Somoskő

Somoskő is a district of Salgótarján in Nógrád County, Hungary. Its history is closely tied to the Hungarian border castle system, the Upper Hungarian nobility, and the border changes following the Treaty of Trianon. Medieval Origins and the Castle Somoskő was first mentioned at the end of the 13th or beginning of the 14th century. Somoskő Castle was built in the late 13th century, likely by the Kacsics clan. Constructed on top of a volcanic cone, the castle emerged as part of Hungary’s post-Mongol invasion castle-building wave and played a key role in defending the Nógrád border region. Ottoman Occupation and Military Role During the Ottoman era in the 16th–17th centuries, Somoskő became part of the border castle system. Although it was considered a smaller fortification, it often changed hands and the surrounding settlements suffered repeated devastation. The castle was recaptured by Christian forces in 1593, as part of campaigns led by Miklós Pálffy. Under Habsburg Rule After the expulsion of the Ottomans, Somoskő and its castle lost their military significance. The fortress fell into ruin and its strategic role diminished. By the 18th–19th centuries, the settlement had shifted toward agriculture and forestry, with basalt mining also becoming an important local economic activity. Trianon and Border Changes In the 20th century, Somoskő found itself in a unique historical situation. Following the Treaty of Trianon (1920), the village and the castle were divided between two countries: the castle remained in Slovakia, while the village became part of Hungary. This situation remains unchanged today; the path to the castle crosses the national border, requiring border crossing for visitors. Somoskő in Modern Hungary Today, Somoskő is part of the Nógrád Geopark, offering numerous geological and touristic attractions, including the basalt columns, castle ruins, and protected natural areas. The village is now primarily known as a tourist destination and plays an important role in cross-border cultural and natural heritage preservation.