The castle complex was built in 1750 by the Gyurcsányi family originating from Trencsén County, and after the family line died out, it passed into the ownership of the Prónay family at the end of the 19th century.
The Prónay family, including its various branches, also maintained residences in other settlements, and owned several heritage castles in Nógrád. The family belonged to the oldest landowning families of Túrócz County, with its first known member receiving Tót-Próna as a donation in 1279.
In the post-Ottoman period, they acquired significant estates in Nógrád County, where they became an important noble family. For example, Pál Prónay served as a delegate of Nógrád County between 1725 and 1741. He founded the family’s baronial branch, which held estates in multiple locations within the county.
Many members of the family held official positions in Nógrád County administration. Over the next two centuries, Prónay family members served as chief legal officer, chief clerk, magistrate, district judge, deputy clerk, and parliamentary representative.
Among the family’s 20th-century members, Mihály Prónay stands out, who became Lord Lieutenant of Nógrád County in 1906. His widow, Felícia Batthyány, was the last resident of the Small Castle prior to World War II.
Following World War II, the original owners lost the castle complex, marking the beginning of the buildings’ deterioration. For decades, it was no longer used as a representative residence, and its original furnishings were destroyed or dispersed.
Over time, various buildings of the complex were assigned different functions: they served as residential housing, workshops, a school, medical office, industrial facility, offices, storage units, a miners’ club, and many other purposes. These uses led to general deterioration of the buildings as well as structurally inappropriate modifications.
In 2009, the new owner of the castle complex set the goal of restoring it in line with its original values, while also introducing a modern, viable use that would allow the entire site to become accessible to visitors after full restoration and renovation.
This work was preceded by extensive scientific research (archival, historical, and art historical), and throughout the restoration process, heritage and conservation experts were involved in both the design and execution, as well as the development of new buildings.
The owner of the castle was awarded the Podmaniczky Prize for the renewal of built heritage.
The Grand Castle is the most significant and architecturally valuable building of the estate. The U-shaped building once served as the center of social life during the Prónay family era.
Today, it continues to fulfil the same function, hosting prestigious events and welcoming guests with two exclusive suites.
The restored cellar beneath the Grand Castle dates back to the 17th century in its oldest section and was originally used to store wines from the noble families’ vineyards in Alsópetény.
Today, the award-winning Csendes Dűlő wines from the current owner family’s Badacsony vineyard are displayed on the shelves.
The neo-Baroque Small Castle is distinguished by its enclosed square inner courtyard (atrium), around which the residential units are arranged. During the Prónay family era, this building served as their residence, including kitchens and bathrooms alongside the rooms.
Today, it houses three suites furnished in period style, as well as a salon and dining area.
Our Bath House is located in a separate building within the beautiful castle park, just a few steps from the main building.
In this calm and exclusive environment, we offer programs and services that support regeneration, health preservation, and the balance of body and mind.
Originally part of the 18th-century estate buildings, this structure once served as a laundry and other service facilities during the Prónay family era.
Preserving its heritage value and complemented by a modern hotel wing, it now presents a harmonious blend of old and new, offering 11 hotel rooms and one suite.
The modern event house, directly connected to the castle park through large glass surfaces, accommodates the reception, restaurant, a nearly 300 m² event hall, and 14 hotel rooms. Guests arrive directly at reception from the secured parking area next to the building.
Castle lake
Grand Castle
Courtyard
Manor
Event House
Bath House
Small Castle
