Hévíz & Keszthely
Hévíz
Lake Bath
The most famous sight of Hévíz is the Lake Hévíz, which is the largest natural thermal lake with medicinal properties in Europe. The distance from our apartment house is about 300 metres.
The lake is 4.6 hectares in size, it is fed by a spring containing sulphur, radium and minerals, and its water is completely replaced within 72 hours.
The hot water is around 40°C, warm at around 24°C in the coldest weather, and reaches 38°C in the summer months.
The 33.9-hectare forest surrounding the lake protects against the wind, the constantly evaporating water purifies the air, allowing bathers to relax in an environment free of dust and allergens. In order to achieve the desired curative effect, it is recommended to bath in the water for a maximum of 20-30 minutes at a time, followed by at least half an hour of rest.
The lake awaits those who want to relax and heal all year round and can be used with the purchase of an entrance ticket.
ÁRPÁD-ERA CHURCH
The exact date of the church’s construction is unknown, but it probably dates from the 13th century. was built around the middle of the 19th century. It is first mentioned in written records in 1341. The building dates from the 16th-17th centuries. It was heavily damaged in the 18th century and later renovated in the Baroque period, in 1731. Fortunately, only the most essential repairs were made during the renovation, so the medieval form of the church was preserved. During this renovation, the interior and exterior decorative paintings, the nave elevation and the vaults were replaced. The first patron saint of the church was St Catherine of Alexandria. After the reconstruction, it was rededicated and its new patron saint was Saint Magdalene. The church was subsequently restored several times.
Source: Hévíz.hu
HEART OF JESUS CHURCH
The Heart of Jesus church is located in the Egregy part of the town. It consists of two parts constructed in different ages. Close to the church there are building ruins left from the Roman age, the excavation was brought to a close in 2004. The church was built based on the plans of Janos Bocskai architect. The belfry was built at the beginning of the 20th century, while the nef was completed in 1994-1995. The belfry built in 1905 had two floors, but in 1937 a third floor was added. The tower built in Roman style has twin windows and includes a small and a large bell. The small bell has been founded to do homage to Maria Magdalena in 1905. In 1937 the large bell was founded upon the order of Egregy village to do homage to those who died in the King’s service. To pay homage to those 16 people lost in World War I there is a table made of stone in the middle of the cope and the names are listed on this. In commemoration of them again there were 16 trees planted, together with grave-markers having each name, date of birth and birth of death carved into those. There are only 6 trees alive as of today. To pay homage also to those who died in World War II there was a memorial tablet placed into the wall of the belfry, including the names of the young people from Egregy who died. Later the tablet has been moved to the graveyard. Later the plaque was moved to the churchyard.
In 1994 the construction of the church nef started in accordance with the plans of Janos Bocskai. Then it has been consecrated by Dr. Gaspar Ladocsi major-general, chaplain general to the forces on April 22nd, 1995.
Source: Hévíz.hu
CALVINIST CHURCH
The Calvinist church was constructed between 1995 and 1998 based on the 1941 plans of Balint Szeghalmy architect from Nagyvarad.
The marble decorations of the building are evocating of the Hungarian Calvinist churches of Transylvania. When creating the interior the Calvinist traditions were followed and it has remarkable woodworks.
The church is used both by the Calvinist and the Lutheran denominations for servicing and meetings. Indeed only the minority of the population of the town is Calvinist or evangelical, but every year there are thousands of visitors belonging to these churches arrive here from Hungary and from abroad.
The Calvinist from Heviz used to have no church, their meetings were held in houses and in the Community Centre of the Spa-Hospital. The evangelists used the small room of the movie theatre, then the lobby of Hotel Alba and the Community Centre of the hospital. In 1994 the city council made a donation of this piece of land to the denominations. It was again the local government supporting the construction,
then a funding was started in order to cover the remaining costs of the works started in 1995.
The foundation stone of the Calvinist church was laid on June 21st, 1997. The finished church building was consecrated by Dr. Bela Harmati evangelist bishop and Dr. Mihaly Markus Calvinist bishop. Karoly Borsos and his family made the donation of the bell located under the opened arch of the tower to the church.
Source: Hévíz.hu
ROMAN RUIN GARDEN
Even the ancient Romans discovered and used the lake of Hévíz. This is shown by the roman ruin garden located at the end of Attila Street, which was completely renovated in 2011. The remains of the roman villa from the early Imperial times were discovered in 1931 and then the building of Villa Rustica was excavated between 2001 and 2003 in its vicinity.
The house was built at the end of the 1st century. According to the findings it must have been a richly decorated building and it was used even in the 4th century.
At the turn of the 1st and 2nd centuries a large stone building was erected in its place which was 45 meters long and almost 23 meters wide, therefore more than 1000 square meters. The building had a porticus (columned porch) on the eastern side and some pools with warm, lukewarm and cold water. But it is not certain whether the building was the residential building (villa urbana) of the villa-farm, since there was no evidence of central heating.
