A rebuilt castle: Szigliget

One of the most beautiful castles in Hungary has been given a new look worthy of its panorama. During its renovation, two main aspects were kept in mind: they tried to restore some elements of the castle in as authentic way as possible, while the space was made suitable for visitors (who could be as many as thousands during events). In the spirit of this duality, for example, the last owner of the castle, the Polish Tótis’ coat of arms was put on the main gate, while sanitary units were created to meet the needs of the 21st century.

The same is reflected in the offer of experiences: authentic tools and spaces play as an important role in telling the history of the castle as the up-to-date interactive platforms. In the castle several rooms furnished according to their completely historical function got a place, where we can gain an insight into the people’s everyday life living in the 1600s. We can peek into a bedroom that was said to be perfectly comfortable according to the needs of the time, or we can also marvel at how many of the kitchen utensils lined up in the kitchen with a fire pit are still kept in our kitchen to this day.

In order to incorporate the interactive elements, one of the main focuses of the renovation was the design of the indoor spaces. In the interactive exhibition space, tactile copies of objects, illuminating castle models, 3D reconstruction images, and a projection room in the palace wing, where animations made with 3D technology show the more than 750-year-old history of the castle to the visitors. Kids and pupils (but even adults) will remember for the modern, experiential visual elements for a long time as they are encouraged to touch things, ask questions and engage in playful learning, opposing to traditional exhibition spaces. The most important historical events of the castle can be seen through a chronological short film, chronoscopes.

At the Török Bálint tower we can follow the water battle by sailboats on Lake Balaton, while in the upper castle, for example, the lightning strike that once blew up the gunpowder tower is reproduced. With the help of interactive models we can follow the history of the construction of the castle, we can find out who owned the castle, who were the castle captains of Szigliget, and even the life story of King Béla IV can be observed through authentic stories and legends. A medieval armoury has also been created, where we can feel the weight of a mace or even a sword in our own hands. Besides all of this, the exhibition includes a presentation of the other fortresses of the Balaton Uplands, and among other things you can see what Szigliget was like when it was still an island in Lake Balaton.

Undoubtedly, one of the most valuable elements of the castle is the view itself, which is why the top of the upper castle, the heart of the castle, was organized primarily around it. The built in elements only serve as a frame for everyone to enjoy the panorama. From the King's Tower you can wonderfully see the buttes of the area: the peaks of Sümeg, Hegyesd, Somló and Csobánc.

It is important to highlight that the castle welcomes its visitors not only in summer but all year round. Thanks to its newly created indoor spaces, it can be a perfect choice even in worse weather. The rebuilt castle is an exciting program opportunity for both curious school groups and groups of friends longing to relax culturally, as well as for families looking for quality time spent together. Among the varied programs, everyone can find something to enjoy, and which is why it is guaranteed to be worth climbing to the highest peak of the castle: the breathtaking 360-degree panorama.