Plizio Visual Lab
Jurisics Castle
The Jurisics Castle in Kőszeg is one of Hungary's most celebrated historical sites, named after Captain Miklós Jurisics, who led the heroic defense against the Ottoman Empire in 1532. During this legendary siege, a small force of around 800 defenders held off Sultan Suleiman's massive army of over 60,000 soldiers for 25 days, halting their advance toward Vienna. The castle's origins date back to the 13th century, with significant Gothic and Renaissance modifications added over centuries by the Garai and Jurisics families. The structure comprises an inner and outer ward, historically protected by a water-filled moat and robust defensive walls. Following a major fire in 1777, parts of the castle were rebuilt in the Baroque style, yet it retained much of its medieval character. To this day, the bells of Kőszeg ring at 11:00 AM to commemorate the exact hour the Ottoman forces retreated from the walls. Now a cultural hub, the castle features interactive museum exhibits focusing on the 1532 siege and the history of this medieval border town.
- Location: Vas, Hungary
- Top sights: Fortepan Fotógaléria · Szent Jakab-templom · Szent Imre-templom
- Nearby: Velem (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 39 | 40 | 46 | 45 | 87 | 98 | 95 | 96 | 86 | 59 | 52 | 44 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- In 1532, the castle resisted the Ottoman siege for 25 days.
- Bells ring every day at 11:00 AM to commemorate the victory.
- Miklós Jurisics defended the fort with only 800 soldiers.
- The earliest documented mention of the castle is from 1289.
- A devastating fire in 1777 led to Baroque-style renovations.
- The structure consists of a distinct outer ward and inner castle.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Jurisics Castle (10)
Jurisics-vár🏰 castle
A Hungarian castle in Kőszeg, named after the hero Miklós Jurisics.
Városháza
The town hall of Kőszeg, a historic building.
Chernel István Madárvédelmi Mintatelep és Emlékmúzeum🏛 museum
A bird sanctuary and memorial museum in Kőszeg, named after István Chernel.
Tábornokház🏛 museum
A building in Kőszeg, used as a museum.
Zsinagóga
A synagogue in Kőszeg, Hungary.
Szulejmán-kilátó
A viewpoint in Kőszeg, where legend says Sultan Suleiman I watched the battle.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why do bells ring at 11 AM in Kőszeg?
What can you see in the castle?
Is the castle part of the old town?
Are there programs for children?
When are the Kőszeg Siege Days?
Jurisics Castle: where is it located?
Jurisics Castle: what is there to see?
Jurisics Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Jurisics Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
