Pécs

Don’t miss it! 6th International Day of Yoga on June 21st

The Embassy of India in Hungary is celebrating the 6th International Day Of Yoga on June 21st, 2020.

This year the theme for the International Day of Yoga is ‘ Yoga From Home’. Keeping the theme in mind, Embassy of India is organising a series of events that will not just follow ‘social distancing’ but would also connect with as many people of Hungary as possible.

Starting with the Videolog contest announced by the Ayush Ministry, India, the Embassy has also announced Essay Contest on the topic ’The Science behind Attainment of Holistic Health through Yoga’ for college students and a Poster contest on the topic ’ Yoga For A Better World’ for school students. The Jury members are senior academicians of eminent Universities of Hungary.The winners would get attractive prizes. A daily quiz contest is also taking place from June 10th.

To celebrate the International Yoga Day, Embassy of India has collaborated with eminent Yoga teachers from major cities in Hunghary including Budapest, Szeged, Debrecen and Pécs to participate in ’Live Streaming’ of Common Yoga Protocol from their studios.

This would be led by Ms. Ankita Sood, Yoga teacher of Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre, Budapest from the iconic Hero’s Square in ’Live Streaming’ method.

Highlighting the importance of this occasion, Ambassador of India in Hungary, Mr. Kumar Tuhin has said,

’This year, the whole world has faced unprecedented challenges. The global pandemic has severely impacted the world economy, our health – physical and emotional, and our well being. The positive role that Yoga plays in teaching us the path from illness to wellness and in connecting our body, mind and soul so as to bring holistic health, is well recognized. As the theme itself beautifully conveys, Yoga is able to meet diverse needs and is adaptable in different situations, it gives the maximum health assurance at individual, family, society, and global levels.’

Through various digital activities, Embassy of India in Hungary is hoping to further expand the outreach of Yoga this year and involve as many persons as possible on the digital domain paving way for a unique experience for the yoga enthusiasts and also contributing to the success of this significant international event.

More details here: India in Hungary

June 16, 2020

Can you recognise Hungarian cities? – Quiz

Have you ever wondered how well you know Hungary? Well, in this quiz, you can find out. Let’s see how many Hungarian cities you can guess by their sights.

How well did you do? We are happy to hear that you know so much about Hungary, and if you would like to see more, we have some articles that might help you.

Read alsoDiscover Hungary’s TOP 5 destinations this spring – PHOTOS

Read also9 Hungarian sights to visit from the comfort of your home

June 1, 2020

World famous Hungarian porcelains: Herend, Hollóháza and Zsolnay- Photos!

The three most renowned porcelain factories of Hungary stand as follows: Herend, Hollóháza, and Zsolnay. Let us take a look at some of the unique designs and styles, presented by these world-famous manufactories.

Herend

Herend is a porcelain manufacturing company located in the county of Veszprém, near Lake Balaton. The company specialises in manufacturing luxurious hand-painted and gilded porcelain. The forerunner of the company was founded in 1826, by Vince Stingl, who was born in Sopron. Stingl learned the craft of fine ceramics in Vienna. The management of the company was taken over by Mór Fischer in 1839, who did his utmost to ensure that quality porcelain was manufactored, as per international standards. In 1851, at the Great Exhibition of London, Queen Victoria orders a china set with a butterfly and floral pattern. Mór Fischer names the china set after, otherwise known as the Victoria pattern.

Photo: www.facebook.com/HerendiPorcelánmanufaktúraZrt.

Herendi, porcelain, Hungary, manufactory — Photo: www.facebook.com/Herendporcelan

Herendi, porcelain, manufactory, Hungary — Photo: www.facebook.com/Herendporcelan

For more on the Herend Hungarian porcelain manufactory check out:
Five interesting facts about Hungarian porcelain manufactory Herendi – PHOTOS

Hollóháza

Hollóháza is a village in the county of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplém county in North-East Hungary. This particular manufactory was founded in 1777. The Hollóháza manufactory serves as one of the oldest in the country. In 1831, then owner Count Károlyi turned the factory into a ceramics manufactory, making using of kaolin clay found nearby. Ornamental porcelains such as figurines, lamps and wall clocks appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. Currently, the collection consists of dinnerware sets, plate sets, coffee and tea sets, sandwich and dessert sets, microwave safe sets, the Minerve and Endre Szász collections, Goulash sets, pálinka sets, vases, beer mugs, candlesticks, wall plates, ash trays, jewelry and many more!

