Vysehrad - a small town in Hungary. The history of this fortress city is full of events, full of drama.

Vysehrad is located on the right bank of the Danube north of Budapest. The main attraction of Visegrad - Visegrad famous castle, the former estate of the King of Hungary, Matthias Corvinus. At the city-fortress are several castles and the citadel.

Visegrad city located on the border of the western territories and lands of the Slavic peoples. That is why, people's lives Visegrad, was never quiet: the constant invasion of enemies, siege heroically seasoned inhabitants, famous prisoners Salamon tower, and of course - the kidnapping of the Hungarian crown, got a huge response - this is far from a complete list of stories Visegrad fortress.

Like many other castles of Hungary, Visegrad fortress erected after the Tatar invasion. But, the first foundation of the city, the castle was built, even in ancient times, the Romans, who lived on these lands, built fortifications to defend against enemies.

This unique castle in Hungary, embodied in its architecture the best traditions of the southern German design. Nowadays, Visegrad Castle is a five-story museum, which is open to visitors. The most popular for tourists, the place is a citadel, fortress element Visegrad. In addition to the citadel in the fortress buildings include upper lock, lower castle, the royal palace. The building is located on the top of the citadel of the Castle Hill. All construction was carried out in the wrong geometry. Once visitors enter the territory of Visegrad fortress, the first thing they pay attention - a magnificent appearance and layout of buildings garden areas.

Virtually all parts of the Visegrad fortress made ​​in the Gothic style: everywhere beautiful carved doors and frames, stained glass windows adorn the apple. Among the exterior design is dominated by the castle ornaments in the form of simple geometric shapes. Of particular interest is the roof of the fortress: tower design, like a needle stick into the sky.

As for the interior of the Visegrad fortress, then, and here everything is presented in the Gothic style furniture era Gothic ponderous and simple in its execution. Basic furniture - bulky cabinets and chairs, tables regular shape (rectangular or round), massive beds. Carpet set, are practically everywhere, hiding tiled floor.

  Visegrad fortress: periods of formation

Despite the fact that the territory on which the fortress city, occupied Hungarians preserved original, Slavic, the name of this place: "high city". The first written mention of the Visegrad fortress dates to the beginning of XI century.

During the reign of Karoly Robert of Anjou: building a royal residence

Karoly Robert of Anjou took the throne after the king died Andras II, the last representative of the Árpád dynasty. During the reign of Karoly Robert, it was decided that, the capital of Hungary (instead of Buda), will be Vysehrad. It was after this event, in 1320, began significant for the city-fortress, change. The city became actively developed: the construction of a royal residence - the majestic palace, which, in consequence, hosted such distinguished guests as the King of Poland, Casimir III, Duke of Bavaria, Wittelsbach Henry and many others. However, with the death of Robert Karoly, and stopped development of the Visegrad fortress: King Lajos the Great (son of Robert Karoly), again, I would go back in, and left Visegrad fortress.

During the reign of Matthias Corvinus: Renaissance castle

King Matthias (Matthew) Corwin - ruler who breathed "new life" in Visegrad fortress. It was under his leadership was changed style walled city: in the architecture of the fortress, and in the interior, evident skill masters Renaissance style. Increasingly, guests of the king of the Visegrad fortress, became great artists: painters, poets, philosophers - the best minds of the Renaissance.

Period of turmoil: the Turkish invasion

Despite the fact that, initially, the fortress was of primarily defensive in nature, all fortification system collapsed under the onslaught of the Turkish invaders. Turkish invasion that occurred in the XVI century, brought to the walled city of devastation and poverty. Repeatedly attacked the forces of the Ottoman Empire, the citizens leaving their homes and flee. King's palace was completely destroyed, was almost destroyed and the fortress.

Renaissance

Many years Visegrad castle was in ruins. Its revival, which continues to this day, started in the XIX century. Connoisseurs of art called Visegrad castle paradise on earth: 350 luxury rooms, with practically completely restored interior, allow visitors to enjoy the beauty and feel all the solemnity of the atmosphere that prevailed in the abode of kings. Stories about the magnificence of the palace quickly spread beyond Hungary. Visitors arriving in Visegrad fortress take back with them not only souvenirs, but a lot of positive emotions and from what he saw. Wineries Visegrad fortress - one of the places most frequented by tourists. In the courtyard there is a chapel and a system of fountains. According to one local legend, during feasts, instead of water, fountains filled with wine.

Tourists visiting Vysehrad, and today can experience the atmosphere of the past. Every year in early July, the Visegrad fortress hosts the International joust. Participants theatrical action returns during the Middle Ages. Warlike knights, dressed in powerful armor, skillfully managed with their racers, while masterfully wielding weapons, compete for the heart of his beloved lady. Exhibitions artisans - good chance to buy a unique handiwork of craftsmen. In addition, the program includes a variety of pageant competitions, participate in that can be anyone: Competition troubadours Competition Dodgers match at halberd and much more. And, already, after an exciting program, raging hunger will help meet the chef restaurants located within the county. All dishes are prepared according to medieval recipes.