Perched atop a basalt mountain, Boldogkő Castle, literally 'Happy Rock' Castle, is exactly what most people imagine a castle to be - impossibly perched on solid rock, its strong walls and turrets command 360° views of the southern Zemplén Hills, the Hernád Valley and nearby vineyards. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle was strengthened 200 years later, but gradually fell into ruin after the kuruc revolt late in the 17th century.
There's a tiny Museum here with exhibits on notable occupants and medieval weaponry, but walking through the uneven courtyard up onto the ramparts and looking out over the surrounding countryside in the late afternoon is much more satisfying. It's easy to see how the swashbuckling lyric poet Bálint Balassi (1554-94) produced some of his finest work here.
