St. Miklos Castle

About

First mentioned in the 15th century, St. Miklos Castle is best known for the story of Ilona Zrini. After her husband’s death, Ilona inherited the castle, and remarried the much younger Earl Imre Tekeli, who headed the anti-Habsburg group. After capturing Tekeli, the Habsburgs sent a force of 20,000 men to pacify the princess. Ilona managed to muster a force of around 2000 soldiers, and a few hundred peasants, with which she weathered a siege for 3 years before being betrayed by her guard captain. Ilona was held stripped of her title and possessions, and exiled to Turkey with her husband. Today, the castle’s owners are equally passionate, having sold their own home to work on restoring this landmark and continuing its legacy of passion. Visitors can join a guided tour to learn about the castle’s past, as well as admire the contemporary art that is exhibited in the historic halls.