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Big cities in Hungary – 5 facts you may not know about Kaposvár – PHOTOS

Kaposvár

For most of the people, Budapest is the first thing that comes to their mind when they think about Hungary. This country is beautiful, and it has many other beautiful cities. We have already written about Győr, Szeged, Debrecen, Veszprém, Pápa, Kecskemét, Szekszárd, Tatabánya, Salgótarján, and many other cities. Now, let us take a look at Kaposvár.

General information

Kaposvár is the county seat of Somogy county. It is 180 kilometres away from Budapest and has about 70 thousand inhabitants. The town lies on the shore of the Kapos River, on the Somogyi Hills. It is told to be the capital of “Somogy country” because locals believe that it is independent. Kaposvár was built on seven hills, just like the ancient Rome.

The city of flowers

Kihagy6atlan.hu writes that between the two World Wars, fathers of Kaposvár wanted to make the town’s look prettier. Therefore, they planted trees and flowers that resulted in the name City of Flowers by 1920′. Kaposvár won the first prize both nationally and internationally. It won the Hungarian For a flowered Hungary (Virágos Magyarországért) and the French Competition of the European Flowered Cities and Villages (Európai Virágos Városok és Falvak Versenye) as well. Moreover, Kaposvár created the unique Wildflower Path for the Millenial Celebrations. The path begins at the County Hall in Kaposvár and goes all the way to Szilvásszentmárton. It is special because of the carved sculptures in the oak trees along the way. The shapes of these are indigenous wildflowers of the area. Furthermore, there are more names in connection with flowers in Kaposvár, for example, the Waterlilly fountain at the Theatre Park and the Flower Bath (Virágfürdő).

A mesmerising walk in the city

Citizens of Kaposvár can be very proud of their town, writes turistamagazin.hu, because the Main Square and the Main Street won prestigious prizes. What is more, the town has many titles in connection with its beautiful flowers, as we mentioned above. In the city centre, while walking around one can take a closer look of many fountains and statues. Furthermore, the secession style buildings show how life looked like in the last decade. The town put a big emphasis on renovating the old buildings and preserving the original look of Kaposvár.

Culture: museums

There are so many museums in Kaposvár that is is quite a challenge to list them all. You can visit the Ripple-Rónai Museum to admire the paintings of this brilliant man. Also, the Vaszary Memorial House is the other place for you if you are keen on arts and painting. The Mineral Museum is usually the favourite place for the younger ones, but it has a more serious side for adults as well. Because nature and outdoors is an important feature in Somogy, you can find a Sports Museum here, too. Finally, there is even a museum that displays the merchants of Kaposvár in the older times.

The dark Somogy

There is a mean stereotype that there is nothing in Somogy county, it is just dark. However, developers of the city and the Danube-Drava National Park made this for the advantage of the area. Notably, the Zselici Woodland is a breathtaking forest with a very dark sky in the evening, that means, the light pollution is unnoticeable. This makes it possible to examine the beautiful sky with the stars and the moon, unlike in bigger cities. If you love nature and the stars, you should definitely visit the Zselic Starry Sky Park. There is even an astronomical observatory in the proximity of Kardosfa.

Photos: www.facebook.com/zselicicsillagpark

Places worth a visit

Additionally, there are more destinations you may want to visit:

  • Kaposvár Terrarium (Terrárium)
  • Saint Jakab Benedictine Abbey Ruin Garden (Szentjakabi Bencés Apátság Romkert)
  • Kaposvár Gallery and Statue Garden (Kaposvári Galéria és Szoborpark)
  • Ruins of the Kaposvár Castle
  • Deseda Lake
  • Festetics Castle (Festetics-kastély)
  • Hard Palace (Kemény Palota)

Featured image: Csák István, www.facebook.com/csakistiphoto

Hungarian attractions appear in Dan Brown’s latest novel

Dan Brown Origin book novel

Dan Brown, the worldwide known best-seller author, visited Hungary in 2016 when Ron Howard directed Inferno with Tom Hanks in Budapest. It seems like the city charmed Dan Brown so much that he put famous locations from Budapest into his latest novel, the Origin. Konyves.blog.hu wrote about the details.

About the author

Dan Brown is a well-known author whose works include The Da Vinci Code, Inferno among others. There are also movies based on his novels. According to his website, his novels “are published in 56 languages around the world with over 200 million copies in print”. The topic of his latest novel, the Origin, is the war between religion and science.

Dan Brown Origin novel book

The Hungarian locations

An important thread of the story appears in Budapest, and the readers get a detailed description of the synagogue at Dohány street, the Chain Bridge, the Szimpla Café, and the party district.

Don Brown Origin book novel

Summary

The Origin‘s main plot takes place in Spain. Professor Robert Langdon travels to Bilbao because one of his former students invited him to the Guggenheim Museum. The student is Edmund Kirsch, an unbelievably successful future scientist, and tech magnate. He promises to make a big scientific announcement in the evening that will overwrite all religions. The announcement, however, ends tragically way before it could begin. Therefore, the exploration remains a secret. On the other hand, Langdon and the director of the museum decide to find a way to reveal the discovery.

Films shot in Budapest

Budapest is a beloved place to shoot movies. Click here to find some. One of the latest films of that kind is the Red Sparrow.

Our capital is also a popular destination for Hollywood stars. Here, you can read about this topic. Have you heard what Jennifer Lawrence stated about her origins and Hungary? Click here to find out.

Photos: www.facebook.com/DanBrown

5 Hungarian destinations for spring to dispel boredom – PHOTO GALLERY

Székesfehérvár Bory castle

Spas, castles, look-out towers and pálinka festivals, or cultural programmes such as the Seuso-treasures or the Chagall Exhibition? Travelo.hu collected five Hungarian destinations that offer wonderful adventures for you in the spring as well.

Veszprém

Veszprém is called The City of Queens. It was built on seven hills; this is why it is called the Transdanubian Rome. Linguists also say that Veszprém’s name has a Slavish origin: ‘bezprim’, that means uneven. This indicates that there are falls in the city that makes it possible to hike. There are more look-out towers you can choose from, or if you have the courage, explore them all! There is also a guided walk in the city centre, also in English. Click here to find more information about it.

If you like arts, do not miss out the Chagall Exhibition in Veszprém that you can visit until the 19th of April. At the Dezső Laczkó Museum, you can admire over 150 works of his.

The Veszprém Zoo is definitely worth a visit because last year it welcomed a new zebra and a ring-tailed lemur baby. It is a perfect program if you travel with children but also for adults since you can take a huge walk in the area. There is a lovely pathway that connects the castle with the zoo. Furthermore, you can find nice pubs, bistros, restaurants, and cafés here.

Székesfehérvár

It is The City of Kings because it used to be a capital, a coronation place, and burial-place for kings. It has a long and rich history. Its story begins when the first Hungarian king, Saint Stephen started a pilgrimage route to the holy land from here. This was when he made it a reigning capital. The Romkert (Ruin Garden) guards the rains of these old times up until these days. There is also an open-air museum, where visitors can get to know the Hungarian customs and traditions.

Today, Székesfehérvár is a big, busy city with lots of programmes and sights. The Árpád Bath and the Black Eagle Apothecary Museum are also top attractions. In April, there will be a Pálinka Festival where you can choose from at least 60 booths’ offer. Moreover, there will be many traditional Hungarian foods you can try.

