The walls
On the rock's edge.
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Boldogkő Castle is a medieval castle on a towering rock on the eastern side of the Hernád valley, above the village of Boldogkőváralja in northeastern Hungary, about 43 km northeast of Miskolc in a straight line. It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the country. The castle stands on a hill of volcanic tuff formed in the Miocene, part of the Zemplén Landscape Protection Area. Its oldest part, an old keep ringed by a wall, dates from the 13th century, and it passed through the hands of many noble families. In the 18th century the Jesuits used it as a granary; archaeological work began in 1963, and several buildings were restored after 2009 with European Union support. The stone walls and towers run along the edge of the rock, linked by wooden walkways and steps, and the great tower wears a dark pointed roof. From the walls the view opens wide over the Hernád valley, the village and the green hills around. Visitors explore the courtyards, towers and exhibitions, which include a 16th-century smelting furnace once used to make bronze, a rare industrial relic. The castle is a stop on the National Blue Trail, and visitors walk up to it on a short road from the edge of the village.
On the rock's edge.
16th century.
A wide view.
Boldogkőváralja, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, Hungary
On a short road from the edge of the village.
Courtyards, towers and the old smelting furnace.