MNM Esztergomi Vármúzeuma

About the museum

The castle hill of Esztergom has been a centre of Hungarian history since the founding of the state: here stood the residence of Prince Géza, and according to tradition King István (Saint Stephen) was born here. At the end of the 12th century the palace was rebuilt, and later it became the seat of the archbishops. Archbishop Vitéz János had it converted into a Renaissance residence in the 15th century, which his successors continued to build.

During the Ottoman occupation the castle changed hands several times, and the palace rooms were filled in with rubble. In the 18th century, when the Baroque archiepiscopal residence was built, most of the medieval remains were demolished. The ruins of the palace were excavated between 1934 and 1938, the restoration continued in the 1960s, and the large-scale reconstruction of recent years has made further spaces accessible to visitors.

The Esztergom branch of the Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum (Hungarian National Museum) now presents the restored halls of the castle: the Nagyterem (Great Hall), the királyi kápolna (royal chapel), the Szent István-terem (Saint Stephen Hall), the bath and the kitchen. Visitors can choose from three routes; the longest tour lasts about an hour. Museum education sessions, archaeology lessons and events are also offered.

Highlights

• The royal chapel, one of the first works of Hungarian Gothic
• The Great Hall with remains of the medieval reception palace
• The cistern with a wall covered in red marble
• The White Tower (Fehér torony), with a 360-degree panoramic view
• The Szent István-terem and the Beatrix-terem
• Rooms of Vitéz János’s Renaissance palace

Permanent exhibition

• A királyi palota állandó kiállítása – The restored palace rooms – the Great Hall, the royal chapel, the Saint Stephen Hall, the bath and the kitchen – evoke the history of Esztergom Castle and the Hungarian kingdom.

Operated by

Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum

Admission & discounts

There are three visitor routes to choose from: Chapel Tour (about 30 minutes, HUF 2,000), Saint Stephen Tour (about 45 minutes, HUF 2,500) and Great Palace Tour (about 1 hour, HUF 3,000). Prices include VAT. Free admission applies, for example, to children under 6 and to people with disabilities and their companion.

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

A car carrying visitors with limited mobility may drive up to the entrance of the exhibition by prior arrangement and park in front of the castle during the visit. Because of the monument’s character, it is advisable to find out in advance about the accessibility of the exhibitions on +36 33 415 986.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Kindergarten and school groups can book museum education sessions and archaeology museum lessons, such as the “Fegyversimogató” (medieval weapon replicas). Under six, admission is free.

Getting there & parking

The castle is on the castle hill of Esztergom, at Szent István tér, next to the basilica.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 185 guests.

The 401 m² Great Hall (theatre-style seating for 185 people, with a further 50 on the gallery) and the 108 m² Marble Hall (seating 40 people) can be rented for conferences, receptions and civil wedding ceremonies.

Plan your visit