If you are a romantic type or you love architecture, you must visit the Bory castle. The entire castle was built by Jenő Bory after the first World War during 40 summers, with his own hands, according to his ideas and plans. It is an interesting fact that he did not use any form of paper or drawings, he planned everything only in his head. He was working on it until he passed away, and he offered it to the love of his life.

Gyula

The Almásy-Castle is one of the most wonderful sights of Gyula. Its renovation ended just two years ago, and there is already a new plan for adding a ballroom to the building. Right next to the castle is the Gyulai Castle Spa where visitors can admire the castle can admire the castle from the surface of the water. It has a special section, the Aqua Palace, where there are diving-boards and slides. The exciting news is that you can find a unique slide here, the only one in Hungary that goes upwards.

There are also many bars, cafés, and restaurants in the city. The atmosphere is kid-friendly, so it is a perfect destination for families as well. The castle of Gyula offers various programmes such as Renaissance morning on Saturdays and hawking shows. Visitors can try to write with birds’ feather or dress up like the people in the older times. Additionally, there are lectures about fruit preservation or smithing.

Vác

In Vác, you can visit the exhibition of a Munkácsy prize winner Merited artist, Ferenc Sajdik, a freeman of Budapest, at the Main Square. Click here for more information. Also, at the same location, there is the Church of the White, that got its name from the ‘white’ Dominican monks. In 1990, during a big renovation, 265 heavily decorated coffins were found full of treasures. You can take a look at them at the Ignác Tragor Museum.

The Cathedral of Vác is also worth a mention because it was built in the times when the city was separated into two halves with planks. In one half, the Hungarians lived, in the other, the Germans resided. Károly Eszterházy bishop commanded the planks to be torn down. He dreamt about “a miniature Vatican“, but the construction was never finished.

The Costes is one of the best confectioneries in Hungary. László Mihályi is its founder, who was the first baker to bring the French confectionary style to Hungary. If you are looking for outdoor programmes, take a walk Gyadai Teaching Path, where you will find your adventure no matter how old you are. There is a treasure hunt for the youngest ones, but you can also admire the stars in the evening.

Nyíregyháza

If you have not seen the Seuso Treasures yet, Nyíregyháza is the place you should go. The exhibition is open from the 27th of March until the 15th of April at the András Jósa Museum.

Nyíregyháza is famous for its safari park, which won the first prize at the Touristic Attraction of the Year competition in 2017. More than 500 species and 5000 animals live in the 300 acres park. In 2018, a dingo baby was born here; an animal that can be seen only here in Hungary.

Sóstófürdő is a bath next to the zoo that has a medical section as well. It is located on the shore of a beautiful lake surrounded by a walking path. For those who are seeking for longer walks, there is an oak tree forest right next to the lake. Another way to enjoy nature is to visit the János Tuzsin Botanic Garden. Here, you can admire a one-metre-diametred waterlily and a labyrinth built from 550 thujas.

Feature image: Wiki Commons by Globetrotter

Big cities in Hungary – 5 facts you may not know about Salgótarján

Somoskő vár castle Nógrád megye county

For most of the people, Budapest is the first thing that comes to their mind when they think about Hungary. This country is beautiful, and it has many other beautiful cities. We have already written about Győr, Szeged, Debrecen, Veszprém, Kecskemét, Szekszárd, and Tatbánya and many other towns. Now, let us take a look at Salgótarján.

General information

Salgótarján is the second smallest county seat in Hungary after Szekszárd, and it is the capital of Nógrád county. It lies about 110 kilometres away from Budapest. Its origin goes back even to the conquest of the Carpathian Basin. Three mountains and two rivers surround it. It is best known for its heavy industry, engine building, and coal industry.

Nógrád megye county Somoskő vára castle
Photo: Wiki Commons by sandorb

Nature

Right next to Salgótarján, there is a fascinating natural beauty, a monadnock that arose from a basalt volcanic activity. The 20-25 metres tall basalt columns are unique wonders in the country. Additionally, there is the Castle of Somoskő that is definitely worth a visit because it was built back in the 13th century.

Somoskő vár castle Nógrád megye county

Somoskő vár castle Nógrád megye county

Furthermore, there is a so-called teaching pathway all the way up to Boszorkánykő (Witch Rock). The path has boards with exciting pieces of information written on them about the history of the area so that it can teach the younger generations.

forest woods path walk bridge nature

Near Salgótarján, there is Ipolytarnóc. Here, a 20 million years old pine tree and footstep remains were found.

Ipolytarnóc ősmaradványok lelőhely

Ipolytarnóc ősmaradványok fossil remain lelőhely
Photos: Wiki Commons by takkk

To sum up, if you like spending time in the woods and hike, this place has a lot to offer!

Safari Park

On more than 17 acres lies a Safari Park in Salgótarján. It aims to teach children to protect the environment and value the beauty of nature. Visitors can see indigenous flora and fauna here and learn about them: moufflons, hind, fallow-deer, and wild-boars.

animal safari park deer

animal safari park deer

animal safari park deer

Mine museum

This museum is the first underground facility in the country that is placed in an abandoned mine. It teaches visitors about the progress of coal mining and the tools used for it. When the mine functioned in the 20th century, about 800 thousand tons of coal was extracted here. The museum takes part in the yearly organised Night of the Museums event.

Salgótarján Nógrád megye county bányamúzeum mine museum
Photo: Wiki Commons by Béla Sándor

Hollókő

Hollókő is a smaller town in Nógrád county, 45 kilometres away from Salgótarján. It aims to preserve Hungarian culture and traditions. One of the biggest attractions of the town is the Castle of Hollókő because there is a mysterious legend connected to its name. If you wish to find out more about it and check out the other sights, such as the traditional tilted roof houses, read our article on the topic here.

Hollókő tradition Easter Húsvét locsolás sprinkeling
Photo: www.facebook.com/IloveHolloko

Do not forget to take a look at the other articles of our series that include many interesting facts about other less-known but fascinating cities of Hungary.

Two Hungarian museums in the European top 40

Two Hungarian museums made it to the second round of the competition for the European Museum of the Year Award 2018, as magyarmuzeumok.hu states. It caught some people by surprise because none of these tow possesses a traditional public collection.

Almásy Mansion Visitor’s Centre in Gyula

This museum opened in 2016. It has an interactive exhibition which informs the visitors about the life of the residency’s aristocracy and servantry. We can also hear about the long-ago dining habits, meals, and dress codes. Furthermore, there are many interesting stories about the landowner family’s everyday life and the different functions of the castle’s areas.

Gyula Almásy Kastély Castle
Photo: www.facebook.com/GyulaiAlmasykastely

There is a permanent as well as a temporary exhibition. Different programmes on Saturdays are guaranteed. There is a souvenir shop and the Mansion Café, what is more, you can even rent the castle for special occasions. Additionally, on the museum’s homepage, you can also take a virtual tour in case you do not have the chance to come personally. For more information, visit the museum’s website.

If you are in Gyula, do not miss out visiting this fantastic city.

Hospital in the Rock

Once, this museum functioned as a civil defence emergency hospital, hidden from the public. The museum could open in 2008 after the decryption. It has Hungary’s biggest waxwork exhibition that demonstrates the hospital’s history and the development of the army remedy. It also displays the tools of the civil defence.

