Parkan (castle)

Parkan, also referred to as Párkány in Hungarian, is a historical castle town located in present-day Slovakia, across the Danube River from Esztergom, Hungary. Its Slovak name is Štúrovo.

Historically, Parkan played a strategically important role due to its location on the Danube, acting as a border town and a point of contention between the Kingdom of Hungary and various other powers, including the Ottoman Empire. The town and its fortifications were often the site of battles and sieges.

The history of Parkan is closely intertwined with that of Esztergom, and both towns have been influenced by various cultures and empires over the centuries. Following the Ottoman occupation of Esztergom in the 16th century, Parkan gained increased significance as a border fortress. The fortifications were expanded and strengthened to defend against Ottoman advances.

After centuries of shifting allegiances and military conflicts, Parkan eventually became part of Czechoslovakia after World War I, and subsequently part of Slovakia after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993.

Today, Štúrovo/Parkan is a border town with a predominantly Hungarian-speaking population. While remnants of the historical fortifications can still be seen, the town is now focused on tourism and cross-border cooperation with Esztergom. It's known for its thermal baths and its bridge connecting Slovakia and Hungary.