Simontornya Castle Day 2023

This is Simontornya Castle Tower built in the 13th Century in a small village very close to us in rural Hungary.

The castle is known as the best preserved Renaissance castle in Hungary today. A Gothic wing was built in the 14th Century. The name Simontornya means Simon’s Tower named after Simon, the son of Solomon.

The purpose of this traditional event is to revive the history of Simontornya castle.

It was a glorious day and I was excited to visit the annual castle day. My husband was my trusty taxi driver and never complained when I asked him to visit Simontornya and let me photograph the days’ events.

I had studied and translated the events taking place over the course of two days, it appeared there was lots to see and do. My particular interest was to photograph the Re-enactment battle between the Hungarians and the Turkish. I had missed it in previous years.

I ambled around a little bit, waiting for the “Open Stage Battle” to begin. The cobbled streets surrounding the castle were lined with many stands, displaying what would have been available in medieval times.

Blacksmiths were a staple of every medieval town, Simontornya included. They created objects from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal with tools to hammer, bend, cut, and produce objects such as weapons, horse shoes and utensils.

Racka sheep are a common sight in Hungary, even today. It is a triple purpose sheep breed. Milk and mutton for supplying food, while their fur have a role in clothing. Sheepskin coats and hats were worn by shepherds to keep themselves warm throughout the long cold Winters. These smaller sized sheepskin gilets looked rather quaint.

An example of a little more modern clothing on sale at the entrance! The translation: “Spring Days”.

I had missed out on the falconry display and the traditional Hungarian music and dancing in the castle. Thankfully these photos reflect what I had missed.

Vehicles and Nurses contributed substantially towards the war effort. These shots reminded me of watching old war movies. Great to see them in such good condition.

These colourful ladies mixed old with new….costumes and selfies! They do look rather pretty although they must have been a little hot in the high temperatures we experienced that day.

More colourful traditional costumes.

Preparing for battle..

“Loving his Cannon” His large piece of heavy artillery made its way to the battle field.

The Turkish also preparing for battle.

An animal fur, perhaps a fox?

What a super feathered hat and magnificent mustache this chappie had, maybe the taller the feather the higher the rank!

The action was just about to start. Not for the faint hearted I might add, I jumped at the first explosion of the cannon….then the next one and then several at one time from either side…it was almost impossible to hold my camera still to either video or take photos! I failed miserably! Instead I have included a YouTube video link for those interested in a virtual wander around the event and the noisy battle that followed, it is rather lengthy but worth a watch.

This is the final photo of the day, as the battle was closing, I hope it was a fair outcome as the talk was all Hungarian and I had very little understanding!

Simontornya Castle Day 2023 video https://youtu.be/At9TeJ7deVg?feature=shared

I hope you enjoyed a small peek into a bit of Hungarian Medieval history. Next year I shall certainly have in my camera bag a pair of robust ear plugs!! 🤣