Hollóházi porcelán — Photo: https://www.facebook.com/hollohazi.hu/

Hollóházi Porcelán Tojások — Photo: https://www.facebook.com/hollohazi.hu/

Hollóházi, Hungary, china — Photo: www.facebook.com/hollohazi.hu

Hollóházi, china, Hungary, Hungarikum — Photo: www.facebook.com/hollohazi.hu

Zsolnay

The Zsolnay Porcelánmanufaktúra Zrt is based in Pécs, Hungary. They fashion porcelains, tiles as well as stoneware. The Zsolnay factory was originally established in 1853 by Miklós Zsolnay (1800–1880). They introduced the eosin glazing process. The eosin process results in a light red iridescence of the first prepared hue, hence the term eosin (Greek eos, flush of dawn). Over time, various eosin colours and processes were developed. The eosin-based iridescence became a favourite of art nouveau and Judenstil artists, such as Sándor Apáti Abt, Lajos Mack, Géza Nikelszky, as well as József Rippl-Rónai. The secret eosin glaze renders porcelain to appear iridescent metallic, in different colours that alter with the angle of reflection. Typical colours include different shades of green, red, blue, and purple. Pyrogranite, which refers to a type of ornamental ceramics that were developed by Zsolnay and placed in production by 1886, is also of note. Fired at high temperatures, this durable material remains acid and frost-resistant making it suitable for use as roof tiles, indoor and outdoor decorative ceramics, as well as fireplaces. Architects such as Miklós Ybl, Ödön Lechner, Béla Lajta, Samu Pecz, and Imre Steindl utilized these kinds of materials in their architectural works. This style is what pervades the surfaces of buildings in Budapest such as the Matthias church, the Hungarian Parliament, the Museum of Applied Arts, the Geological Institute, the Kőbánya church, as well as the Gellért baths. Zsolnay architecture can also be found in the southern cities of Kecskemét and Pécs, respectively.

Zsolnay fountain, Pécs, statue, Hungary — Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Regasterios

pécs mausoleum visit — /wikicommons by Vampeare/

Check this out: Zsolnay Butterfly Collection

This video shows how the butterfly style is hand-painted on to porcelain.

All in all, Hungarian porcelain is renowned world-wide, and dear to many. You might even own some of these porcelains, take a closer look next time you open the porcelain cabinet and enjoy the wonderful designs!

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1662344117185187

April 28, 2020

How well do you know World Heritage Sites in Hungary? – QUIZ

Apart from breathtaking tourist attractions, Hungary has several prestigious historic places, as well as cultural and natural treasures that are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Join us for the next quiz, and let us see how well you know World Heritage Sites in Hungary 😉

Featured image: facebook.com/spiceofeurope

April 25, 2020

Coronavirus – Hungarian-developed ventilator being registered for patent

A portable ventilator specifically for treating breathing problems caused by novel coronavirus has been developed in Hungary. It is in the process of being registered for a patent by its lead developer Femtonics Kft.

The device is simple to operate and also filters outgoing air in order to protect health workers, Balázs Rózsa, a physicist and doctor, told public broadcaster M1 on Wednesday.

After observing the situation in Italy, the developers set out to make a device that can be used in emergency situations and in locations where coventional ventilators are not available in sufficient numbers, he added.

Imre Székely, an engineer who conceived the project, said that planning was carried out with the involvement of the ICU specialists of Semmelweis University medical school in Budapest, which helped speed up its development. The University of Sciences in Pécs also aided the project in addition to a team of engineers.

Businesspeople are in the process of organising its manufacture.

Special attention was paid to ensure that doctors less experienced in ventilation should also be able to operate it safely and easily, Rózsa said, adding that

the price of the ventilator will be much lower than most similar devices currently available in Hungary.

