CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS (FELLEGVÁR)

The main attraction is the beauty of the scenery and panoramic views from the top of this citadel, unquestionably the most beautiful in the Budapest area! The expression "the curve of the Danube" takes on its full meaning. Note that Fellegvár is distinct from the lower town, called Alsóvár in Hungarian. During the Renaissance, under the reign of Mátyás Corvin (1458-1490), the castle enjoyed a particularly prosperous period, although its construction actually dates back to Béla IV and the ^13th century. King Matthias brought Italian culture to Hungary and, thanks to his wife Bétatrice, the Renaissance arts flourished. But around 1550, the stronghold was taken by the Turkish Ottomans, an occupation that lasted for almost 150 years. When Hungary was reconquered by the Habsburgs and their allies, what remained of the castle was demolished in 1702, on the orders of the Habsburg emperor Leopold ^I. The citadel houses several exhibitions, including one on the history of the castle and another dedicated to medieval cannons. In summer, festivals and medieval jousts take place on the castle grounds, on the hill, to live as in the time of the good King Mátyás (www.visegrad.hu). The gala dinner, which resembles a medieval fashion show, includes competitions for the best troubadour, cook and craftsman, and ends with Renaissance dancing. Nothing less!