Forgách-Liphtay Castle Museum

The site of the current castle held strategic importance even in medieval times. In the 14th century, the Szécsényi family built a fortress here, which served as a key stronghold during the Turkish occupation. A pivotal moment in the history of the area and the fort came in the 18th century when the estate passed into the hands of the influential Forgách family. Zsigmond Forgách and his descendants used the medieval walls and bastions to construct the elegant Baroque manor house that still stands today, built in the 1750s.

The historical significance of the site is further enhanced by the famous Szécsény Diet of 1705, during which Prince Ferenc II Rákóczi camped on the grounds and was elected the ruling Prince of Hungary. After the Forgách family, the Pulszky family became the castle's prominent owners in the 19th century. Ferenc Pulszky, later the renowned director of the Hungarian National Museum and a key figure in Hungarian cultural life, transformed the Szécsény residence into a true intellectual and artistic hub.

After enduring hardships during World War II and the socialist era, the building underwent restoration in the 1970s, regaining its current, dignified role. Today, the castle houses the Kubinyi Ferenc Museum, a premier guardian of Nógrád County's archaeological and historical treasures.

The museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions provide a comprehensive insight into the region's rich past. Visitors can explore the battles of the Turkish era, the Nógrád connections of the Rákóczi War of Independence, the legacy of the Pulszky family, and invaluable archaeological finds unearthed in the area. Additionally, the castle's park and grand halls regularly host cultural events, concert series, and academic conferences.

The Forgách Castle is not merely a standalone architectural monument but an integral part of the cross-border Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark network. Szécsény plays a key role as one of the geopark's major cultural and visitor hubs, showcasing unique geological and natural values.

The castle's exhibitions and information points help visitors understand the millions-of-years-old history of the Cserhát and Ipoly Valley formations, as well as the close connections between nature and human history. From the castle, tourists can easily access nearby world-famous geological attractions within the geopark, such as the Ipolytarnóc Fossils or the basalt formations of Somoskő and Salgó.

The Forgách Castle of Szécsény and its surroundings serve as a model example of sustainable and small-scale tourism. Free from the harms of mass tourism, visitors can explore local values through slow, experience-based travel. The well-maintained historic English garden surrounding the castle not only provides a space for relaxation but also contributes to preserving the local microclimate as an essential part of the town's green infrastructure.

The castle's management and local tourism organisations place great emphasis on environmental awareness, promoting walking and cycling tourism, and involving local producers and artisans. Visitors to Szécsény thus not only gain a rich historical experience but also directly support the preservation and sustainable development of the Nógrád region through their presence.

- Editorial Content -