Coronavirus – Invention by Hungarian university students could help healthcare workers – VIDEO

Read alsoHandwashing can save lives: from the Hungarian “father of hand hygiene” to the colourful posters

April 22, 2020

Hungarian experts to start testing anti-coronavirus substances

The coronavirus research group of the University of Pécs can find the virus, can analyse its pathogenicity, and they even know its molecular constitution. The university is going to start testing the potential substances this week that are able to cure the coronavirus.

The virologist team led by Ferenc Jakab in the János Széntágothai Research Centre of the University of Pécs developed a routine process to isolate coronavirus in different cells of the human body thanks to samples taken from patients who became infected in the Central European region, Szeretlek Magyarorszag reported. Therefore, the Hungarian researchers have a chance to develop a vaccine able to combat the new-type coronavirus and

will probably be able to find new cures for the patients.

Based on the announcement of the university, this new and promising step in the fight against the virus is the result of a decision enabling the researchers of the university to examine samples from local patients. Thanks to that, from March 16 on, laboratories from many parts of the country can analyse such samples.

The virologist team led by Ferenc Jakab developed a routine process that can be combined with the detailed analysis of the full genetic material of the virus. That can mean a milestone in the work of the coronavirus task force created by the Hungarian PM. The task force’s main aim is to

learn more about the virus and especially about its proliferation and infection mechanism.

If they can get that information, prevention can be more effective, and a successful treatment or medicine can be developed.

Ferenc Jakab told the Hungarian News Agency that they already know the molecular structure of the virus, which is also very helpful to the process.

March 26, 2020

Hungarian research groups found the genome of COVID-19

On Saturday, the University of Pécs revealed to MTI that they had determined the complete genetic code of the COVID-19 coronavirus. This is also important for further domestic and international research, Hírtv reported.

The Virology Research Group led by Ferenc Jakab at the Szentágothai János Research Centre of the University of Pécs and the Bioinformatics Research Group led by Attila Gyenesei worked in collaboration, and the fruit of their work was the complete genetic code of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

They used the sample of a Hungarian who was infected by the virus, and they processed it directly following international protocol.

This way, they were able to determine the complete genetic code of the COVID-19 coronavirus. According to the announcement, the research was conducted by Péter Urbán, Gábor Endre Tóth, and Róbert Herczeg, under the guidance of Gábor Kemenesi.

Moreover, Ferenc Jakab is leading one of the task forces previously announced by Viktor Orbán. The purpose of this task force is to improve knowledge about the virus, investigate its mechanism of infection and transmission, identify possible steps of prevention, and learn about the future development of effective drugs and therapies.

The statement quotes Ferenc Jakab: “the definition of the genetic code clearly indicates that professional collaborations can bring the expected success to Hungary as well”.

Read also7 alternative activities to keep boredom and panic away during coronavirus crisis

Read alsoHungarian app to tell if you met someone infected by the coronavirus

March 22, 2020

Four incredible Hungarian fountains you need to see at least once – PHOTOS

Fountains are important elements in every bigger town’s and the city’s image, and Hungarian ones are no exceptions. Almost every significant and important Hungarian town has some kind of fountain which you should definitely see at least once. Here are our top four picks!

Budapest, Liberty Square

Liberty Square (Hungarian: Szabadság tér) is a public square located in the Lipótváros neighbourhood of the Hungarian capital. The square is surrounded by a mix of business and residential buildings like the United States Embassy in Hungary and the Historicist style headquarters of the Hungarian National Bank on the west side of the square. It features a unique fountain with three meters high water wall which opens up in front of you if you want to walk through the fountain.

The new Budapest brand is coming soon!

Liberty Square, Budapest, Hungary — *Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Sjaak Kempe*

Debrecen, Phoenix Fountain

One of the country’s biggest music-fountain is located in Debrecen, Hajdú-Bihar County in front of the Reformed Great Church, which is the main symbol of the city. The fountain was built in 2001 when the city decided to renovate its main square fully. In the centre of the fountain, the phoenix bird can be seen which symbolises the rebirth of Debrecen. The fountain is also decorated with the small replica of Árpád Feszty’s legendary painting the Arrival of the Hungarians.

