Section of historic Hungarian castle hidden for centuries to be restored!

The Fiľakovo (Fülek) municipal government has announced plans to restore the Fülek Castle’s oldest section, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, which is currently in poor structural condition. The project will also include the construction of an observation deck in the Upper Castle’s Clock Tower, which is currently closed to visitors.

Restoration project marks 22nd year

According to the city’s statement, restoration efforts have been ongoing since 2003. Thanks largely to funding from the European Union, much of the Lower and Middle Castles have been renovated over the years, including the Bebek Tower, which houses the Fiľakovo Castle Museum. In addition to restoring historic buildings, the city has built new infrastructure for visitors, including a parking lot and public restrooms.

However, the fortress’s oldest section, the Upper Castle, remains in poor shape, with some structures estimated to be around 800 years old. The city (now in Slovakia but part of historic Hungary) pointed out that falling stones have even begun to pose a safety risk to the streets below in recent years.

The castle of Fülek — Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Civertan

Significant funding secured for restoration

Over the years, the city has secured more than EUR 705,000 in funding for restoring the upper part of the fortress. The total cost of the project, however, is expected to exceed EUR 767,000. Under the Slovakia Program, the Slovak Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informatisation has recently awarded Fiľakovo an additional EUR 100,000 in support.

The restoration will involve reconstruction, conservation, and restoration work on several structures. These include the Hajdú Tower, the currently closed corridor leading to the Upper Castle (due to structural safety issues), the Clock Tower, the eastern part of the Romanesque palace, and the mill in the Upper Castle courtyard.

New observation deck in the Clock Tower

One of the project’s highlights will be the addition of an observation platform inside the 16th-century Clock Tower. Officials emphasised that the tower has never before been open to visitors. The aim is not only to preserve one of Fiľakovo’s most treasured cultural landmarks, but also to enhance its appeal for both tourists and local residents.

The fortress attracts an average of 28,000 to 30,000 visitors annually, about half of whom are international tourists, mainly from Hungary. Renovations are expected to begin next spring and wrap up by November.

Read more castle-related news on Daily News Hungary.

Read also:

To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar