Few places in this region have suffered so many hard and memorable sieges as this stronghold. Over many years, it became a central point of conflict between Christian and Ottoman forces. Again and again, armies gathered before its walls, only to be repelled, or else to capture it after great effort and loss.
The city was first besieged without success by John, King of Hungary. Despite his efforts, the defenders held firm. Later, however, the city was taken by Sultan Suleiman, whose military power spread fear throughout Central Europe. This loss was not permanent, for the fortress was afterward recovered by Count Mansfeld on behalf of Archduke Matthias, restoring it to Christian control.
Betrayal and Loss under Sultan Achmet
Though it was later besieged again without success, the city eventually fell during the reign of Sultan Achmet. This time, it was not the strength of the enemy that caused its downfall, but the shameful disloyalty of the Christian defenders. Through mutiny and betrayal, they imprisoned Count Dampierre, the governor of the place, and delivered the city into the hands of Aly Beg, the Turkish general Sightseeing Tours Turkey.
This act of treachery deeply shocked the surrounding regions, for it showed that even the strongest walls cannot protect a city when loyalty within is lost. Such betrayals were sadly common in times of long war, when hunger, fear, and frustration weakened discipline and honor.
Barchan and the Bridge of Boats
Opposite Strigonium, on the other side of the river, lies Barchan. Between these two places there was a bridge of boats, which served as an important connection for soldiers, supplies, and travelers. This floating bridge allowed armies to cross the river quickly and made the two towns closely linked in both war and trade.
Because of this bridge, control of either side of the river was of great strategic importance. Whoever held both towns could move forces easily and dominate the surrounding countryside.
Journey from Strigonium to Visegrád
From Strigonium we continued our journey to Visegrád, also called Vicegrade or Vizzegrade. This place is remarkable for its dramatic setting and its long royal history. The upper castle stands on a very high rock, rising steeply above the river. In former times, the Crown of Hungary was kept there for safety, protected by the height and strength of the fortress.
Below the upper fortress stood the lower castle, which was once a fine and handsome structure. Nearby are the remains of a large building made of squared stone, whose ruins can still be seen. Though much of it has fallen into decay, its foundations show the former greatness of the place Arrival at Strigonium under Turkish Escort.
Treachery and the Death of a King
Visegrád was retaken from the Turks by the forces of Archduke Matthias during the reign of Sultan Mehmed III. However, this success did not last. In the time of Sultan Achmet, the place was once again betrayed and surrendered, this time through the treachery of the Heyducks, who were supposed to defend it.
A tragic event is also connected with this castle. Charles, King of Naples, who had been sworn King of Hungary, was wounded on the head by Forchatz. Under the pretense of treating his injury with a plaster, he was carried into the castle, where he was secretly strangled. This dark deed added another layer of sorrow and betrayal to the long and troubled history of the place.
The history of these fortresses shows how war, ambition, and treachery shaped the fate of cities along the Danube. Though their walls were strong and their positions commanding, their greatest dangers often came from within. Today, their ruins stand as silent witnesses to centuries of struggle, reminding us of the heavy cost of power and disloyalty in times of war.