Phoenix fountain, Debrecen, Hungary — *Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Kossuthzsuzsa*

Pécs, Zsolnay Fountain

This fountain is one of the main symbols of Pécs, Baranya County and also its most famous one. It is located in the southern part of Széchenyi Square and has been attracting many visitors since it was built. The fountain was completed in 1912 in Pécs’s Zsolnay factory, but the city could not decide where to put it. To save it from the suddenly outbroken World War I the city only revealed the fountain in 1930.

Zsolnay fountain, Pécs, Hungary — *Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Regasterios*

Szeged, Dugonics Square

The fountain was Hungary’s first music-fountain revealed on August 19, 1979, and was built within three months. The fountain commemorates the heroes and victims of the great flood which affected Szeged in 1879. One of the main symbols of the city was renovated in 2008, and since then it awaits visitors with spectral shows and unique music as well.

Szeged, fountain, Hungary — *Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Christo*

March 20, 2020

Coronavirus – evacuated dormitories to become quarantine buildings

Presumably, evacuated dormitories will provide a place to asymptomatic infections that do not require hospital treatment.

Due to the coronavirus emergency – last Wednesday, the Hungarian Government announced the closure of universities; as a consequence of which Hungarian students had to move out from dorms. First, they were asked to take only the most necessary belongings; however, by the end of the week, all their belongings had to be taken home – reported by szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu.

Hungarian dormitories have become wholly evacuated.

As the Hungarian RTL news reported, students were standing in long queues at the Dormitory of the University of Pécs, as they could go up on the floors only one by one; therefore, it took hours to pack up everything. The process was regulated accordingly in order to avoid infections; however, the measure outraged several students, according to whom, standing in the long queue for hours can result in infection anyway. According to RTL news, only medical college students can remain in dormitories; however, they also need to move to other dorms.

Read alsoCoronavirus – evacuated dormitories to become quarantine buildings

The Ministry of Human Resources revealed that –

dormitories have been emptied due to the spread of the coronavirus; and – if necessary – will be used as quarantine buildings in the future. Presumably, they will provide a place to asymptomatic infections that do not require hospital treatment and in the case of patients where home quarantine cannot be resolved.

March 19, 2020

Hungary welcomes its first Pride outside Budapest – VIDEO

For the first time in the history of Hungary, the first-ever Pride will be held as part of a six-day-long festival in the Hungarian city of Pécs (Baranya County).

Read alsoHungary welcomes its first Pride outside Budapest – VIDEO

Index reported that on May 16, the first Pride in the countryside will take place in Pécs. In Hungary, Pride was exclusively held in Budapest every summer, until now. The special event called Freedom of My Identity Human Rights Festival & Pécs Pride 2020 will be organised with the help of Budapest Pride.

Pécs Pride 2020, Pride, Hungary, event — *Photo: www.facebook.com/Diverse-Youth-Network*

Local members of the LGBTQ community have been organising similar programs in Pécs during the season of Pride Month and Budapest Pride, but the actual march has never been held in any city outside the capital before.

Organisers also posted a Hungarian-language video about the project.

https://www.facebook.com/376651192800442/videos/1114013112277528/?v=1114013112277528

Pécs announced the plans of Pride last year, and those who are against the movement started a petition to say no to Pécs Pride because it would be just another provocative event of the LGBTQ community. The Hungarian political party, Kétfarkú Kutya Párt, started another petition in which they said no to the original petition.

After Pécs, Szeged (Csongrád County) could be the next Hungarian city to give place to Pride in 2021, but this project is still a question for the future.

The 24th Budapest Pride Festival last year wound up with a march that started from Kossuth Square, in front of the Parliament building, on Saturday. LGBTQ people and their allies marched to March 15th Square, on the Pest side of the Erzsébet Bridge.

Read alsoBudapest Pride – Pride march held in Budapest

Featured image: www.facebook.com/budapestpride

February 22, 2020

Jackals seen in South-Hungarian city of Pécs

Foxes and wild boars no longer surprise the citizens of the South-Hungarian city, Pécs as they considered to be the regular visitors from the mountain-region Mecsek. However, another citizen reported that some strange animals appeared in the city, and they did not look like the two mentioned above.

