The Slovak National Gallery is staging an exhibition at Zvolen Castle on Hungarian - Ottoman relations in the 16th and 17th centuries, marking the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács.
It portrays the period of Ottoman expansion, focusing on the territory of present-day Slovakia, and the mutual influences and impacts of Ottoman culture upon Central European art.
Drawings, prints, paintings, and handicraft - including commemorative medals, coins, ceramics, and textiles - from Slovak museum, gallery, library, and church collections are complemented by historical records covering fortification architecture (the fortresses of Nové Zámky, Komárno, and Leopoldov).
The exhibition is enhanced by engaging digital displays, as well as by a section that focuses on the direct contact between several former counties and the territory of the Ottoman Empire, whose armies threatened not only the border but also the mining towns.
The theme is explored through archival materials along with a video documentary on the historical and architectural transformation of Zvolen Castle.
The exhibition is complemented by a rich programme of events and lectures.
Jozef Hanula: Study for the painting Tomory’s Death. 1895. SNG, O1160
Kaspar Merian: Map of Ottoman Battles. SNG, G 13698
Unknown Painter: St. Stephen as Victor over the Ottomans. 1718. SNG, O 3918
Unknown Printmaker: Ground Plan of the Nové Zámky Fortress in 1963. SNG, G 13740
Unknown Printmaker: Arrival of the Ottoman Envoy in Vienna in 1628. Around 1650. SNG, G 13665
German Painter: Cavalry Battle. First Half of the 18th Century. SNG, O 1846
Aegidius Sadeler II.: Portrait of the Persian Envoy Mahdi Quli Beg. 1605. GMB
Coverlet (17th Century)
Relief of Mikuláš Pálffy’s Battle with the Ottomans (17th Century). Relief from a lost monumental epitaph.
Bow and Arrow Quiver (17th Century)
Leather, metallic thread embroidery, metal applications
Pillow | Yastik (17th Century)
Goblet of the Pressburg Marksmen (17th Century)
Haban Tiles from Košolná (17th Century) / Ceramics
Battle of Osijek (17th Century), detail
Dual View of the Komárno Fortress (around 1597)
Lock Mechanism of an Ottoman Rifle (17th Century)
Programme at Zvolen Castle
Assoc. Prof. Karol Koloman Kulašik, PhD
Using contemporary accounts and visual materials, we will explore the composition of the Ottoman and Hungarian armies and the course of the historic battle that changed Europe 500 years ago.
An exhibition project focusing on Hungarian–Ottoman relations in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Assoc. Prof. Attila Kovács, PhD
We will explore myths and facts about Islam and its followers. The lecture will introduce the fundamental pillars of the faith and explain how Muslims perceive the world around them.
Denis Haberland, MA
The lecture focuses on the development of bastion fortification architecture and its application during the Ottoman–Hungarian wars.
Peter Ližbetin
Participants will learn about the process of creating facsimiles of historical correspondence presented in the MOHÁCS 500SK exhibition and will have the opportunity to try signing and sealing documents themselves.
The Battle of Mohács was one of the most important and at the same time most tragic events in Central European history. After the defeat of the Hungarian army in August 1526, the way was opened for the expansion of the Ottoman Empire into the territory of the former Kingdom of Hungary. Relations between Hungary and the Ottoman Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries were marked by military conflicts, border defense, but also cultural contacts and mutual influences. An important geographical area of these events was the territory of present-day Slovakia, historical Upper Hungary, which after Mohács became the northern stronghold of Habsburg power and an important defensive zone against the Ottomans.
Towns and fortresses in southern Slovakia formed a system of anti-Ottoman defense. Nové Zámky, Komárno and Leopoldov gained exceptional importance. These fortresses protected the northern regions of Hungary from Ottoman invasions and at the same time became places where two civilizations met – the Christian Habsburg monarchy and the Muslim Ottoman Empire. Other Slovak towns, castles and fortifications also belonged to the anti-Ottoman defense system. Fiľakovo, Levice, Krupina and Košice also played important roles.
The legacy of the Hungarian-Ottoman conflicts is still visible in Slovakia today in the form of fortresses, castles, town fortifications and archaeological finds. These monuments commemorate the period when the territory of present-day Slovakia formed a defensive frontier between two great European powers.
On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács, many Slovak towns and villages together with museums, cultural institutions and historical associations commemorate this important historical period through a diverse public program including expert lectures, thematic exhibitions, reconstructions of historical battles, demonstrations of period warfare, crafts and everyday life during the Hungarian-Ottoman conflicts.