This museum hosts exciting programmes such as Spygames, Medicine Thematic Activities, Extramural History Lessons, and Interactive Guided Tours. Its website is very informative for this reason you should definitely take a look.

Sziklakórház Museum Hospital in the Rock
Photo: www.facebook.com/pg/Sziklakorhaz.Hospital.in.the.Rock

Because the Hospital in the Rock lies in the historical Buda Castle Area, there is a lot to do after visiting the exhibition. Take a look at the Buda Castle, have a walk at the Fisherman’s Bastion, or take a visit to the Labyrinth in Buda Castle.

The final

The final challenge of the European Museum of the Year Award 2018 will be between the 9th and the 12th of May in Warsaw, where applicants can make a presentation about their museums. Who do you think will be the winner this year?

European Museum of the Year Award 2019

Parallel to this competition, application for the European Museum of the Year Award 2019 has already started. Any museums that opened or went through a significant innovation in the last three years can apply. The deadline is the 12th of April 2018.

Featured image: www.facebook.com/GyulaiAlmasykastely

Big cities in Hungary – 5 facts you may not know about Szekszárd

Szekszárd town city hall városháza

For most of the people, Budapest is the first thing that comes to their mind when they think about Hungary. This country is beautiful, and it has many other beautiful cities. We have already written about Győr, Szeged, Debrecen, Kecskemét and many other towns. Now, let’s take a look at Szekszárd.

Szekszárd lies in the south-west area of Hungary, at the meeting point of the Transdanubian Hills and the Great Hungarian Plain. It is the capital of Tolna county and centre of the Szekszárd wine region. Its old name is Szegszárd.

Szekszárd map Tolna county capital
Photo: www.google.hu/maps

Fewest but happiest inhabitants

It is fascinating that, as for its population, it is the smallest county seat in Hungary. It had only about 33,000 inhabitants in 2017, according to nepesseg.com. However, a happiness research from 2016 shows that Szekszárd is the third happiest county capital in Hungary. People are only happier in Tatabánya and Székesfehérvár. By area, it’s the second smallest behind Tatabánya on the list.

Wine region

Szekszárd is the centre of the Szekszárd wine region. Boraszportal.hu writes that in this area, there is a lot of sunshine all year long. Furthermore, the soil is thick loess, and the winter is mild. Therefore, this place is perfect for viniculture. There is evidence that even in Roman times, there was a wine region here. A sarcophagus was found decorated with paintings that also depict a vine-stock. First, white wines were produced in a larger amount in the Middle Ages. Later on, red wines became more popular due to the Ottoman impact. A fun fact is that there are about 4500 wineries here today.

Szekszárd borvidék wine region grape
Photo: http://www.szekszard.hu

Resting place of I. Béla

I. Béla, the Champion, was the sixth king of Hungary. He supported Catholicism and cultural values. Two of his sons, Géza and László both became kings later on. According to the legend, his throne collapsed onto him, and this is how he died. It is also said that his soldiers were carrying him for days so that he can be buried in Szekszárd. In fact, no evidence has been found yet on these legends.

City of writers

Well-known Hungarian people were born in Szekszárd. One of them was Mihály Babits, a unique figure in the 19th century as a poet, author, and translator. Ervin Lázár also lived here in the 20th century, and he was a beloved author who wrote many tales and stories for children. Szekszárd was also the hometown of Miklós Mészöly author.

Conflagration

As magyarorszagkul.nlcafe.hu reports, the Catholic church in the city centre burned down in 1925. It happened because of children who tried to smoke the pigeons out. The inhabitants did their best to collect money for the renovation. They were selling postcards with a picture of the church’s original look. Eventually, they managed to sell 80 thousands of them, and they renovated their beloved church in the end.

Szekszárd church catholic belvárosi
Photo: Wiki Commons

When you visit Szekszárd, don’t miss out the following sights!

The Gingerbread Museum was founded in 1825 by the Petrits Family, and today the sixth generation is making gingerbread, candies, sweets, and candles in the original, traditional way. Visitors can decorate their own gingerbread and even get a guided tour in Hungarian, English and German languages. The Baka Museum is a military history museum of the 20th century and the two world wars. Birthplace of Mihály Babits, the famous Hungarian author, was born, is a museum since 1983, which was the hundredth jubilee of his birth. Gemenc is a unique forest in the Danube-Drava National Park, near to Szekszárd. This is the only remaining tidal area of the Danube. There are many programmes here such as the forest railway and all sorts of educational events.

mézeskalács múzeum gingerbread museum Szekszárd Petrits family
Photo: www.facebook.com/MezeskalacsMuzeum

Featured image: Wiki Commons

Budapest from a Swedish point of view – PHOTOS

budapest

It is interesting and also useful to know what tourists like the most about our country. Therefore, turizmus.com collected what to visit in Budapest, according to the Swedish point of view. Take a look!

Alltomresort, a Swedish touristic website, listed worth-visiting places in Budapest. Their colleagues didn’t just read about the city, but they experienced its charm personally! However, they do refer to Karavan guide’s tips as well.

Amazing sights in Budapest

According to Alltomresort’s journalists, Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő is essential to visit if you stay in Budapest. They call the building a palace, where you can even get married while bathing in hot water!

Photo: szechenyibath.hu

Memento Park’s communist statues are just as interesting. “When the iron-curtain was pulled up, and Hungary became officially free, people got rid of all communist symbols.” – writes the journalist duo.

Memento Park communist communism statue
Photo: Wiki Commons

The next attractions are rather gastronomical: the lovely Kéhli Vendéglő and Doblo winery.

Kéhli Vendéglő restaurant
Photo: Wiki Commons
wine Budapest Doblo winery
Photo: www.facebook.com/budapestwine

As for the buildings, the writers paid attention to the Hungarian Central Bank’s building as well as the Museum of Applied Arts.

MNB Magyar Nemzeti Bank Hungarian Central Bank bank
Photo: Wiki Commons
Iparművészeti Múzeum Museum of Applied Arts
Photo: www.facebook.com/IparmuveszetiMuzeum

Furthermore, also the Danube charmed the Swedish people with its romantic, beautiful, and old bridges.

Cultural sights on the list include the Liszt Academy and the Hungarian State Opera, as well as the 360 rooftop bar, from where the view is mesmerizing.

Balettintézet Liszt Academy
Photo: Wiki Commons
Photo: Wiki Commons
Budapest view 360 Bar rooftop
Photo: www.facebook.com/360Bar

Budapest Pinball Museum is quite surprising on ht list unlike Szimpla Kert, which is a ruin bar in District 7.

Budapest Pinball Museum Flippermúzeum
Photo: www.facebook.com/PbalGalleryFlipper
Szimpla Kert kocsma bar ruinbar
Photo: www.facebook.com/szimplakert

Additionally, they mention Szabadság-szobor (Hungarian Liberty Statue) and Gellérthegy (Gellért Hill) because of the fantastic view from the top.

Szabadságszobor Liberty Statue
Photo: www.facebook.com/Szabadság-szobor-Budapest

Gellérthegy Gellért Hill Budapest view kilátás

Hollókő – a charming town in the mountains

Hollókő skanzen traditional costume dress népviselet

Holókő hides in the picturesque landscape of the Cserhát Mountain in Hungary. It is worth a visit whether it is summer or winter!

