Fiľakovo
Brief Introduction to Fiľakovo
Fiľakovo (Hungarian: Fülek) is a small town located in southern Slovakia, in the Banská Bystrica Region, within the historical Nógrád area, near the Hungarian border. It has strong historical and cultural ties to Hungarian traditions and heritage.
Geographical Location
The town lies in the valley of the Fiľakovo Stream, near the Karancs and Cserhát mountain ranges.
It sits at the crossroads of important transportation routes, connecting smaller settlements in the region with the border areas.
History
The name of the settlement was first mentioned in the 12th century.
The Fiľakovo Castle, the town’s symbol, served as a strong border fortress from the 13th century onward. During the Ottoman occupation, it changed hands several times.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Fiľakovo became an economic and trade center, with a flourishing craft industry.
In the 20th century, following the Treaty of Trianon, the town became part of Czechoslovakia, later returning briefly to Hungary (1938–1945), before becoming a permanent part of Slovakia.
Cultural and Economic Life
Fiľakovo is a multiethnic town, home to both Hungarians and Slovaks, with a smaller Roma community as well.
The cultural center of the town is the Castle Museum, located within the ruins of the medieval castle. It hosts a local history exhibition and various events throughout the year.
Today, the local economy is based mainly on light industry, agriculture, and services.
Main Attractions
- Ruins of Fiľakovo Castle
- Roman Catholic and Reformed Churches
- Remnants of medieval town walls
- Cultural festivals, such as the Castle Games, which celebrate the town’s historical traditions.
