On the western edge of the Mátra Mountains, above the valley of the Zagyva river, stands one of Hungary's most fascinating medieval churches - a fortified, single-nave church dedicated to St Michael the Archangel, encircled by a defensive wall. This is a place where history and landscape meet in a truly striking way.

The church and its surrounding wall are both protected monuments, surrounded by an old cemetery with 19th-century gravestones. The trefoil, ashlar-built sanctuary dates back to the mid-13th century - a rare architectural feature even by European standards. Inside, medieval frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries survive, while a Baroque onion-domed tower rises above the entrance. Across the valley, the ruins of the medieval manor house of Lőrinc Tari crown the opposite hill, adding to the atmospheric, timeless feel of the site, especially beautiful in the soft light of autumn or spring.

• From the centre of Tar village - short, easy walk, about 10-15 minutes, easy difficulty
• From the ruins of the Tari manor house on the opposite hill - easy walk with a fine view of the church

• The church and its fortified wall are listed historical monuments
• The southern porch houses a small exhibition on the building's history and a stone collection
• Medieval frescoes uncovered during the 1978-1984 restoration can be seen inside
• The main altarpiece depicting St Michael was painted by György Tury in 1900

An interesting detail: the church's trefoil sanctuary is an architectural rarity in Europe, dating from the mid-13th century.