21 May 2026 – 25 October 2026
The opening will feature a performance by the Mladosť University Chamber Orchestra at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, conducted by Pavel Martinka. Three historical compositions will be performed, of which only melodic notations have survived. The harmonic accompaniment and instrumentation are a reconstruction by artistic director and conductor Pavel Martinka, combining period compositional rules with the sound of contemporary instruments and selected new compositional elements in the accompanying voices and melodic line, forming an organic part of the present-day form of these rare musical monuments.
RUNDA REGIS
A noble dance from the Uhrovec Collection of Songs and Dances from 1730.
SONG ABOUT THE DEFEAT OF KING LOUIS FROM 1526
The melody of the song has survived as a contrafactum in the collection by Ján Sylván: New Songs on the Seven Penitential Psalms from 1571.
SONG ABOUT MURÁŇ CASTLE FROM 1549
The author of the song is Martin Bošňák (Marek Mathias Bosnijak de Rudnijak). Although he did not sign it, he placed his name “at the beginning of the verse. And this happened in the year of Our Lord one thousand five hundred and forty-nine.”
The leitmotif of the event will be the historical event of 1621 – the safekeeping of the Hungarian royal crown in the tower of Zvolen Castle.
Throughout the event from 15:00 to 23:00
MOHÁČ 500SK Image of the Ottoman Presence
Individual tour of the exhibition on Hungarian-Ottoman relations in the 16th and 17th centuries against the backdrop of the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács.
GUARDIANS OF THE CROWN
An interactive printed guide to the castle and exhibition presenting events connected with the safekeeping of the Hungarian royal crown in Zvolen.
CROWNED HEADS
A creative workshop on the theme of the Hungarian royal crown.
FLAVOURS OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE
Turkish coffee and baklava offered by the Castle Café.
Special programme
16:30 MOHÁČ 500SK Image of the Ottoman Presence
Curator’s talk in the new SNG exhibition. Guided by exhibition curator Martin Čičo.
19:00 and 21:00 FROM ORIGINAL TO REPLICA
The process of creating the “Trenčín” replica of the Hungarian royal crown, owned by MIKUŠ DIAMONDS, will be presented by goldsmiths Augustín Hôrka and Jozef Čičo.
THE PLACE WHERE THE CROWN WAS KEPT
A guided tour will explain how a royal residence became an anti-Ottoman fortress, which in 1620–1621 served as the place where the Hungarian royal crown was kept. Guided by art historian Michal Šimkovic.
During Zvolen City Days, we are preparing a programme in the castle’s exterior and interior spaces for schools and the public. The leitmotif of the programme is Zvolen and Zvolen Castle in Willenberg’s veduta from 1599. The event will include a fair, performances by fencers and historical scene groups, and video mapping. Creative workshops, guided tours, and an expert discussion on Willenberg’s veduta will take place in the exhibition spaces.
The lecture cycle will bring topics on Hungarian-Ottoman relations in the 16th and 17th centuries against the backdrop of the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács, as well as topics from the history of Zvolen, Zvolen Castle, and the surrounding region during the period of Ottoman expansion. Lectures will be delivered by experts in art history, monument research of castles, history, archaeology, religious studies, literary studies, and related disciplines.
Fiľakovo has a rich historical past, and its fate was influenced for many centuries by events connected with the Turkish occupation of the region. After the defeat at Mohács in 1526, King Ferdinand I built a strong network of border castles protecting the wealthy mining area of present-day central Slovakia. A key point was Fiľakovo Castle, which the Turks conquered in the 16th century, and the town became the seat of the northernmost sanjak of the Ottoman Empire for 40 years. From there, the Turks directed their campaigns and established a system of rule in the conquered territory based on a permanent army and administrative bureaucracy. Although imperial troops recaptured the castle at the end of the century, the Turks definitively occupied and set it on fire in 1682.
The Castle Museum in Fiľakovo focuses on archaeological, historical, and ethnographic research into Fiľakovo and its surroundings. It specialises in local and regional history from the earliest periods to the modern era, the history of products made by the local factory, Palóc folk furniture, and natural history monuments in the area. The institution is active in archaeology, focusing on research into Fiľakovo Castle and the town. The museum’s exhibition spaces are located in the Bebek Bastion of the castle, in the town Reduta building, and in a World War II air-raid shelter beneath the castle hill.
Website: https://www.hradfilakovo.sk/
The Castle Museum in Fiľakovo presents the fascinating period of Ottoman rule through an exhibition running from 23 May to 15 November 2026. In 2026, the museum has prepared a series of events dedicated to the period of Turkish occupation of the region and the history of Fiľakovo Castle as the seat of the northernmost sanjak of the Ottoman Empire. The programme will introduce visitors to the period of Ottoman administration through exhibitions, expert lectures, historical demonstrations, and thematic events.
