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The writer of 'Game of Thrones' was also inspired by one of the world's most unique castles, just hours from Hungary - r
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡บ Hungary /Culture & Society

The writer of 'Game of Thrones' was also inspired by one of the world's most unique castles, just hours from Hungary - report

From Magyar Nemzet · () Hungarian

Translated from Hungarian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth From a news agency Context piece
  • Predjama Castle, a unique cave castle near the Hungarian-Slovenian border, is a significant historical and architectural site.
  • The castle's history includes ties to Hungarian royalty and figures like Barbara of Cilli, with notable medieval features like water channels and a natural refrigerator.
  • Its dramatic setting has inspired filmmakers and writers, including Jackie Chan and George R. R. Martin, author of "A Song of Ice and Fire."

Just a few hours' drive from the current Hungarian-Slovenian border stands one of the world's most remarkable fortresses: Predjama Castle. Carved into a natural cave, it is recognized as the best-preserved cave castle globally, boasting secret passages, walls painted with ox blood, and medieval legends.

The castle's history is intertwined with Hungarian royalty, notably Barbara of Cilli, wife of Sigismund of Luxembourg. Predjama and its owners belonged to the sphere of influence of the Cilli family, making the castle a part of Central European power struggles associated with the Hungarian queen, as well as the legend of Erazmus.

Medieval life within the castle is vividly illustrated by its ingenious features. Water channels carved into the rock face still exist, providing a water supply even during sieges. The kitchen chimney is integrated into the natural cave structure, and the cave's depths served as a natural refrigerator. The Knights' Hall, the castle's most representative room, features a ceiling treated with ox blood, believed by medieval people to be an excellent waterproofing agent. Behind velvet curtains, a secret room once housed the family's most important documents.

The dramatic fusion of nature and architecture has captivated filmmakers and writers. Jackie Chan filmed scenes for his 1986 adventure film "Armour of God" here, with local tales recounting his most severe career injury during a stunt at the castle. More recently, George R. R. Martin, the creator of "A Song of Ice and Fire" and "Game of Thrones," visited Predjama in 2011. He described the rock-hewn fortress as stunning and stated that a castle in Westeros would draw inspiration from this sight. Fans continue to find parallels, such as the legend of Erazmus's demise in the castle's latrine, which some liken to Tywin Lannister's memorable end.

He described the rock-hewn fortress as stunning, and wrote that a castle in Westeros would definitely draw inspiration from this sight.

โ€” George R. R. MartinThe author's reaction to Predjama Castle, as recounted in the article, highlighting its influence on his fantasy world.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Magyar Nemzet in Hungarian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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