THERMAL LAKE
Hévíz’s most iconic attraction is Lake Hévíz, the largest natural thermal lake with medicinal properties in Europe. It lies approximately 300 metres from our apartment house.
The lake covers 4.6 hectares and is fed by a spring rich in sulphur, radium, and minerals. Its entire water content is refreshed every 72 hours.
The emerging thermal water is around 40°C, never dropping below 24°C even in the coldest months, and reaching up to 38°C during summer.
The 33.9-hectare forest surrounding the lake provides shelter from the wind, while the continuous evaporation of the warm water purifies the air, creating a low-dust, low-allergen environment ideal for rest and relaxation. To fully benefit from the therapeutic effects, it is recommended to bathe for no more than 20–30 minutes at a time, followed by at least half an hour of rest.
The lake is open all year round and can be accessed with the purchase of an entry ticket.
CHURCH FROM THE ÁRPÁD ERA
The exact construction date of this church is unknown, but it was likely built in the mid-13th century. It is first mentioned in written records in 1341. The building suffered severe damage in the 16th–17th centuries but was later restored in 1731 during the Baroque period. Fortunately, only the most necessary repairs were carried out, so the church retained its medieval architectural character. During the renovation, interior and exterior decorative paintings were created, the nave was heightened, and the vaults were reconstructed.
The church was originally dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. After its reconstruction, it was re-consecrated and dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. It has since undergone several additional restorations.
Source: heviz.hu
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
The bell tower, originally built with two levels in 1905, was extended with a third level in 1937. Constructed in neo-Romanesque style, the tower features twin windows and houses both a small and a large bell. The small bell, cast in 1905, was dedicated to Mary Magdalene. The large bell was commissioned by the community of Egregy in 1937 in memory of their war heroes. A stone plaque on the tower lists the names of the 16 local soldiers who died in World War I. Sixteen linden trees were also planted beside the tower—each one once marked by a wooden headboard engraved with the names and birth/death dates of the fallen. Today, only six of the original trees remain.
A memorial plaque for the fallen of World War II was later installed on the tower wall and later moved to the church garden.
Construction of the church nave began in 1994, based on the designs of János Bocskai. It was consecrated on April 22, 1995, by Brigadier General Dr. Gáspár Ladocsi, a military bishop.
Source: heviz.hu
REFORMED–LUTHERAN CHURCH
This church is jointly used by both the Reformed and Lutheran congregations for worship services and community gatherings.
Although only a small portion of the town’s residents belong to these denominations, thousands of Protestant visitors arrive in Hévíz each year from Hungary and abroad.
The local municipality donated the current site to the congregations in 1994. The city also supported the construction, and a fundraising campaign was launched in 1995 to cover the remaining costs.
The foundation stone was laid on June 21, 1997. The completed church was consecrated by Bishop Dr. Béla Harmati (Lutheran) and Bishop Dr. Mihály Márkus (Reformed). The church bell, located under an open arch in the tower, was donated by Károly Borsos and his family.
Worship services are held in both Hungarian and German.
Source: heviz.hu
ROMAN-ERA ARCHAEOLOGICAL GARDEN
The ancient Romans had already discovered and used the thermal lake at Hévíz, as evidenced by the Roman Archaeological Garden at the end of Attila Street. The site was fully restored in 2011.
The original structure was built at the end of the 1st century AD. Archaeological findings suggest it was a richly decorated building, which remained in use until the 4th century.
Around the turn of the 1st and 2nd centuries, a large stone building was constructed here, measuring 45 meters long and nearly 23 meters wide—over 1,000 square meters in total. The building, featuring porticoes on its eastern side, included pools with hot, warm, and cold water. However, since no evidence of central heating was found, it is uncertain whether it was used as a villa urbana (residential villa).
The original building likely perished in the late 2nd century, but a new structure with a different layout was built in the 3rd century. A Mithras sanctuary was added, the altar foundation of which was discovered during excavation. This sanctuary and building were destroyed in the 4th century, but the site was rebuilt yet again before being finally abandoned in the early 5th century. Even in its final phase, the exact function of the complex remains unclear, though it may have served an economic purpose.
Source: heviz.hu
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The most modern and best-known church in Hévíz is easily visible even from the beginning of the town’s main road, thanks to its distinctive blue spires reaching into the sky. Located opposite the town hall, the church can accommodate up to 1,000 people. It was designed by architect János Bocskai and consecrated by retired Archbishop József Szendi on September 9, 1999.
The seven spires (five in the center and one on each side) serve as a beacon to visitors from afar and symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, appears throughout the church: in the floor plan, the paving at the entrance, the wooden interior elements, and the stained-glass window above the main altar.
Inside, modern architecture harmonizes with tradition, especially highlighted by the elegant wooden furnishings. Due to its excellent acoustics, the church often hosts organ concerts. The colorful windows, reminiscent of Gothic forms, were created by local artist Endre Simon. A 200-year-old cross fragment, a donated artwork, is displayed on the sanctuary wall. The bronze statue of Christ on the left of the altar and the crowned statue of Our Lady of Hungary on the right are the work of sculptor László Marton. The walls are adorned with enamel artworks.
Due to structural reasons, the highest spire does not contain a bell. However, the two adjacent towers house two bells each—two from former churches in Hévíz, and two donated by local families.
The church is most commonly referred to as the “Blue Church.”
Additional sights
- Protective Forest Park
- Dr. Vilmos Schulhof Promenade
- Hévíz Museum Collection
- Egregy Church and Vineyard
