king once thought to have been imprisoned here after being deposed, this mighty
hexagonal keep is buttressed on two sides by unsightly concrete slabs. Inside, various exhib-
its can be found from the palace, including a copy of the white Anjou Fountain of the Angev-
ins. From the top of the tower you can see ramparts plunging down from the Citadel to the
riverside Water Bastion , a squat, long-derelict structure with a fortified arch spanning the
highway.
The Citadel
Fellegvár • Mid-March to April & Oct daily 9.30am-5pm; May-Sept daily 9.30am-6pm; Nov to mid-March
Sat & Sun 9.30am-4pm • 1800Ft • You can come from the rear gate of Solomon's Tower (40min), or an easier
climb (20min) via the Calvary footpath behind Visegrád's church
Dramatically sited on a crag above Solomon's Tower, Visegrád's thirteenth-century Citadel
served as a repository for the Hungarian crown jewels until they were stolen by a treacherous
maid of honour in the fifteenth century. Following the last major rebuilding work later that
same century, the castle was occupied by the Turks, then the Habsburgs, before falling in-
to decay. It's now only partly restored but mightily impressive nonetheless, commanding a
superb view of the Börzsöny Mountains across the Danube. Come for this and not the two
rather dull museums devoted to medieval hunting, fishing, punishment and torture; in fact,
so comical are the waxworks, they probably are actually worth visiting. Otherwise, there are
outdoor displays of archery and falconry in the summer.
The Visegrád Hills
A popular rambling spot with fantastic views, the densely wooded VisegrádHills offer great
walks and views, and for thrill-seekers there is the chance to zip through the tree tops or go
bobsleighing.
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