Banská Štiavnica was one of the most important mining towns of Upper Hungary and played an important role in the economic and defensive system of the Habsburg Monarchy during Ottoman expansion. The wealth of the local mines helped finance part of the anti-Turkish defence. Although the town never came directly under Ottoman rule, in the 16th century Banská Štiavnica strengthened its town walls, built defensive bastions, and established two dominant fortresses – the Old Castle and the New Castle. The Old Castle, originally a parish church, was rebuilt as a fortress intended to protect the town from possible Turkish attacks and also served as a refuge for inhabitants. The New Castle, built as a watchtower and defensive tower, became an even more prominent symbol of anti-Turkish defence. It formed part of a network of warning fortresses across central Slovakia. From there, the garrison monitored the movement of Ottoman troops and used signal fires to warn surrounding towns of danger.
Today, the anti-Turkish fortifications are among the town’s most important historical monuments and recall the period when Banská Štiavnica was an important part of Upper Hungary’s defence system against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire.
Website: https://www.muzeumbs.sk/
The Slovak Mining Museum is a specialised organisation that collects, scientifically and professionally processes, and makes accessible material documents relating to the comprehensive documentation of the development of mining, related mining fields, geology, and the development of mining towns and areas in Slovakia, especially Banská Štiavnica. An important part of its activity is documenting the history of Banská Štiavnica and its surroundings.
The Slovak Mining Museum in Banská Štiavnica is preparing a series of events in 2026 dedicated to the period of the Ottoman wars and the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács. The programme will present the historical context of the anti-Turkish defence of mining towns, everyday life during the period of Ottoman threat, and period military culture through expert lectures, historical demonstrations, and interactive activities for the public.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Svätý Anton was part of a region strongly influenced by the Hungarian-Ottoman wars and the constant threat of Ottoman raids. Although the village did not lie directly on the main battle line, it belonged to the hinterland of the central Slovak mining towns, which were of great economic importance to the Habsburg Monarchy. After the Battle of Mohács, the territory of southern Slovakia became a border region between the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman expeditions penetrated further and further north and also threatened the Hont region, to which Svätý Anton belonged. Villagers often faced plundering, abduction into captivity, or the obligation to supply troops and fortresses.
The importance of Svätý Anton was connected mainly with its location near Banská Štiavnica and with the development of noble residences during the anti-Turkish wars. Manor houses and noble buildings in the region were adapted to the defensive needs of the time. This period became part of the historical identity of the region, recalled today by local monuments, the museum, and cultural events dedicated to the period of anti-Turkish fighting.
Website: https://www.msa.sk/
The manor house in Svätý Anton belongs to a group of late Baroque feudal residences that arose during the major building activity of the Hungarian military aristocracy loyal to the Habsburgs and enriched by anti-Ottoman struggles. Count Andrej Koháry had the manor house built in its present form between 1744 and 1750. He came from a family that played an important role in the history of the Kingdom of Hungary during the anti-Ottoman wars and estate uprisings. Today, the manor house houses a museum with art-historical and hunting exhibitions.
In 2026, the Museum in Svätý Anton is preparing an exhibition dedicated to the Koháry family and their important role during the anti-Ottoman wars and estate uprisings. The programme will introduce visitors to the historical context of the military aristocracy in the Kingdom of Hungary and the history of the Svätý Anton manor house connected with the Koháry family.
The region around Modrý Kameň was an important contact area between the Christian north of Hungary and territories under Ottoman influence during the period of Ottoman expansion. Thanks to its strategic location, Modrý Kameň and its castle belonged among the important border settlements of southern Slovakia as part of Upper Hungary’s anti-Turkish defence system. In the 16th century, Modrý Kameň was under constant threat from Turkish raids. The Ottomans managed to conquer the castle in 1575 during extensive military operations in Novohrad. During the attacks, the castle was heavily damaged and part of the population was killed or taken into captivity. After the occupation, the region came under strong Ottoman pressure and the surrounding area suffered frequent raids, plundering, and high taxes. The anti-Turkish wars left a deep mark on the town and influenced its economic and social development for decades.
Today, Modrý Kameň Castle is one of Slovakia’s important historical monuments and recalls the period when the southern areas of present-day Slovakia formed the border between the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire.
Website: https://hradmodrykamen.sk/
Modrý Kameň Castle is the dominant feature of the village, and its history is closely linked with Hungarian-Ottoman conflicts. In 2026, the Museum of Puppet Cultures and Toys at Modrý Kameň Castle is preparing a series of events dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács, Ottoman expansion, and the anti-Turkish defence of the Ipeľ region. The programme includes expert seminars, historical programmes, interactive activities for children, and thematic evening tours of the castle.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Krupina was one of the important free royal towns of Upper Hungary and played an important role in defence against Ottoman expansion. The town lay on a strategic trade route between southern Hungary and the mining towns, making it an important defensive and economic point. At that time, Krupina significantly strengthened its fortifications. Stone walls, bastions, and defensive gates were built, some of which have survived to this day. Krupina’s fortifications were among the most important urban defence systems in the region and were adapted to new forms of warfare, including the use of artillery.
