owned the castle for more than 40 years. Csobánc fell under numerous unsuccessful Turkish sieges in the 16th century. In 1669 the Esterházy family took control over the castle. During the Rákóczi's War for Independence, the heroic Hungarian kuruc defenders were triumphantly able to manage resistance against immense Austrian-Danish united attacks in February 1707. The castle was first destroyed in the 18th century. The Foundation for the Castle of Csobánc from the neighbouring village Gyulakeszi makes efforts to reconstruct the ruins of the castle. Cultural and historical programs such as riding shows, mediaeval knights in period dresses, Turkish belly dance etc. are offered to raise fund. The most significant festival, Gyulaffy Days (Gyulaffy napok ), is held annually. The “Bad Church” The Rossz-templom (“Bad Church”) is a 13th-century church that was left to decline after the population fled from the Ottomans. Hiking the mountain Two tourist paths lead from Tapolca-Diszel to the castle ruins that join together before the real climb. The track has green (L) waymarks. The hill can be approached from two other villages as well, Gyulakeszi and Káptalantóti, however, they are much further. Popular activities Due to its thermodynamic features it is an ideal spot for paragliding and ultralight trikes, however, these activities are currently contentious since the hill is a natural preserve. Hiking and geocaching are also popular activities around the area. References in literature Poet - literary historian István Péter NÉMETH from Tapolca wrote several poems and articles on Csobánc, including “Greeting from Csobánc”, and “The Requiem of Csobánc”. References External links Hills of Hungary