Read alsoDangerous animals re-appear in Hungary after 100 years

BAMA reported that one of the readers of the online magazine revealed to its editorial staff that golden jackals were seen at Tettye, which is a part of the Hungarian city Pécs in Baranya County. The newspaper reported the case to the Hungarian Wildlife and Haunting Association, and the following summary was given about the case.

The association reported that they have no information about the whereabouts of golden jackals in the area of Tettye, but they emphasised the possibility that these animals may actually live in the area.

The golden jackal can be easily mistaken for the common fox as the two animals share almost the same look. It does not make any sound while hunting because it would betray its location, but when it does, it can be heard miles away. Jackals do not settle down at one place, and sometimes they can be seen inside the areas of villages and towns.

jackal, Golden jackal, animal, Hungary — *Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Dr. Raju Kasamabe*

Experts stated that the golden jackal is harmless to people.

Golden jackals appeared in the southern part of the country in the 90s in Baranya and Somogy Counties and their number increased rapidly. They adapt to any kind of natural features and climate and stay away from people. Jackals are medium-sized omnivorous mammals of the genus Canis, which also includes wolves and the domestic dog.

The golden jackal is similar to the gray wolf but is distinguished by its smaller size, lighter weight, more elongated torso, less-prominent forehead, shorter legs and tail. Males measure 71–85 cm in body length and females 69–73 cm. Its most common portrayal is related to the ancient Egyptian god Anubis who wears a jackal mask.

Read alsoEpidemic! African pig plague found in dead wild boars near Budapest

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons by Вых Пыхманн

February 20, 2020

Four things to do in Hungary

Hungary is a beautiful country and one which is rich in cultural traditions. Ever since its rose to prominence by the end of the 80s, this country is a popular tourist destination for the entire world. Every year, the country is flocked by millions of tourists who add to the economy’s tourism industry in a positive way. The country is a blend of historical and many cultural sites to visit. So if you swoon over history, Hungary is the right spot for you. With so many facilities, it becomes difficult to narrow down the list to just 4. So continue reading about the top 4 things you must do in Hungary:

Visit the Great Market Hall, Budapest

Although there are several markets in Hungary, one in Budapest is the most iconic one to visit. It is located close to the banks of Danube and is a well carved, neogothic building. During the visit, you will come across a vast array of farmers and traders, selling the local produce. However, you will also come across a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, meats and souvenirs on the ground floor. So if you want to buy the ethnic souvenirs from this place, you can get everything from the Great Market Hall.

Fővám tér square Great Market Hall vásárcsarnok

Read alsoThe Hungarian Great Market Hall chosen as the best market in Europe

Cave Bath, Miskolctapolca

The Cave Bath is a must-visit attraction for somebody who swoons over calm water. This thermal spa is encrusted in the natural cave system and can only be explored if you want to go swimming there. The water is clean and set at a moderate temperature of 30C. The clean water is rich in minerals and very good for health.

You will be surprised to know, the history of thermal water dates back to the 17^th century but only gained popularity after the beginning of the 20^th century.

If you’re travelling with a physically challenged person, you can look for restrooms with commodes in them.

Danube River Cruise

For many years, the Danube has been acknowledged as the most famous attraction of Hungary and most European states. So if you are a big fan of cruises, don’t forget to visit different sites of the Danube from a different perspective. Cruising is fun, especially if you’re travelling with family. Whether you choose to set out at night or take the Danube bend, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the city anytime. Once you arrive in Hungary, you can contact boat companies to arrange a cruise trip for you.

Mosque of Pasha Qasim

This beautiful building in Pécs was erected back in the 16^th century when the Ottoman Empire was still reigning the country.

Originally it was carved as a mosque, but now it is being used as a Catholic Church. It is acknowledged as one of the most iconic Turkish architectures in the world. Despite the place being used as a Church, many parts of the mosque are inscribed with the verses of the Quran. Visitors are not allowed to flock to the Church during religious ceremonies.

February 17, 2020

IKEA to take back your used furniture, pickup spots open in the countryside

IKEA announced its 2020 plans for the Hungarian market in a press release according to which they plan on opening four non-branded pickup spots in the countryside and building a self-service package pickup point at the IKEA at Örs Vezér Square. All of these are part of the retailer’s Second Chance program.

