Standing in the heart of Várpalota at the foot of the Bakony hills, Thury Castle - also known as Palota Castle - survived some of the bloodiest sieges of Hungary's Ottoman-era border wars. This is the fortress where Captain György Thury made his legendary stand in 1566, earning fame as one of Hungary's most celebrated defenders.

The castle occupies a modest rise midway between Lake Balaton and Lake Velence, in terrain that was once marshy and difficult to cross. Today it's more of an urban historical landmark than a mountain hike - set right on the town's main square, surrounded by Várpalota's streets, and easily reachable year-round. In spring and summer the surrounding gardens and squares are lively and green, while in winter the stone walls take on a stark, dramatic character that hints at the sieges they once withstood.

How to get there

• Várpalota town centre - the castle stands on the main square, short walk from parking, flat terrain, easy
• Reachable by car or bus from Veszprém or Székesfehérvár, both a short distance away

Practical information

• Home to the Hungarian Museum of Chemistry and the Mining History Collection (Count Antal Sztáray Mining Museum)
• Permanent exhibitions include a castle and local history museum, an instruments-of-torture display, a folk costume collection and a military uniform exhibit
• Temporary exhibitions regularly feature internationally renowned artists such as Picasso, Chagall and Toulouse-Lautrec
• The castle also functions as a cultural venue, hosting concerts, theatre performances and conferences

Legend has it that King Matthias Corvinus once visited as a guest of the Újlaki family, and in 1476 Queen Beatrix reportedly prepared here for her wedding and coronation in Székesfehérvár, with the Hungarian crown itself briefly kept within these walls.