The legend of Hollókő

As magyarorszagom.hu writes, the town’s fantastic history goes back to the XIII. Century.

‘Hollókő’ means ‘Ravenstone’ in English

and this name is in connection with a legend. According to the story, the lord of the castle captured a beautiful girl, but her nanny was, in fact, a witch. The nanny made a deal with the devil that he would help her release the girl. Servants of the devil concealed themselves as ravens and stole the stones of the lord’s castle. Castle of Hollókő was built from these stones later on.

Hollókő castle vár rom
Photo: www.holloko.hu

History and sights

If you come nearby, don’t miss on checking out the remains! The amazing exhibition of weapons, cannon-balls and engraved objects will definitely compensate for climbing up on the steep hill. If it’s not enough, then the breathtaking view of the entire Bükki National Park will doubtlessly convince you.

Because of the tached roofs, the town was burnt several times until the middle of the XX. Century. In 1909, the town successful renovated its buildings to their original look. However, this time clay brick walls and tiled roofs were used to avoid similar accidents. Nevertheless, the typical middle-aged arrangement of the town remained clearly visible. There is only one main street from which smaller streets branch off.

In the middle of the city, there is the Roman Catholic church since 1889. It has wooden towers and a tiled roof. The 67 peasant cottages have characteristic, tilted roofs and carved wooden backs.

The inside of the houses

Hollókő tradition folk
Photo: www.holloko.hu

Inner set-up of the furniture follows the palóc ethnic group’s style from the XVII. Century. It means three separated rooms. Stepping inside from the porch, we can see a kitchen and a dining room first. During winter time, this place was the warmest because of the fireplace. The pantry opens from the kitchen and dining room. People used it to store food and agrarian tools. Older relatives used to rest here during the evening. The so-called ‘clean-room’ looks to the front and it is the most decorated room in all houses. In Hollókő, on the contrary of other towns – the ‘clean-room’ functioned not only for hosting guests but also for the lord of the house and his family.

As the size of families grew, the houses had to grow as well. This is how they gained the form we can see today. One of these houses is used as a museum. Here, you can take a look at what arrangement of the furniture and decoration of the house. If you are interested in the traditional artisanship, you should visit the weaving house.

Hollókő, a town full of life

On the other hand, Hollókő is not an open-air museum.

People live here, therefore you can find a town hall, a school, a post office, accommodations, and restaurants, too.

Hollókő népviselet traditional custome dress folk dance néptánc
Photo: www.facebook.com/IloveHolloko

The town of 400 people is the home of the palóc people. Traditional members of this ethnic group keep their heritage alive. They do wear their national costume and dance their famous dance on holidays and special occasions. Young girls’ and brides’ mesmerising dresses are especially notable. If you want to take part in a lovely Easter holiday celebration, you have to visit Hollókő since this is the town’s most important holiday. During this season,

locals make a tribute to their traditions and put a big emphasis on handicraft.

It’s hard to find a date when nothing exciting is happening in Hollókő. Some of their popular programmes are the Raspberry Festival and the Hollókő Castle Games.

The easiest way to find Hollókő is to drive on the M3 highway, turn at Hatvan, then follow Road 21 and turn at Pásztó to the direction of Hollókő.

For more information about a charming little town with its wonder, click here.

Featured image: Wiki Commons

Miniature Hungary: a maquette park in Szarvas

Szeged dóm The Cathedral and Votive Church of Our Lady of Hungary miniature mini maquette Szarvas

Hungary’s unique Miniature Hungary Maquette Park is definitely worth a visit! Guests can explore the tiny elements of many famous Hungarian buildings, boats and trains from a brand new perspective. The miniature masterpieces were carefully made in great detail. Furthermore, the park offers interactive programmes to keep the little ones busy and the older ones amazed.

miniature maquette Szarvas park mini
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

The park can be found in the beautiful Arboretum of Szarvas, which is the most significant arboretum in Hungary and lies in the picturesque area of the Körös river. Szarvas is the geometrical centre of both the Carpathian Basin and the historical Greater Hungary.

In the park, almost a hundred maquettes charm curious guests ranging from the youngest to the elderly age group. The collection of the famous building’s miniature replicas include the following but not limited to:

The Hungarian Parliament, Budapest

parlament parliament mini maquette miniature Szarvas
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

The Chain Bridge, Budapest

Lánchíd Chain Bridge mini maquette miniature Szarvas
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

The Heroes’ Square, Budapest

mini maquette Szarvas Hősök tere Heroes' Square
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

The Cathedral and Votive Church of Our Lady of Hungary, Szeged

Szeged dóm The Cathedral and Votive Church of Our Lady of Hungary miniature mini maquette Szarvas
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

Hotel Spa Hévíz

Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

The Reformed Great Church, Debrecen

mini miniature maquette Szarvas Nagytemplom Reformed Great Church Debrecen
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

Cifrapalota, Kecskemét

mini miniature maquette Szarvas Kecskemét Cifrapalota
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

The Tihany Abbey

mini miniature maquette Tihany apátság abbey Szarvas
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

Moreover, there are fantastic boat and train tracks to admire. What is more, visitors can operate the 22 boat and railway models by pressing the buttons.mini miniature maquette Szarvas vonat train vasút railway

Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

Lake Balaton’s first paddle-steam boat, Kisfaludy, was put on water on the 21st of September 1846. It was the 55th birthday of Count István Széchenyi, the great reformer.

mini miniature Szarvas maquette boat hajó csónak ship
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

The maquette park is constantly growing. Therefore, it is even worth to come back from time to time.

During your visit in Szarvas, don’t forget to check out other sights and programmes like the Water Theatre, the Katalinka cruise ship, the Saint András Brewery, the Körös-Maros National Park and the Arboretum of Szarvas. Have fun! 🙂

Featured image: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas

The Church of Ják – a lovely basilica from the Middle Ages

jáki templom Ják church basilica

Hungary has many wonders; this is why one should explore as many as possible. Based on the article of magyarorszagom.hu, we introduce you the amazing Church of Ják.

The church of Ják is the monumental basilica of the long-ago Benedictine Abbey of Ják. It was built in the Roman style and is an essential part of the Hungarian architecture. It is the only undamaged survivor of the Hungarian ethnical monasteries of the Middle Ages.

The church lies a hundred kilometres away from the capital. It is on the top of the hills in the Jáki-Soros-Stream Valley. Therefore visitors can see it from any direction.

jáki templom Ják church basilica

History and construction

Its founder was Márton Jáki Nagy. He was a noble person, and he started to build a large estate in the 12th century. He wanted to be remembered for his wealth and power, so he ordered the building of this enormous church. During its construction, workers modified the plans several times. As a result, irregularity appears on the finished building. It was baptised in 1256, for the respect of Saint György.

Characteristics of the buildings

The thick-set church is visible from 10 to 15 kilometres away. It perfectly fits in its surroundings. From the south, the building is surrounded by a wall. The most famous part of the church, the main entrance is here. It is deepening, proportioned and decorated with Norman motives. Furthermore, above the gate, we can see a Jesus on the tympana with angels and apostles.

jáki templom Ják church basilica

As we step inside, we can see the southern side with another gate. It is not as detailed as the main entrance, but its columns decorated with bay-leaves are beautiful. There is also an embossment of God’s sheep and a dragon figure around them. Leaving this gate behind, we find the entrance of the church, and across the street front, there is the Saint Jakab Chapel. In the middle ages, it was forbidden for the abbeys to function as town churches at the same time. Therefore, the chapel functioned as the church of the town.

