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Nógrád Castle (originally Novigrad, meaning 'New Castle') is Hungary’s oldest irregularly shaped stone castle with an internal tower. It stands on a large plateau, 60 meters above the surrounding area, in the village of Nógrád, surrounded by the Ipoly River in the Börzsöny region.
Originally built in the 11th century with wooden and earth walls, Nógrád Castle later became royal property. In the 13th century, King Ladislaus IV gave it to the Diocese of Vác. The stone inner castle, now mostly in ruins, was rebuilt in the 15th century by Bishop Miklós Báthory, who added the still-visible three-story tower. Notable architects involved included Jacobus Tragurinus and possibly Giovanni Dalmata.
Captured by the Ottomans in 1544, the castle was retaken 50 years later, but again fell in 1663. In 1685, a lightning strike caused a gunpowder explosion, destroying the inner castle. After that, it lost military importance and fell into decay.
Minor excavations began in 1949, with significant restoration in 1997. In 2023, it was declared unsafe and closed. After safety improvements in 2024, the castle was partially reopened to visitors in 2025.