Szadvar castle project and youth camp, Hungary

Let us lead you through our summer event which was a bit different this year.

You might be aware that the ruins of Szadvar are located in a National Park near the Slovakian border. That is one reason why it was almost forgotten in the 20^th century when it was quite difficult to even get there. However, Szadvar was the center of the manor in the middle ages where the owners of the land were living. Some of those lords of the Szadvar manor were the members of the Bebek family, who owned not only Szadvar but the near castle of ‘Torna’, too. The Bebeks also allowed the Hungarian ‘Palos’ monks to build a monastery on their land which had become the burying place of the family for 2 centuries. That was located in ‘Gombaszög’, also very near.

Both Torna (Turna) and Gombaszög (Gombasek) are in Slovakia today, near the border. You may even remember that some members of the civil association of Torna joined us on our archeology week last year. This was our time to return the favor and join them. So, we decided to go on a ‘Bebek Tour’ over the border.:

July 31^st , Szadvar (Hungary): A lot of weeds were growing all over the walls and baileys since our last event in March. The local forestry sent some people and a group of kids were also joining the Friends of Szadvar to clean the castle from the vegetation. It was nice to have some fried bacon at the fire for lunch, too!

Aug. 1^st, Gombaszög (Slovakia): There is another excavation site revealing the ruins of the monastery. Only a 20 feet high wall had been visible before but now the foundations of the church and the fortress which was built around it are visible on the surface. We were also able to help in the trenches and move some of the dirt away. There is a summer camping near the site where we spent the evening and the night in a delightful company.

Aug. 2^nd Torna (Slovakia): The castle of Torna was another Bebek property. It was built in a beautiful location on a tapered hill providing a breathtaking view for anyone who climbs up. Just like Szadvar, this castle can also be accessed on foot only. But now, we also had to take wooden timbers up to the hill with us! A part of the castle needs repairing and for that the timbers are needed. After taking 2 rounds with the timbers we were also collecting and piling some stones in the inner bailey for the conservation. It was fun to work with our friends in Slovakia and help them in their efforts!

Aug. 3^rd Tornabarakony (Hungary): We visited the Hungarian Folk Festival in this small, hidden village. This was just the prize for our hard work and a team building event for us.

One more thing to mention. Just a few days ago a large group of visitors (50+ people) were coming to Szadvar who requested us to provide guided tour in the castle. So, a few members travelled there and showed around the castle, explained what was Szadvar like in the middle ages, what was started in 2006 and how it became a clean grove park where the remains of Szadvar are clearly visible since.

Let us thank all of you for your generous donations which help us to make these great achievements!

Links:

• Friends of Szadvar home page