Salgótarján

Salgótarján lies among the hills of northern Hungary, below the volcanic heights crowned by Salgó Castle. Built in the Middle Ages, the stronghold commanded the surrounding country from its steep summit. Its military importance became especially apparent during the wars between the Habsburgs and the Ottomans. Ottoman troops seized the castle in 1554, reportedly frightening its defenders with logs made to resemble cannon. Hungarian forces besieged Salgó in 1593, when the fortification burned; the ruined castle remained above the settlements in the valley.