The Vartovka watchtower above the town played an exceptionally important role during the anti-Turkish wars. It served as an observation point and signal station from which guards used fire and smoke signals to warn inhabitants of the movement of Ottoman troops. It was part of an extensive network of warning stations across central Slovakia.
Today, the historical fortifications, bastions, and Vartovka recall the period when Krupina was one of the important defensive towns of Upper Hungary on the border with the Ottoman Empire.
Website: https://krupina.sk/muzeum-andreja-sladkovica-v-krupine
The Andrej Sládkovič Town Museum has its permanent exhibitions divided into two parts – the history of the town and a literary section dedicated to important figures and natives of Krupina, with an emphasis on the life and work of Andrej Sládkovič and Elena Maróthy-Šoltésová. A significant part of the permanent exhibition consists of the history of Krupina, from the earliest settlement of the territory through the formation and development of the town and its population to the most important events in the town’s rich history.
In 2026, the Andrej Sládkovič Museum in Krupina is preparing a series of events dedicated to the period of Ottoman fighting and traces of the Ottomans in the town. The programme includes lectures, guided town walks, and historical events recalling the period of anti-Turkish fighting. Due to reconstruction, the museum has been closed since March 2026, so the events take place outdoors in the town of Krupina.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Pukanec was one of the important mining towns of Upper Hungary and was indirectly affected by Ottoman expansion after the Battle of Mohács. The extraction of precious metals in the region was of great economic importance because the Habsburg Monarchy needed funds to wage anti-Turkish wars. It was therefore necessary to protect the mining towns from the Ottomans. During a period of increased danger, Pukanec built defensive fortifications and walls of stone and brick with two gates, the lower gate from Levice and the upper gate toward Banská Štiavnica. Work continued under the supervision of the military council until 1590, with the participation of imperial fortification engineers assisted by Italian specialists. Sixty houses, one third of all houses in Pukanec, fell victim to the construction of the fortifications. The defensive system also included watch and signal points that warned inhabitants of possible raids by Turkish units. Pukanec became a smaller border fortress with a garrison of only 50 men.
Several parts of the historical fortifications have survived in Pukanec to this day. The town fortifications and local traditions prove that even smaller mining towns were part of Upper Hungary’s defence system against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire.
Members of the Society of Pukanec History (SPH) uncover and preserve the cultural and historical heritage of Pukanec. To support and fulfil their efforts, Pukanec enthusiasts founded a museum in which they gathered information and exhibits connected with the medieval town, its mining past, and the period of Ottoman threat followed by development in the modern era. Since Pukanec is associated with many scholars and national figures, SPH also prepares exhibitions, lectures, commemorative events, and engages in publishing activities. In addition, it searches for and preserves historical objects, names, designations, and photographs connected with the past and present of Pukanec and its personalities.
Since the beginning of its activities, the Society of Pukanec History has dealt with Ottoman raids, which it presents through panels in the exhibition spaces of the museum display. It conveys these tragic events to visitors during guided tours of the town walls and the Gothic church. In 2026, it will commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács with a series of events dedicated to the period of Ottoman threat, the town’s anti-Turkish fortifications, and the history of the Hont region.
Website: https://www.pukanec.sk/
Divín and its surroundings belonged to the areas of southern central Slovakia that were strongly affected by the Hungarian-Ottoman wars. The strategic location of the village in the Novohrad region meant that Divín became part of Upper Hungary’s defensive zone against the advancing Ottoman Empire. In the context of historical events connected with the anniversary of the Battle of Mohács in 1526, the village of Divín and its castle hold an important place. The castle was an important watch and defence point protecting trade routes and surrounding settlements from Turkish raids. It was damaged several times during military conflicts and unrest that accompanied the period of anti-Turkish wars. Nevertheless, Divín Castle remained an important defensive point until the end of the 17th century, when the Ottoman threat gradually receded; it was looted, plundered, and finally destroyed by an explosion.
The ruins of Divín Castle recall the period when southern Slovakia formed a border territory between two great powers. The castle and the village are an important part of the historical heritage of anti-Turkish fighting in Slovakia, which is why the municipality of Divín is preparing the third edition of the Balaša Castle Festival in 2026, dedicated to the history of Divín Castle, the Balaša family, and the period of anti-Turkish fighting after the Battle of Mohács. The programme in the grounds of Divín Castle will introduce visitors to historical events connected with the Divín estate through historical demonstrations, crafts, and accompanying performances.
Website: https://divin.sk/