Szigetvári Zrínyi Vár

About the museum

The settlement is first mentioned in 1391 as Zygeth. In the first half of the 15th century work began on the stone tower known as the Kerektorony (Round Tower), which was surrounded by a wall. The real fortress system developed during the possession of the Török family, in the time of Török Bálint. From 1556 the defences were strengthened continuously, with Italian master builders taking part in the work.

In 1566 Zrínyi Miklós held the castle for a month with around 2,500 soldiers against an Ottoman army of around 50,000. Then, on 7 September, he broke out of the burning inner castle at the head of his remaining 300 men and died a hero’s death. During the siege Sultan I. Szulejmán also died; his internal organs were buried on the site of the grand vizier’s tent, where a türbe (mausoleum), a mosque (dzsámi) and a dervish lodge were later built. The 112 years of Ottoman rule ended in 1689.

The castle was further fortified afterwards; from this period come today’s gateway, the Baroque clock tower and the casemate row. The last lord of Szigetvár, Count Andrássy Mihály, created a manor house by incorporating Szulejmán’s mosque. The castle was renovated from 2012, before the 450th anniversary, and since 2016 it has welcomed visitors as a national memorial site.

Highlights

• “Megállítani Szulejmánt” (Stopping Suleiman) – interactive time journey into the world of the frontier fortresses
• Szigetvár 1566 military-history exhibition in the Andrássy Manor (Andrássy-kastély)
• Török Ház (Turkish House) – the only surviving house from the Ottoman era
• Baroque clock tower and casemate row
• Costume and weapons display

Permanent exhibitions

• Megállítani Szulejmánt – An experience-based, interactive exhibition with a “time machine”: a glimpse into the everyday life of the frontier fortresses and the world of archaeological finds.
• Szigetvár 1566 – Military-history exhibition on the ground floor of the Andrássy Manor: 16th-century weapons linked to the Zrínyi family, everyday objects and works of art.
• Török Ház – The only surviving residential building of the Ottoman-era settlements, offering an insight into their everyday life.

Admission & discounts

Prices valid from 1 February 2026 until further notice. The castle courtyard is free of charge for holders of the Szigetvár Card, members of the Várbaráti Kör (Castle Friends’ Circle) and holders of a Szigetvár address card. Visitors for religious purposes must also buy a ticket.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Programmes and an interactive exhibition; children under 6 enter free.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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