IKEA’s turnover in Hungary increased by 20.5% last year, amounting to 90.3 billion Forints, hvg reports. The Swedish retailer has three stores in Hungary, which registered over 6.7 million visitors in 2019, out of which 3.5 million actually made a purchase.

Second Chance

The fact that IKEA plans to launch a service taking back and reselling used furniture has been known for a while. IKEA hinted at starting its Second Chance program in Hungary at the very beginning of last year.

Read alsoHungarian IKEA to resell no-longer-used furniture in the future

The ‘IKEA Second Chance’ program has been established to take back no-longer-used pieces of furniture from individuals and, in return, everyone gets a gift card which can be used in every IKEA store. IKEA only takes back furniture in good condition to resell it again at a lower price.

Read alsoIKEA to phase out single-use plastic by 2020

Plans for 2020

IKEA plans to establish the four non-branded pickup spots in Pécs, Veszprém, Kecskemét, and Debrecen. The Swedish retailer hopes this will boost the company’s presence in the countryside.

The self-service package pickup point, which will be established at the chain’s store at Örs Vezér Square, will supposedly feature lockers (in six different sizes), where customers would be able to pick up products they had previously ordered.

Mounia El Hilali, the CEO & CSO (Chief Sustainability Officer) of IKEA for the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, said:

“We are still working on expanding and creating services in a way that makes us available for as many people as possible. In order to satisfy the current needs of our customers, we are undertaking the greatest transformation in the history of IKEA.”

January 25, 2020

Christmas Market in Pécs: a delightful atmosphere

Want to get in the Christmas spirit? There is no better place than the Christmas market in the heart of Pécs.

pécs advent christmas market santa — Photo: https://www.facebook.com/pg/adventpecs/

In the mood for mulled wine and fairy lights? While that is a common theme at every Christmas market, what distinguishes the Christmas market in Pécs from others is the cosy, family-friendly atmosphere with the soft sounds of chatter, the appetising scent of chimney cake, and frankly, the love that is in the air.

A great Christmas tree and an open space lit with Christmas lights and surrounded by wooden huts are located in Széchenyi Square. We strongly recommend a visit as the holiday is closing in on us; with just a few days until Christmas, there is no better place to be. The market awaits visitors with several festive programmes, great food, and beautiful, handcrafted gifts to buy for your loved ones if you have not done so already.

Read alsoThe Christmas market in Szeged is marvellous again – photo gallery

The wooden playground in the corner of the square also made a comeback, as well as the lights in the nearby Cathedral. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, its towers are lit one-by-one.

pécs cathedral advent — Photo: https://www.facebook.com/pg/szeretlekpecs/

Read alsoChristmas markets of Budapest in detail: Christmas festival at Városháza Park, Downtown of the capital – PHOTOS

Featured images: https://www.facebook.com/szeretlekpecs/, https://www.facebook.com/pg/adventpecs/

December 20, 2019

Premium Christmas Markets – 5 cities to visit in Hungary

Budapest might have the most famous Christmas markets in Hungary, but other well-known Hungarian cities all have something unique to offer. Here are five Christmas fairs to visit this year.

Magyarorszagom collected Hungarian cities with the best Christmas markets.

Budapest

The Budapest Advent and Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square officially opened its gates to the public on 8 November, and it will be welcoming festive-spirited visitors until 1 January. As usual, the crafts bazaar offers a wide selection of Christmas goodies.

Foodwise, besides the traditional Hungarian chimney cake and beigli, international Christmas favourites can also be bought, such as roasted chestnut and gingerbread. There is also an enormous selection of hand-made chocolates and marzipan. Beware that the food and drinks section of the market is now located on the Duna side of the square, as opposed to previous years.

Pécs

The time of Advent is always special in the capital of Baranya county. The kith and kin of the city come together at the fair to taste the Christmas spirit. The scent of mulled wine, chimney cake, and roast chestnut pervades Széchenyi Square, together with the melodies of choral musicians and the lights, making the main square of the city a real casket.