The eastern side of the church is less decorated. There are semi-column triads herewith animals and leaf-ornaments. We can also see the Catholic man’s triumph over the dragons.

The sanctuary is decorated. The two-story main apse is in between the two lower side apses. On the main shoulder, there are leaf and chess patterns.

Going around the sacristy, we get back to the southern gate.

jáki templom church Ják basilica

Inside of the church

Because of the loophole-like windows, it seems to be dark inside of the church. However, it doesn’t stop visitors to realise how massive the three-bayed basilica is. The loft is so big that is could have functioned as a separate chapel. The patron’s place was the sedilia behind the organ. The most-used elements of the decoration in the church are members of flora and fauna.

Owners and renovations

The estate had several different owners due to the historical events through the centuries. In 1455, Bertold Elderbach possessed it, but his son gave it to Tamás Bakócz. This is how the Erdődy Family inherited it.

1532 was an important date in the church’s history because back then the Ottoman attacked and seriously damaged the building. At this time the sculptures, which were accessible, were beheaded. From 1562, nobody lived here, and the burgess of Szombathely burnt it down in 1567.

Fortunately, the church was renovated between 1660 and 1666. At last, it was repaired between 1896 and 1904. This time, the central idea was to recreate the original look as explicitly as possible.Hungar

Featured image: Photo: Wiki Commons by jvpjudis

Debrecen Eye, a new attraction at the Christmas Fair of Debrecen – PHOTOS

Dehir.hu reports that this year, the Christmas Fair of Debrecen offers several novelties, like the big wheel of Debrecen.

The new attraction, called Debrecen Eye, has been in operation for a few weeks now in the Christmas Fair of Debrecen. It operates at the main square, and because of this novelty, the Christmas tree was set up closer to the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen this year. The 15-meter-high Christmas tree was offered by János Gábor Szilágyi, an inhabitant from the quarter of Kismacs in Debrecen. Furthermore, the younger ones can also enjoy sightseeing train tours between the Great Church and the big wheel that offers a great opportunity for them to admire the illuminated attractions.

The Christmas atmosphere is crowned by the 170,000 floodlights used as decoration for the Christmas Fair besides another 16,500 that dress up the Christmas tree itself.

MTI Photo: Zsolt Czeglédi

In Piac Street, to the great delight of the visitors, the sight of the spectacular and extremely popular lighted tree and the lighted fountain can also be admired. In addition to this, the variety of attractions culminates in an illuminated ball into which people can even sit.

The illuminated Debrecen Eye /MTI Photo: Zsolt Czeglédi/

At the square, the “Give it further” cottage is also set up where the Caritative Association of Debrecen welcome durable goods and other presents from those willing to donate which are going to be distributed among those in need.

Besides all these, without doubt, the most popular novelty is the Debrecen Eye that is 33 meters in diameter and operates between 24 November and 6 January. As far as the ticket prices are concerned, it is 1,500 Ft (5 euros) for an adult and 1,200 (4 euros) for pensioners and kids under 12, but family tickets are also available for 4,500 Ft (15 euros).

The Főnix Event Organizer Nonprofit Ltd., the organizer of the market, said that visitors can enjoy the big wheel ride for about 5 minutes, that is 3 complete circles, and given the 26 open cubicles, even 156 people can take a ride at the same time.

/MTI Photo: Zsolt Czeglédi/

The opening hours of the Debrecen Eye:

from Monday to Thursday: 14-20 o’clock
on Friday and Saturday: 12-22 o’clock
On Sunday: 12-21 o’clock

After taking a ride, those interested can visit the market where 100 cottages welcome the guests with their unique products. Meanwhile, the background music is provided by stage concerts and performances.

This year, the building of the Old City Hall is also open to the public, and while it was transformed into a fairy-tale garden on 20 August, during the season of Advent, angels are in the center of its theme.

Photo: MTI
The Christmas Fair of Debrecen, photo: MTI

Featured image: MTI

The Pearl of the Danube – Budapest, the romantic capital

Budapest

Australiantimes reports that Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, is rightly placed among the most attractive European capitals. Besides its cultural and political centrality, it offers a lot more than tourists would expect. It is easily accessible by plane and it does not matter whether you stay only for a long weekend or for a whole week, there is a lot to explore in the romantic capital.

What is so romantic about Budapest? Here is the list:

Is is the river Danube?
Cutting Budapest into Buda and Pest, the Danube is a magnificient division line between the two banks that offers a stunning view with the bridges like the marvellous Széchenyi Chain Bridge that make visitors and locals alike stop and marvel at the amazing scenery.

Is it the light?
In the morning, it is the vapor covering the river that amazes the passers-by, while at night, the illuminated buildings and the sights offer something magical.

Is it the old touch?
The ancient buildings like the Parliament Building, the largest building in Hungary and the 2nd largest parliament in Europe, provides evidence for the incredible architecture that makes the image of Budapest similar to London with the Houses of Parliament over the Thames.

Is it the green areas?
Apart from the City Park around Vajdahunyad Castle, Margaret Island with its Music Fountain also makes you stop for a moment. Once you are already enchanted, you cannot let yourself not to be lost in your own thoughts.

margaret island margitsziget budapest
Photo: YouTube John Feher – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBaoct6LizAk_8lhsx6It1Q
https://www.facebook.com/bnyfesztival

Is it the Castle District?

Undoubtedly, it is the Castle District that is the most romantic part of Budapest. With the stunningly-decorated Matthias Church and the neo-Romanesque terrace of the Fisherman’s Bastion, a spectacular panoramic view is offered to the whole city.

Some important things to keep in mind:

Public transportation is an excellent means of discovering the city when your accomodation is not in the centre. However, the noisy and crowded metros, buses and trams can easily cause nuisance to a first-time traveller.

In fact, there is nothing better than going on foot and being amazed by the beauties in every corner of the city.

There is, for instance, the Liberty Statue up on the hill holding a palm. Then, right in front of the Parliament, on the Pest bank, you can bump into dozens of pairs of shoes that are in remembrance for the Hungarian Jews who were shot into the Danube by the Nazis leaving their shoes behind. Some further walk will take you to the Gresham Palace Hotel, the example of Art Nouveau architecture or to the St. Stephen’s Basilica. If you are ready for a longer journey, walk through Andrássy Avenue that leads you to the Heroes’ Square where the statues of some outstanding Hungarian figures can be seen. And if you are already there, don’t forget to go to the beautiful City Park or try the thermal facilities of Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

commons.wikimedia.org by Csörföly D user

This list is only a brief desrciption of what is going to wait for you if you are planning a trip to Hungary. With its impressive architecture and affordable facilities, Budapest has a lot to offer irrespectively of age and interest 🙂

10 things to do in Budapest if the weather is bad

There is a great variety of activities in Budapest, so if the weather is unsavory, there is still a lot to do indoors. These are 10 of the best things to do in Budapest on rainy days.

