Francis II Rákóczi, prince of Transylvania and the leader of the Hungarian independence war fought in the early 17th century, attempted to bring together every noble and non-noble inhabitant of the country. Displayed here are items of military equipment that can be linked to the struggle; among them are weapons used by the prince’s forces and others used by his opponents. The artefacts shown include examples of the famous Libertas copper coins minted by Rákóczi and a very rare gold forint coin bearing a half-length portrait of the prince. Treasures belonging to the Rákóczi, Thököly, and Zrínyi families indicate the close connections that existed between Hungarian aristocratic families at this time.

interesting facts:

Ádam Mányoki, Rákóczi’s court painter, made several portraits of the prince. One is to be found in our exhibition.
During his years of exile, Rákóczi spent many hours in his joinery workshop. One of the masterpieces made by him is displayed here.