Hrad Kráľovský Chlmec - Csonkavár
If you are also among the lovers of history and cultural monuments, you cannot miss a visit to the ancient Hrad Csonkavár in Kráľovský Chlmec during your visit to the Zemplín region. This small town is located almost on the southeastern border of Slovakia at an altitude of 130 m above sea level, at the foot of Chlmecké vrchy, approximately 30 km south of Trebišov.
The castle was created by rebuilding a manorial stronghold in 1526. The original medieval stone structure was likely not even fortified with walls to fulfill a defensive function. The building was initially two stories high and served as a kind of predecessor to a manorial manor house – a stronghold. Nowadays, you can admire only partially preserved cellar spaces and frail remnants of castle walls with vaults, small windows, and corners of the structure built from hewn tuff blocks. The castle has been in this state for centuries, and perhaps that is why it received the name Csonkavár, which translated from Hungarian means Castle of Ruins.
Interestingly, the castle was among the shortest-lived castles in the territory of Slovakia and the entire Kingdom of Hungary. In its original form, it stood for only 22 years. In 1548, King Ferdinand I had it demolished. Only a few written mentions of the castle have been preserved, which is why its history is shrouded in a veil of mystery. In the 18th century, descendants of Palatine Juraj Turzo had a manor house built in Chlmec, which stands here to this day.
You can reach the castle either on foot or directly by car. We recommend this option only to visitors with reduced mobility, as there is not much space for parking on the relatively steep castle hill. A tour of these ruins is accessible year-round and free of charge. If you are lucky, you can also visit a cultural event at the nearby municipal amphitheater.
You can continue your tour of the region with a visit to the stone castle in Veľký Kamenec or the castle manor house of F. Rákoczi II in the village of Borša. Lovers of beautiful views will appreciate the ascent to the Rozhľadňa Tokaj lookout tower in Malá Tŕňa. And while you are in this renowned region, be sure not to miss a wine tasting in a Tokaj cellar. After that, simply direct your steps to accommodation near Hrad Kráľovský Chlmec – Csonkavár.
Energized by good wine and in high spirits from the atmosphere of Tokaj cellars carved into tuff rock, you will certainly appreciate not having to travel home. You can choose from several accommodation facilities. Apartments in Kráľovský Chlmec are popular, offering plenty of privacy, as is private accommodation. Thanks to stories from our local accommodation providers, you will learn even more interesting facts. You can find the complete offer of lodging options on our portal.
