Komorn

Komorn, a town and fortress in Hungary, situated on the island of Schütt, in the Danube, which is here crossed by a bridge of boats, 48 miles NW. of Pesth. The town, which is irregularly built, with narrow, gloomy streets, contains (1891) 13,072 inhabitants, who trade in corn and timber, cultivate the vine, and carry on fishing. The fortress, one of the strongest in Europe, commenced in the end of the 13th century, was greatly enlarged and strengthened by Matthias Corvinus; the fortifications were again restored and improved in 1805-9. It requires for its defence at least 15,000 men and 400 pieces of artillery. Although taken by Ferdinand I. in 1527, it successfully stood the Turks in 1543, 1594, and 1663. Klapka held it for the Hungarians against the Austrians from October 1848 to September 1849.