  1. Budapest Pinball Museum

Here: Radnóti Miklós utca 18., 1137, Budapest
Webpage: http://www.flippermuzeum.hu/en/

An interactive pinball exhibition is great fun for both the small ones and adults. Although pinball machines have become a rare appearance in pubs and elsewhere, you can still admire them and even try some of them out at this museum. The pre-pinball machines from the 19th century living next to each other with the latest editions at this interactive exhibition. There are altogether 130 slot machines.
The museum is just a couple blocks away from Nyugati railway station and has been operating since 2013. This is Europe’s biggest slot machine museum.

photo: flippermuzeum.hu

  1. The Hospital in the Rock

Here: Budapest, Lovas út 4/c District I
Web page: http://www.sziklakorhaz.eu/en

We’ve written about the Hospital in the Rock some time ago, highlighting it as an excellent stop in your museum tour. Visiting this collection under the Castle of Buda is an unforgettable experience, so it had to be mentioned in this list as well. Here you will find Hungary’s biggest wax figure collection, presenting the history of the hospital.
There is a 2300 square metres big establishment under the Castle of Buda, which was used during the Second World War and the 1956 Revolution. During the Cold War, it was regarded as a strictly secret place, used as an air-force hospital. It was opened to visits in 2008, and it has become one of the favourite sights of inland and foreign tourists since.
Visiting the museum is only possible as part of guided tours, and children under the age of 6 are not allowed to enter, while it is not advised to bring in children under age 12.

photo: https://www.facebook.com/Sziklakorhaz.Hospital.in.the.Rock/

  1. 3D Gallery Budapest

Here: Budapest, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 17.
Webpage: http://3dgallerybudapest.hu/en/home/

Hungary’s first interactive 3D exhibition is a great leisure time programme since if you bring your camera or smartphone with yourself, you can get some pretty cool shots. You can amaze your friends with photos spiked up with 3D effects, optical illusions and space bending games. You can not only touch the images here, but you can even become part of them. The pictures are always changed, so you will gain new experience during your next trip to the museum. It is next to Saint Stephen Basilica, so why not shoot two birds with one stone?

photo: http://3dgallerybudapest.hu

  1. Miniversum

Here: Budapest, Andrássy út 12.
Webpage: https://www.miniversum.hu/en/

Miniversum is the home to Hungary’s biggest plotting table, where the 100 times micrified works of artists will guide you through Hungarian, German and Austrian landscapes. After 9 months of hard work, the exhibition was opened in 2014. Not only scale-model enthusiasts will find something to fall in love with, but almost anyone else: you can participate actively with the help of different devices in the operation of the tables. There are 5000 mini figures, 1300 railways, 14 locations, 600 buildings and 100 trains on display at the gallery on Andrássy street.

photo: miniversum.hu

  1. The New York Palace

Here: 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11.
Webpage: http://www.newyorkcafe.hu/main-page.html?lang=en

The New York Palace is an ideal place to grab lunch or coffee when you’re on a museum visiting spree. This elegant and pleasant café is worldwide famous. The building where the café was opened in 1894 is one of the most beautiful constructions of the Nagykörút. The building was renovated both on the inside and the outside and it became gorgeous. There are but a few things better than a warm drink or a tasty meal at the New York Palace while admiring the décor of the café.

photo: www.newyorkcafe.hu

  1. Hungarian National Gallery

Here: 1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2.
Webpage: http://mng.hu/en

If you’re spending a couple of days in a foreign country, it is always exciting to visit the country’s biggest national gallery. The Hungarian National Gallery gives you an overview of Hungarian history and fine arts. You can spend hours here wandering between the artwork of Hungarian and foreign artists. Even the location is special, as the biggest Hungarian public art collection is found in the Castle of Buda.

The National Gallery inside Buda Castle

  1. House of Terror Museum

Here: 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 60.
Webpage: http://www.terrorhaza.hu/en

This might be one of the most exceptional programmes in Budapest. The House of Terror Museum presents the period of Hungarian history for which one cannot be prepared. The technical and other elements will give a very concise and true presentation of the communist era. You should be prepared psychologically in advance, because it is a quite shaking experience to visit the used-to-be headquarter of the Nazi secret police and the communist ÁVH. The forlorn screams of the thousands of tortured souls can still be heard and felt in the Andrássy street 60. Still, even though it is overwhelming, you should not skip this museum, as you will forever remember the facts learned here and the experience gained here.

photo: facebook.com/terrorhazamuzeum

  1. Great Market Hall

Here: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093
Webpage: http://www.piaconline.hu/new/index.php?pageLang=angol

As we’ve reported previously, the Great Market Hall was chosen among the most beautiful markets in the world. The classical market elements are combined here with quality souvenirs and traditional Hungarian meals, which you can taste. The building itself is so special, that you can spend a lot of time only with observing the small details both on the inside of the market and the outside. After you’re done examining the building, you can enjoy the culinary treats at Budapest’s number-one market. You can check out our photo gallery featuring the market.

  1. Hungarian National Museum

Here: Budapest, Múzeum krt. 14-16, 1088
Webpage: https://mnm.hu/en/

We’ve suggested visiting the Hungarian National Gallery, and now we’re recommending the Hungarian National Museum as well. You can learn all about the history of Hungarians and the country itself with the help of the items on display. This is a traditional museum, not an interactive one, but it is still worth spending a couple of hours here, as the first national museum of Hungary has been collecting and preserving the intellectual heritage of the Pannonian Basin since 1802.

places to visit
photo: www.facebook.com/NemzetiMúzeum

  1. Tropicarium

Here: 1222 Budapest, Nagytétényi út 37-43.
Webpage: http://tropicarium.hu/en/

At last, but not least, a fun programme for animal lovers. The Tropicarium is in the southern corner of Buda, and the advantage of this ‘zoo’ is that it is roofed, not like the Budapest Zoo. This is an excellent activity even if the weather is gloomy. You can see sharks, stingrays and hundreds of other fish here, along with insects, reptiles and mammals.

photo: tropicarium.hu

featured image: newyorkcafe.hu

Ce: bm

Gorgeous small towns near Budapest

Hungary is full of beautiful small towns with a number of attractions worth visiting. However, most tourists only visit Budapest, which is understandable as the capital has so many sights that a few days are usually not enough to see all of them. But if you travel to Hungary and have a couple more days to spend, here are three small, yet beautiful towns near Budapest that are worth a one-day-trip.

Gödöllő

This beautiful town is located 30 km northeast of Budapest. It can be easily reached by car or local train H8 from Örs Vezér Square. Its main attraction is the Royal Palace or Grassalkovich Palace, but the atmosphere of the town itself is a good reason to spend a day there. The palace was built in the 18th century under the rule of the Grassalkovich family. It was owned by various rich and historically important figures throughout the years. For example, after the compromise between Hungary and Austria in 1867, the palace became a residence of the royal family, while between the two world wars it served as the residence of Regent Horthy. Unfortunately, after 1945 the palace started to decline, as it became partly a barrack for Soviet and Hungarian soldiers and partly a common lodging house. However, the Soviet soldiers left the palace in 1990 and the common lodging house moved, so today the palace serves as a museum and it looks gorgeous once again. People can easily reach it as it is very close to the Main Square.

Royal Palace in Gödöllő
Source: wiki commons

Gödöllő is also a town caring about nature. It has several parks, one of them is located right next to the Royal Palace. Yet it also has an arboretum worth visiting. It was founded in 1902 and it was totally ready by 1914. Before World War II it was considered to be Hungary’s most significant arboretum. It was expanded in 1960, so its original territory of 190 hectares became 350 hectares. 90 per cent of this territory serves as a place of forestry research, while 10 per cent is a park. It is located outside the town, whereas the Botanical Garden of Szent István University is right in the heart of the town. It is significantly smaller than the arboretum, but its magical atmosphere compensates for its size.

