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Historical places #1 in Székesfehérvár

Bory Castle

4.8 · 14,547 reviews
Whimsical and intimate
Székesfehérvár, Bory Castle, Máriavölgy 54, 8000 Hungary
Interesting facts
1

Jenő Bory built the castle without formal blueprints, adjusting the design as construction progressed over 41 years.

2

The castle features a 'Hall of Sculptures' that contains dozens of busts and life-sized figures created by Bory.

3

The 'Elephant Courtyard' features a central fountain decorated with ceramic elements.

4

Despite its massive stone-like appearance, the structure is predominantly constructed from concrete, which was an experimental medium for building art in the early 20th century.

5

The castle was designed to be both a home for the Bory family and a living exhibition space for their respective arts.

Overview

Bory Castle is a unique architectural project constructed entirely by the sculptor Jenő Bory over four decades. Built between 1923 and 1959, the castle serves as a monument to Bory's love for his wife, painter Ilona Komócsin. The structure features a sprawling collection of seven towers, thirty rooms, and hundreds of statues crafted from concrete, a material Bory pioneered for artistic use. The castle contains extensive galleries housing both Bory's sculptures and his wife's paintings. Its design blends elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and eclectic styles, incorporating courtyards and intricate staircases. The site is located in the Máriavölgy district of Székesfehérvár, Hungary. It remains a private family-owned property maintained by the descendants of the architect.

Photo spot

The upper balcony of the central tower offers a panoramic view of the entire courtyard and surrounding sculpture collection.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable, flat shoes as the castle features many uneven stone staircases and narrow, steep passages.

Bring a camera, as visitors are permitted to take photos of the interior galleries and outdoor courtyards.

Allocate extra time to sit in the garden areas, as they offer the best perspective of the towers.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to climb onto statues or structural railings, as many surfaces are historical concrete and may be fragile.

Good to know

Open daily during the main tourist season from spring through autumn; often closed during the winter months.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn, when the garden foliage enhances the architecture and outdoor courtyards are comfortable for walking.
Address
Székesfehérvár, Bory Castle, Máriavölgy 54, 8000 Hungary
47.211, 18.451
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsOriginal sculpture collection by Jenő Bory and paintings by Ilona Komócsin
Architectural styleEclectic 20th-century concrete construction

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early autumn, when the garden foliage enhances the architecture and outdoor courtyards are comfortable for walking..

The upper balcony of the central tower offers a panoramic view of the entire courtyard and surrounding sculpture collection.

Close by you'll find Halesz park, Country Apple statue, Vörösmarty Theater.