Pölöske combines a turbulent castle history with wetlands and vineyards that are still cultivated. Teleki Castle and the Pölöske Lakes add architectural and landscape features to the history of the village. The Sohollári Valley, with its memorial sites and an arboretum, is nearby.
Castle History and Remembrance
The castle of Pölöske was captured and set on fire by the Turks in 1664 after several unsuccessful sieges. It was recaptured soon afterwards and restored; in 1702, Leopold I ordered its demolition. A thicket now grows over the remains. The 1664 Heroes’ Memorial commemorates the Pölöske fighters who died in the battle against the Ottomans, as well as the heroes of the border fortresses of Zala. The war memorial in Pölöske bears 101 names.
Teleki Castle and Horse Breeding
The Teleki Castle in Pölöske included two large, two-storey granaries with hipped roofs, a small chapel by the road, and a large former stud farm for horse breeding. The castle park includes a sequoia with branches reaching the ground and a slightly conical crown. The history of horse breeding is also dated: Count István Széchenyi founded a stud farm in 1855, for which horses were also brought in from England.
Lakes, Wetlands and Viticulture
The open waters of the Pölöske Lakes are dotted with larger and smaller islands. Reeds fringe the shores, alongside a marshy bog. Various species of wild ducks and wild geese can often be spotted at Lake Pölöske. The islands, wet shores and birdlife are all among the area’s described landscape features.
Vineyards are still cultivated in Kishegy and Öreghegy. At the same time, the younger generation is increasingly using the wine cellars in the hills as weekend homes. Much of the grapevines have been cleared, and table grapes are now grown mainly for personal use. These details show two simultaneous developments in local land use: vineyards continue to be cultivated in both areas, while the use of the cellars and vines is changing.
Nearby: the Sohollári Valley
Near Pölöske, in the Sohollári Valley, is the Hét Vezér memorial site with commemorative posts. Beside it stand two groups of spruce trees, about a hundred years old and protected by conservation measures. On the other side of the road is the hunters’ memorial tree. Memorials and protected trees are therefore found in close succession there.
The Sohollári Arboretum, established in 1972, surrounds the hunting lodge in the Sohollári Valley. It contains a small artificial lake with an island in the middle. For years, the arboretum has hosted the central opening event of the hunting season in Zala; its main feature is a Hubertus Mass. St Hubertus Chapel was consecrated in 2001 and built specifically for the hunting season openings. If you are planning to attend the event, check the date before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Nagykapornak, Zalaszentmihály, Zalaigrice, Misefa.
Go to the main travel overview: Pacsai.
