Top 5 lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hungary

UNESCO is responsible for the protection and conservation of cultural and natural heritage all over the world. Hungary boosts a number of breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Can you guess which ones these are? Read our article and discover some lesser-known – but wonderful – places in Hungary that have earned this title!

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst

The Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst are known for the large number of complex, diverse and relatively intact caves concentrated into a relatively small area, writes whc.unesco.org. The 712 caves are located at the north-eastern border of Hungary and the south-eastern border of Slovakia. Although the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst are typical of many karst localities in Europe, what makes them special is the great number of different types of caves found in a concentrated area. You can visit the stunning caves in the Aggtelek National Park.

The cave of Aggtelek. Photo: FB/Bambi Házikó Aggtelek

Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs

Originating from the 4th century A.D., the early Christian Necropolis is also included in the UNESCO list. A series of decorated tombs were constructed in the cemetery in the town of Sopianae, in the Roman Province of Pannonia. Today, the city is called Pécs and you can visit the ruins there. The ruins are not only valuable regarding the Christian communities of the Late Roman Empire but also in terms of the early Christian sepulchral art and architecture.

Pécs. Photo: FB/Gál-Busz Utazási Iroda

Fertő/ Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape

Fertő is an area of outstanding natural values and landscape diversity created and sustained by the encounter of different landscape types. The Fertő/Neusiedlersee has been the meeting place of different cultures for eight millennia, therefore, it represents a unique value. Near the lake, you can find the palace of the township of Nagycenk, the Fertöd Palace, the Széchenyi Palace and the Fertöd Esterházy Palace. It is also worth visiting these cultural places once you are at the lake.

Lake Fertő. Photo: FB/Fertő-Hanság Nemzeti Park

Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape

You may have heard about the popular Hungarian Tokaj wine, but did you know that the Tokaj Wine Region is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites? The Tokaj wine region represents a distinct viticultural tradition that has existed for at least a thousand years. Moreover, the landscape of the Tokaj wine region well illustrates the specialised form of traditional land use.

Tokaj wine region. Photo: FB/Tokaj Borvidék Fejlesztési Tanács

Old village of Hollókő and its surroundings

The charming village of Hollókő is a traditional Hungarian settlement, developed during the 17th and 18th centuries. It has preserved the heritage elements and traditions that characterise it. Although the traditional forms of rural life were generally abolished by the agricultural revolution in the 20th century, Hollókő remained intact. Many tourists are drawn to the village every year to wander around the Palócz-style houses.