Nymphaea in the Botanical Garden of Szent István University
Source: wiki commons

Ráckeve

This town is located on Csepel Island, around 50 km south of Budapest. It can also easily be reached by car or local train H6 from Közvágóhíd. It is truly a town of recreation and tranquility. It is divided by the Danube just like Budapest, though it is much smaller and has only one bridge. Its main square has a unique atmosphere with four towers. One of them belongs to the Serb Orthodox Church, which is located a few streets away providing a calm atmosphere for the visitors, while the other three towers – Firetower, Catholic Church and Calvinist Church – are located in the centre. You can also climb up to the Firetower, which provides a great viewofo the town, the surrounding area and the Danube as well.

Calvinist and Catholic Church next to the Danube
Source: wiki commons
Firetower in Ráckeve
Source: facebook / Tűztorony-Kilátó

The Danube plays an important role in the town’s life, one of its attractions is also connected to the river: the boat market. It is not surprising that a Hungarian town has a market. What is unique about it is that it is not located on a square but at the bank of the Danube and merchants tend to arrive by boat. It has been a tradition which is still alive. The whole market is a corridor next to the river. It is usually held on every Wednesday and Saturday morning, so if you want to buy some tasty Hungarian sausage, lángos, vegetables or even live animals, you should go and try it!

Szentendre

This town is also located near the capital and can be reached by car, the local train H5 or even by boat! This town attracts tourists with its wonderful atmosphere. It is not only a frequent destination of foreigners, but Hungarians also like to visit that place and relax there. It offers a number of programs with its interesting museums, but many people like only walking around on its magical little streets. The town is next to the Danube and Szentendre Island, so if you want to leave the town behind and explore nature, the area provides those kinds of opportunities as well.

Szentendre Island
Source: wiki commons

However, if you are curious about the town itself – which is a good reason to visit – you should start with the main square. Colourful houses, cobbled road, and beautiful flowers provide the magic that keeps you there and not just for a coffee. Yet if you still want to do something else, the Open Air Museum of Szentendre awaits you. It is Hungary’s largest open air museum and is responsible for presenting the architecture and life style of some significant regions of the Carpathian Basin.

Main square of Szentendre
Source: wiki commons

ce: ZsK

6 places in Hungary where both children and parents can have fun – PHOTOS

PandArte blog collected those Hungarian playgrounds and adventure parks where not only children but also parents can have fun, reports szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu. Dóra Bánhidi, the writer of PandArte blog, is a young mother, who is interested in every place and opportunity suitable for such a small kid as his one-and-a-half-year-old son, Ármin. In what follows, you can see her list of 6 Hungarian playgrounds and adventure parks worth visiting with small children.

1. Tarzan Park – Budapest

Dóra and Ármin haven’t been there yet, but really want to try it one day. Based on the photos on their website, they are very interested in the place and it seems that Tarzan Park puts a great emphasis on generative and entertaining toys.

Safe, interesting and entertaining. These are the key words that characterize the most this open-air playground on a 2-hectare territory. It was built in 2013 thanks to the investment of the Local Government of Újpest. Children can improve themselves by playing on 13 toy-blocks. Each and every block has the modernest and most generative open-air devices, which perfectly suits the age of children.

Tarzan Park
Source: facebook / Tarzan Park
Tarzan Park
Source: facebook / Tarzan Park

2. Kiserdő Playground – Balatonfüred

Dóra and Ármin have already tried this one. When the weather was not that great during their holiday, they were really happy about this playground. Its location is great in the forest above Tagore promenade and it has many toys and devices specifically made for the little ones.

A thematic fairy-tale-playground based on the legend of Helka and Kelén, located in the former English Garden. This cozy playground can be found in Kiserdő – also called the lungs of the town – next to the recovery garden of the elderly, the sports field and the bird watching places. Besides the traditional elements such as the swing, the slide and the monkey bars, several other original devices await children.

Kiserdő Playground
Source: akadalymentesbalaton.hu
Kiserdő Playground
Source: akadalymentesbalaton.hu

3. Zobor Kalandozoo – Adventure Park – Kis-Balaton

They have never been there, but hope to get there very soon. It is very appealing that they await families with both indoor and outdoor adventures, so bad weather can never be an excuse. Of course, the most interesting things are outside in various forms and shapes. It is worth having a look at all the opportunities there.

https://youtu.be/i23qx6L4c30

4. Vuk Playground – Budapest

Most of the mothers in Budapest are familiar with this playground, and Dóra writes it is a place where they need to go back. Ármin’s favourite toy was that swing where two children can sit at the same time (not a teeter), he didn’t want to leave that. His other favourite was the mini-slide in the middle of the sand box, which is great because such a little boy as Ármin could climb up and slide down on his own. They have never seen a slide like that, it was totally safe for him.

5. Tündérsziget – Tihany

This place is the odd one out in this list, as it is, in fact, a café, a breakfast place with a playground in its yard. So whenever you visit Tihany and want to drink a coffee with the kids in a calm atmosphere (which we all know is almost impossible), you can try this place, it may be successful there. Its atmosphere is great.

Tündérsziget in Tihany
Source: facebook / Tündérsziget Tihany

6. Sobri Jóska Adventure Park – Bakony

They are most curious about this one. Here you can even fly by boat! Well, maybe they have to wait a few years when Ármin will be big enough to enjoy it, but until then Dóra can test it as a parent. She read a lot of good comments about it, it is a many-sided adventure park. She thinks one day will not be enough to try everything there, but luckily accommodations are available nearby.

Sobri Jóska Adventure Park
Source: bakonyikalandpark.hu
Sobri Jóska Adventure Park
Source: bakonyikalandpark.hu

Featured image: facebook / Tarzan Park

ce: ZsK

Even Taiwan sends dancers to Csango Festival

According to szoljon.hu, the basic purpose of Csango Festival is still unchanged. This purpose is – and has always been since the beginning – to present the values of the Hungarian culture beyond the borders – Gábor Szűcs, festival director and artistic director of Jászság Népi Együttes, stated at the press conference.

This year’s Csango Festival will take place between 8-13 August, for the 27th time. It is also known as the Folklore Festival of Minorities.

Besides getting to know the music and dance of the Csangos from Moldavia and Gyimes, this event also has the opportunity to present the culture of those foreign territories where Hungarians live and the social values of the Hungarian immigrants.

The festival director also emphasized that the power of folk dance in keeping and protecting our culture is beyond dispute in any cases of the Hungarian communities’ survival or development. The festival’s undertaken mission is to strengthen these communities further and present their values.

The concerts, dance houses and flea markets of folk art provide great opportunities for the visitors to get to know the folk culture. Csík Zenekar, the Ferenczi György and the Rackajam formation and Parno Graszt are all going to perform in Jászberény among others. Dancers will also come to the festival from foreign countries such as Cyprus, Georgia, Colombia, Taiwan, and Turkey.

