Castle of Püspökszentlászló
The Castle of Püspökszentlászló is a jewel of the meeting of untouched nature and built heritage at the foot of the Zengő; its arboretum and magical atmosphere make it one of the most attractive destinations in the area.
Püspökszentlászló: History and tranquility at the foot of the Zengő
The past of Püspökszentlászló dates back to the 13th century, but after the devastation of the Turkish conquest, the settlement was depopulated for a long time. Its revival can be linked to the 18th century: in 1725, the Minorites of Pécs built a chapel here, on the site of which, in 1797, Count László Pál Esterházy had a church and a late Baroque summer residence built. The former chief pastor, who had previously served as a Pauline monk, probably intended the building to be a disguised monastery in the days after the dissolution of the order – at least the cell-like rooms on the upper floor suggest this.
Although the Pauline monks did not move in and the castle stood empty for a century, at the end of the 19th century Bishop Sámuel Hetyey began its renovation and created a special arboretum surrounding the building. The reconstruction was completed by Bishop Gyula Zichy, who combined the castle and the church into a single building; at that time the Angster organ, which can still be heard today, was placed between the walls. After World War II, the fate of the building took a turn: first it functioned as a home for teaching nuns, then as a social institution for nuns. In the disastrous summer of 1955, Cardinal József Mindszenty spent three months of his house arrest within the walls of the castle, whose figure is now commemorated by a memorial exhibition.
Under the care of the Diocese of Pécs, the castle and its surroundings were completely renovated in 2015, after a century of waiting. Nowadays, the arboretum can be visited freely during the summer, and the interior of the castle reveals its secrets to visitors with expert guidance.
Information, registration:
latogatas@puspokszentlaszloikastely.hu
Every day of the week between 09:00 and 16:30: 30/296 0467
Castle and arboretum visit
We would like to inform our dear visitors that you can only enter the protected area of Püspökszentlászló by car with a special permit. Please leave your cars in the parking lot at the end of Hosszúhetény, from where a pleasant, approximately 3-kilometer walking path leads to the Castle and the Arboretum. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Arboretum visiting hours
From March 14 to October 31: 10:00 – 18:00.
Pets are not allowed!
Castle visit hours
The Püspökszentlászló Castle can be visited by groups all year round after prior registration. (also in winter). The minimum number of a group is 10 people. If the number of the group does not reach 10 people, it is also possible to pay the minimum group fee (15,000 HUF).
We only accept group registrations in writing at latogatas@puspokszentlaszloikastely.hu. Please notify us in writing one week before your visit!
You can inquire at the following phone number, every day between 9:00 and 16:30: +36 30/296 0467.
The use of cameras is permitted in the building and exhibition (without flash), therefore we do not charge an additional fee, however, the photos and videos taken cannot be sold commercially.
Everyone visits our locations at their own risk, purchasing an entrance ticket entitles only those visitors who accept the house rules and safety regulations to enter.
Entrance fees
The Arboretum viewing fee is 700 HUF/person, which includes a free walk in the arboretum area.
The castle viewing fee is 1500 HUF/person, which includes the guided tour fee in the castle and a free walk in the arboretum area. The castle visit lasts approx. 90 minutes. Advance registration is required!
Admission is free for children under 6 years old.