The smallest members of the family can visit the house of Santa Claus, admire the light paintings, and watch the candle lighting ceremonies on Sundays with their parents. Similarly to Szeged, visitors can buy handmade products and relax for a while to really get into the Christmas spirit. Széchenyi Square turns into a fairy tale for the time of the Advent fair which opens on the last day of November.

Eger

Advent in Eger starts on 23 November and lasts until 29 December. During the Advent period, it is not only the castle that gets a winter glow-up, but visitors can enjoy Dobó Square, Gárdonyi Square, and Végvári Square in their Christmas glory. There is a free ice skating rink and an Ice Castle for the children, while mulled wine and palinka await the adults.

Szeged

Szeged celebrates Christmas Weeks at Dóm Square between 24 November and 24 December. There will be light painting, fire jugglers, and a huge ice rink. Szeged also prepared a special selfie box where visitors can commemorate their favourite Advent moments.

Vác

The Christmas market (20 November – 31 December) at the main square of Vác awaits visitors with a human-sized Bethlehem, an ice rink, and a unique Advent wreath.

November 29, 2019

Four Hungarian medical universities among the world’s bests

Semmelweis University, the University of Pécs, the University of Debrecen and the University of Szeged is included in this year’s ranking of the Times Higher Education (THE) of the top universities in life sciences, medicine and dentistry.

According to eduline.hu, the London-based company published its latest results on November 19.

Semmelweis University is 301-400.

among the best medical, dental and life sciences universities. Meanwhile, the University of Pécs is in the 401st-500th position in this respect. Finally, the universities of Szeged and Debrecen are in the 501-600 category. This means that all Hungarian universities could retain their status of 2018.

In the ranking, there are 775 universities included and the list is lead by the University of Oxford that is followed by the Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, the Imperial College London and the Stanford University. Apart from the Anglo-Saxon institutes, the best European medical university is the Swedish Karolinska Institute that got the 12th position.

According to the Times Higher Education, all rankings are based on 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

In the ranking of the universities offering History, Philosophy and languages, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE, Budapest) is among the 601st-800th best in the world. Meanwhile, among the top universities for economics, there is the Corvinus University of Budapest. In the case of computer and mechanical engineering

there are four Hungarian universities among the world’s top institutions:

Corvinus, ELTE, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and the University of Debrecen. Among those universities that offer the best possibilities to teach and learn by providing an optimal atmosphere for everybody, there are four Hungarian institutions of higher education.

November 21, 2019

Four incredible basilicas you need to see in Hungary – PHOTOS

basilicas, Esztergom, Hungary, religion, buildings

Hungary has many magnificent religious buildings located in every bigger city in the country built in different architectural styles. From small chapels to churches and enormous iconic basilicas, every one of them is waiting to be discovered and admired. In this article, we would like to focus on Hungary’s most significant basilicas and mention four you need to see at least once.

Basilica of Esztergom

Our journey starts in Komárom-Esztergom County and the city of Esztergom. The official full name of the basilica is the Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed Into Heaven and St Adalbert. Considered to be the most monumental basilica in the country it is

one of the biggest religious buildings of the country and the centre of the Catholic Church of Hungary. With its monumental green colour, columns and impressive look it is the main symbol of the region.

The building is located on a 5,660 square-metered location. The length of the basilica is 118 meters, and it is 49 meters wide. Its construction started in 1822 and ended in 1869. Smaller parts of the building though were completed by 1859, and in the same year, it was consecrated by the church. The basilica will be renovated by 2022.

Esztergom, Basilica, view, building — *Photo: www.facebook.com/wellspringofwonders*

Esztergom, basilica, view, interior, building — *Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Ivanhoe*

Basilica of Eger

Our next stop is Heves County and the city of Eger, which is known from its heroic battle against the Turkish Empire back in the 16^th century. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle or more formally Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, St. Michael and the Immaculate Conception is simply called Eger Cathedral or Basilica of Eger.

On the basilica’s location, the medieval Hungarian people built the first church when St. Stephen – the first Hungarian king – introduced Christian religion into the country.

The basilica we can see today was built between 1831 and 1836 in classicist style. The monumental building is the biggest one in whole Heves County and also its religious centre.