Another folklore festival was held in Bonyhád. The Bucovina Folklore Festival was first held in 1990, and Bonyhád joined this event in 1997. It always starts in Poland and finishes in the center of Bucovina, in Chernivtsi, the Ukraine. Ibolya Filóné Ferencz, mayor of Bonyhád stated in her opening speech that this festival is important not only for Bonyhád but also for the nearby towns, where a lot of Székelys live. According to Zbigniew Kowalski, Polish organizer of the festival, the festival is currently held in Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and Hungary, though it used to be held in other countries as well such as Germany, Moldova, and Slovakia.

Bucovina Folklore Festival
Source: MTI / Sóki Tamás
Bucovina Folklore Festival
Source: MTI / Sóki Tamás

ce: ZsK

Museum of Applied Arts closed for years due to restoration in Hungary

Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest

The Museum of Applied Arts will get renewed, reports pestbuda.hu. Its building is considered one of the most beautiful examples of the Hungarian Art Nouveau. Now it needs to undergo a total reconstruction and expansion. After the one-year-long moving out, the construction will last three years. After that, the public can attend the museum after waiting another year from moving back.

The Museum of Applied Arts (IMM) closes on the 3rd of September due to a total reconstruction, but before that, it says goodbye to its visitors with a number of programs in the next few weeks. Before closing, guided tours, museum yoga and interactive programs await the guests, but those ones, who – besides the exhibitions – are interested in the building’s secret corners and storerooms, can buy the golden ticket – the institution’s director-general stated at the press conference of IMM on Thursday.

Zoltán Cselovszki added that the lookout-tower taken down from the building designed by Ödön Lechner will be reconstructed. However, its original onion dome weighing 13 tons will be taken to Sziget Festival, where visitors will be able to touch it before the Museum’s tent. The museum will open at midnight on 3rd September to say goodbye with a series of programs before the reconstruction, thus visitors can watch the sunrise from the terrace on the rooftop – he added.

Collection on the Internet

The director-general emphasized that the Museum of Applied Arts has the most significant collection of applied arts in the world, and this collection will be available on the Internet in a few years. Sixty per cent of the main collection will be digitalized by the end of the year and it will be available on http://gyujtemeny.imm.hu.

The villa of György Ráth operated by IMM will be restored to its original conditions, but the building on Városligeti fasor will have a seasonal stand from April 2018. The exhibiton of furniture history in Nagytétény Castle will also be renovated – Zoltán Cselovszki stated.

According to the report of vice-director-general Zsombor Jékely, many pieces of the collection will be available for the public elsewhere while the building is closed. An exhibition of Herend Porcelain is currently in Japan, but it will also be exhibited in Hungary together with pieces that cannot be taken abroad. The objects of the Ottoman-Turkish collection will be located in the museum of the Castle of Eger from the end of August.

Museum of Applied Arts
Source: wiki commons

Total reconstruction

Zoltán Cselovszki told MTI that besides the total reconstruction, an underground garage and a new annex will be built in excess of 80 million EUR. Public procurements are happening right now. The 3-thousand-square-kilometre exhibition hall will be expanded to 10 thousand square kilometres, and visitors will be able to attend the building considered one of the most beautiful examples of the Hungarian Art Nouveau more easily – he added. The new annex will primarily be the home of design and contemporary applied arts, but it will also host the modern building engineering. The annex’s outer facade will be based on the original plans of Lechner, but the inner facade will be built according to contemporary design – director-general said.

Following the one-year-long moving out, the construction will last three years. After that, the public can attend the museum after waiting another year from moving back. The main goal of the Museum of Applied Arts is to have 300 thousand people attending the museum a year after the renovation – Zoltán Cselovszki stated.

Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest
Photo: MTI
Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest
Photo: MTI

ce: ZsK

10 places in Transylvania worth visiting

Eszti-Téka is a blog about maternity, becoming a mother and the difficulties of the first few years. Eszter, the writer of this blog decided to make a trip in Transylvania visiting ten different places with her little son. As she writes, Noel was a hero: only one-and-a-half-year-old but enjoyed the trip very much. Her experiences are published by szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu. The trip in numbers included 1700 km, 5 different accommodations and 10 places to visit.

The family travelled by car for a week and wanted to see as much as possible. According to Eszter, although they could not visit many of the sights, they had a wonderful week and could see beautiful places. Let’s see what they saw.

1. Kolozsvár / Cluj-Napoca

Kolozsvár is located halfway between the family’s home and their first accommodation. It was good to get out of the car after a long time of sitting. They could park next to St. Michael’s Church and after lunch, they went inside the Gothic church. Next to the church is the statue of Matthias Corvinus.

St. Micheal’s Church
Source: wiki commons

Their accommodation was in Cserefalva in a small guesthouse. It was absolutely 10 out of 10 for them, they would have enjoyed spending the whole week there.

2. Salt mine in Praid / Parajd

Eszter imagined the place somewhat different but was not disappointed at all. It was not too cold inside and the playground and the chapel simply enchanted her. Of course, everything was made of wood.

Playground in the salt mine in Praid
Source: wiki commons

Obviously, Noel really liked the playground, so they spent a little more time there than they had planned. Throughout their whole trip, this was the only place where they could find a normal baby dresser.

They were only sorry for not bringing in their sandwiches for lunch because they could have eaten them in the “canteen” of the mine. The spa next to the salt mine became an item on their bucket list, but Noel is too small right now to swim in water as salty as there. They will return for that.

3. Red Lake

After leaving the salt mine, they headed for the Red Lake. They arrived right after the rain, but they didn’t mind it as the air cooled down a bit.

Red Lake
(Hungarian: Gyilkos tó)
Source: wiki commons

4. Bizac Gorge

They finished that day’s program with the Bizac Gorge and in the evening they arrived at Csíkszereda and spent the night there.

Bizac Gorge
(Hungarian: Békás-szoros)
Source: wiki commons

5-6. The thousand-year-old border and the Saint Anne Lake

The next morning they went to the thousand-year-old border, then they headed for Saint Anne Lake. On the shore, Eszter saw a wild bear for the first time in her life. It was standing at the edge of the forest and didn’t really like the people on the beach. It was moaning a bit, then it went away slowly. She didn’t manage to take a photo of it because she wasn’t brave enough to go closer to the bear. Instead, they admired it from a distance.

Chapel at Saint Anne Lake
Source: wiki commons
Saint Anne Lake
(Hungarian: Szent Anna tó)
Source: wiki commons

Their accommodation that day was in Tölcsvár. Noel got really tired, so they could not visit the Black Church of Brassó. They went directly to Tölcsvár, where they spent two nights in a row. Luckily, because next day Noel didn’t want to hear about getting into the car again. The program of that day was the Bran Castle, or in other terms the Dracula Castle. They were also walking at the market under the castle and slept for a while in the afternoon. They could not visit the Peles Castle, but they will definitely go back for that as well.

7-9. Fagaras Mountains, Nagyszeben / Sibiu, Déva / Deva

They were very excited about the following days. They were travelling next to the Fagaras Mountains, so they had to stop and go up there too. Unfortunately, while they were up in the mountains a storm came, but the panorama was still wonderful. They visited the main square of Nagyszeben that day, and the Castle of Déva on the following one.

Fagaras Mountains
Source: wiki commons

10. Nagyvárad / Oradea

Before going home, they spent a night in Nagyvárad, so they could see the city in the sunset. The scenery enchanted them. The main square is wonderful itself, but in those lights, it was an unforgettable memory for the whole family.

Nagyvárad
Source: wiki commons

ce: ZsK