Jurisics-vár
The double castle of Kőszeg, surrounded by moats: a permanent exhibition on the history of the castle, an armoury, a knights' hall, an observation tower and a playground.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The oldest, Gothic core of the Lower Castle of Kőszeg was built in the 13th century. The castle was owned, among others, by the Héder family and later by the Garai family; from 1445 it belonged to the Habsburgs, in 1482 King Mátyás acquired it, but in 1492 it returned to the Habsburgs. The most famous event in the castle's history is the siege of 1532: Captain Jurisics Miklós defended the town with about a thousand people against the army of Sultan Szulejmán marching towards Vienna, and the Turks withdrew after 25 days. The town's bell, which still rings every day at 11 o'clock, recalls this.
In 1695 Palatine Esterházy Pál acquired the castle, and his family owned it until 1931. The fire of 1777 destroyed much of the castle, and a significant part of the fortifications was demolished. From 1931 to 1955 it was used by the military.
The double castle, surrounded by water-filled moats, is a rarity in Hungary. On the first floor of the south and south-east wings is the permanent exhibition of the Kőszegi Városi Múzeum, “A kőszegi vár évszázadai” (The Centuries of the Castle of Kőszeg); in addition, an armoury, a knights' hall, a stone collection in the castle chapel and the observation tower of the western tower welcome visitors. The castle is also home to the Várszínház (castle theatre) and the cultural centre.
Highlights
- A kőszegi vár évszázadai – permanent exhibition in six rooms
- Armoury, and an exhibition on the lord's table and kitchen
- Knights' hall with films on the history of the castle and the town
- View from the western tower
- Playground, archery and herb garden for children
Permanent exhibitions
- A kőszegi vár évszázadai – Presents the history of the castle in six rooms, from the Árpád era to the Esterházy period, including the siege of 1532.
- Földesúri asztal és konyha – Presents the dining and cooking customs of the aristocracy from the 12th to the 16th century.
- Fegyvertár – Displays medieval weapons and clothing.
- Operated by
- Jurisics-vár Művelődési Központ; az állandó kiállítást a Kőszegi Városi Múzeum működteti
Admission & discounts
| Adults | HUF 2,400 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | HUF 1,800under 18, over 60 and people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 2 · Children under 3 may visit the castle free of charge. |
| Seniors | HUF 1,800Over 60. |
| Visitors with disabilities | HUF 1,800reduced ticket |
| Groups (20+ people) | HUF 2,000 per personFor more than 20 people, per person; reduced group ticket HUF 1,300. One accompanying person per 20 people, two per 30 people and three per 45 people are admitted free of charge. |
| Families | HUF 7,5002 adults and 2–5 visitors entitled to a reduced ticket (children or grandparents). |
| Kőszeg day ticket (the castle and further Kőszeg museum sites) | HUF 4,100group day ticket HUF 3,300 per person; family day ticket HUF 10,000. |
| Reduced Kőszeg day ticket | HUF 2,400group reduced day ticket HUF 1,800 per person. |
| 3D film on Hungarian history (15 minutes) | HUF 1,000Holders of the Vár-kártya (castle card) receive a 50% discount. |
The Írottkő Natúrpark Turista Kártya (Írottkő Nature Park Tourist Card) gives a 10% discount. Locals may visit the castle at the reduced group ticket price. Organised groups are advised to register in advance.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
People with disabilities may buy a reduced ticket.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | HUF 7,500 · 2 adults and 2–5 visitors entitled to a reduced ticket (children or grandparents). |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
On the ground floor there are a play corner, archery and a playground; details of the castle can be rubbed (frottage); the Vármustra game is also for families. On national holidays there are craft workshops.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
There is a buffet and a vár-bazár (castle bazaar, gift shop) in the castle.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | A guided tour can be requested for an extra fee, at least one week before arrival. The castle can also be toured with heritage knights (hagyományőrző vitézek). Groups and families can play the Vármustra quiz game free of charge. |
