Pusztamarót archaeological finds reveal medieval castle and 1526 battle aftermath

Archaeological excavations in the Pusztamarót region of the Gerecse forest have uncovered new historical details regarding a medieval castle and tragic events following the 1526 Battle of Mohács. Conducted by Pilisi Parkerdő in collaboration with the Janus Pannonius Museum, the research utilized ground-penetrating radar to map the floor plan of a monumental two-part palace complex.

Historical records suggest the site once housed a hunting lodge belonging to King Sigismund, which was donated to the Archbishop of Esztergom in 1388. The northern section of the ruins is believed to be a Renaissance-style palace built by Archbishop Hippolytus of Esztergom.

The findings also shed light on the autumn of 1526, when a group of refugees attempting to flee toward Esztergom resisted Ottoman forces near Marót. The excavation revealed scattered human remains and musket balls, confirming the site was the location of a violent confrontation that led to the destruction of the castle and the medieval village of Marót. The project was funded by state support and additional resources from Pilisi Parkerdő, and new information boards have been installed for visitors.