Castle of Sirok - HUNGARY - 4K

The fortress stands on the border of the Bükk Mountains and the Mátra Mountains over the place where the valley of Tarna creek becomes wider. Its Slavic name may originate from here: Sirok. It was built in mediaeval times in the valley of Tarna creek where it was possible to block and check the Northern roads, although it was mainly a squire's private castle with very little strategic value. The settlement was founded later; written sources first mention the castle in 1267, while the name of the settlement first appears in written form in 1302 as Sirák. The castle is divided into two different parts. The upper castle originally had inner columns, and its ground-plan was irregularly shaped. It was protected by a stone wall 10 metres below its level, carved into the rocks surrounding it. The lower castle with its three right angle ground-plan, ancient, Italian-type forts was erected later. Excavations proved that it had been a private fortress first and it became part of the border castle system later. Its oldest part is the residential keep, which was placed in the middle of the upper castle. The double barrel vaults, which can still be seen in the middle of the upper castle, make one conclude that as a rule with these types of fortresses it contained a bigger hall (knights’ hall) for receptions and conclaves, probably in the residential keep. Real protection was provided by the lower castle, where three ancient Italian forts were erected. The forts on the corners were built of broad stone. The rocks below the castle contain some hive niches that can be seen in other parts of this region as well. Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-...