Eger, basilica, view, building — *Photo: www.facebook.com/csodasmagyarorszag*

Eger, basilica, view, interior, building — *Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Gergely Farkas*

Basilica of Pécs

The Sts. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral Basilica (or Pécs Cathedral) is the leading religious building of the city of Pécs in Baranya County. As Pécs was an important location for the Romans, the cathedral’s foundation comes from this era (approximately from the 4^th century). The basilica that we can see today was built in 1882.

It is considered to be a unique and extraordinary building in Hungary. After its consecration in 1891, many newspapers in Budapest wrote: “If you would like to see heaven travel to Pécs!”.

The building with four monumental towers and impressive interior design is something you should see at least once if you spend your time in Pécs.

Pécs, basilica, view, building — *Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Tamás Thaler*

Pécs, basilica, interior, view, building — *Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Tamás Thaler*

St. Stephen’s Basilica (Budapest)

The last stop is the capital of Hungary with its monumental St. Stephen’s Basilica named after the first Hungarian king. Built between 1851 and 1906 it is the most important religious centre in the country and one of the leading and most visited tourist attractions of Budapest. With its 96 meters high it is the tallest and most monumental building in Hungary.

An interesting fact about the building is that the Holy Right Hand (the mummified right hand of the first Hungarian king, St. Stephen) is kept inside the building. It is carried around the city every year on August 20, the birth of the Hungarian state.

The basilica also functions as a cemetery, and many famous Hungarian people lie inside the building. One of them, for example, is the legendary Hungarian football player Ferenc Puskás.

St. Stephen_s Basilica, Budapest, view, building — *Photo: Wikimedia Commons by ktanaka*

St. Stephen_s Basilica, Budapest, Interior, view, building — *Photo: www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope*

November 16, 2019

Must-see attractions in Hungary – Useful guide for travellers

Hungary is a place of wonders with many excellent sites to see and admire. Among the many attractions, sometimes it is difficult to choose: cities, mountains, lakes, valleys? Which one to see first? Let us give you a quick reminder about four places to start within Hungary collected by Kafkadesk.

Budapest

Of course, the capital comes first and should be the first location of every Hungarian holiday. The city is located on the shores of the Danube, so there is plenty of river walking with sparkling blue water on one side and centuries’ old buildings on the other. There is plenty to see and do.

Budapest has Europe’s third-largest parliament building and the second largest synagogue in the world.

Besides these attractions, other must-see ones are the Matthias Church, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Margareth-Island, Fisherman’s Bastion, Liberty Bridge, Great Market Hall, Buda Castle Tunnel, Várkert Bazár, and its thermal baths (Gellért, Széchenyi).

Hungary, Budapest — *Photo: www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope*

Lake Balaton

After eating, drinking and shopping in Budapest, head out to Lake Balaton for some relaxation. The lake looks like it belongs to a fairy tale with its beautiful green landscapes, and is one of the most popular weekend getaways for people living in the country.

Lake Balaton is the biggest freshwater lake in Europe and is lovingly referred to by locals as the Hungarian Sea.

The main attractions are the most beautiful chapels of the lake’s region, Siófok, Balatonfüred, Keszthely and the Tihany Abbey.

Pécs

The fifth-largest city in Hungary, Pecs was named a UNESCO City of Peace years ago because of its ethnic diversity. This charming and breathtaking city in south-western Hungary has done a great job welcoming refugees into Hungary, and so far, the results have been good.

Knowing how to deal with foreign cultures, languages, and attitudes is, after all, part of Pecs’ history.

The must-see locations in the city are the Pecs Synagogue, Pecs Cathedral, the Mosque of Pasha Gazzi Kassim and the Christian Tombs.

Hortobágy National Park

In 1973, Hungary created its first national park, Hortobágy National Park. It is the most significant protected area in the country at over 800 square kilometres and became, in 1999, one of Hungary’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Europe’s most beautiful place according to CNN.

The park’s famous among bird watchers because over 300 species of birds live in Hortobágy. To mark the visit, make sure to stop at Nine-Arch Bridge for a picture. The bridge has been around since the 1800s to help transport people and animals during floods.

CLICK HERE to find out which are the four Hungarian national parks to visit during the autumn season!

INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS ASSOCIATION

Featured image: www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope

November 9, 2019