The building is believed to have been ruined towards the end of the 2nd century, but in the 3rd century it was rebuilt with other interior design. Even a Mithras shrine was built in. The foundation stone of the altar was discovered during the excavation. The shrine and the building were destroyed in the 4th century, but soon it was rebuilt. At the beginning of the 5th century it was ruined completely. The function of the building is uncertain also in this period. Probably it was used for some kind of economic activity.
Source: Hévíz.hu
HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH
The Holy Spirit Catholic Church is the largest church of Hévíz. Its seating capacity is about 1000. The foundation stone of the church was laid by Jozsef Szendi then bishop in May 1996. The church was built based on the plans of Janos Bocskai architect. Due to the support of the town and the population it has been completed in three years. The seven sky-high towers serve as a guide for the visitors of the town. The seven towers are the symbols of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
On September 9th, 1999 it has been consecrated together with the Town Hall by Jozsef Szendi retired bishop. The interior of the church is alloying modern architecture and tradition enhanced mainly by the nice wooden panels. Its excellent acoustics makes it a suitable scene for giving organ concerts, too. The colourful windows with their Gothic-like forms are the hand-made products of Endre Simon artist from Heviz.
The torso cross on the wall of the sanctuary is a 200 years old art treasure that has been granted to the church and has been restored by Gyula Karolyi restorer and painter. The bronze statue of Christ on the left side of the altar was created by Laszlo Marton. He is also the composer of the bronze statue called the Dowager of the Hungarians standing on the right side and wearing the Hungarian Crown. The lustre glaze pictures on the walls were made by Laszlo Morvay. The wooden structure was built by Tibor Kováts and the wooden works of the interior were produced by Andras Hegedus. There are four bells in the towers.
In the garden of the church and in its neighbourhood
there are several statues and reliefs.
Source: Hévíz.hu
Other sights:
- • Protection forest park
- • dr. Schulhof Vilmos promenade
- • Museum Collection of Hévíz
- • Church and vineyard of Egregy
Keszthely
FESTETICS CASTLE
The Festetics Castle in Keszthely, with its most pristinely preserved original interiors and furnishings, was the home of the Festetics family for 200 years.
The Festetics Castle in Keszthely from the mid-18th century for 200 years was the home of one of the most significant noble families in Hungary, the Festetics family. Today it operates as a museum under the name Helikon Castle. The Festetics family changed, modified and built to the castle in Baroque,
and Rococo styles until it achieved its admirable look today.
The castle
The building of the castle, its interior design and furnishing were partially preserved during the Second World War, unlike most Hungarian castles. After the Festetics family left in September 1944, part of the collection was looted by German and Hungarian soldiers and the local population, however, the original furnishing items that can still be seen in the exhibition today were saved.
After the nationalization in 1948, only the library wing and the rooms that were walled up during the war were open to the public under the name Helikon Library, which was under the management of the National Széchényi Library.
Establishment of Castle Museum
The idea of establishing a “castle museum” was already conceived in the 1950s, however, the full external and internal reconstruction of the castle only advanced to the 1970s, so that the museum founded in 1974 as the Helikon Castle Museum could open. The official name of the institution has been Helikon Castle since 2012, its mission is to preserve, scientifically process and present the Festetics heritage. The Helikon Castle welcomes visitors with five buildings and six permanent exhibitions.
Noble Lifestyle and Helikon Library – Interior Exhibition
The original or historically reconstructed interior spaces of the Noble Lifestyle and Helikon Library interior exhibition visible in the castle show the noble lifestyle of the 18th-19th centuries. The greatest value of the castle is Hungary’s only intact private library with more than 80 thousand volumes.
Carriage Exhibition
A carriage exhibition opened in the former coach house building in 2002. Its main material is a collection of more than 60 18-19th century carriages, carriages and horse-drawn sleigh related to the noble lifestyle, as well as other material memories and works of art related to horse riding.
Hunting exhibition
The Hunting Exhibition has been visible since 2008 in a building rebuilt after the Second World War by the army. The exhibition gives space to the trophies of game animals hunted in five continents. Visitors can get to know the majority of the animals by walking in their “natural habitat”. The experience is completed by a collection of ethnographic and fine arts related to the topic.
Historical Model Railway Exhibition
The historical model railway exhibition is one of the largest in Europe. The giant model depicting the railways of Hungary, Austria and Germany from the 19th to the 21st century is an authentic replica of the original station buildings, railway tracks, locomotives and carriages.
Noble Journeys. Travel Adventures – Exhibition At the Amazon House Visitor Center – the former manor house of the Festetics family – the exhibition entitled
“Noble Journeys, Travel Adventures” opened in 2016, which presents the travel culture of the 19th century century and the beginning of the 20th century and the customs related to the travels with the help of several try-out tools.
Palm House
Built in the 1880s, the Palm House with its exotic plants recalls the tradition of orangeries and tropical greenhouses that were part of the aristocratic lifestyle since 2012. . The Palm House building is surrounded by a rock garden, an aquarium, a garden pond and a bird park.
Castle Park
The Castle Park, a nature conservation area, after a recently completed reconstruction, offers again the view designed by Henry Ernest Milner, the English garden designer in the 1880s, with the renovated lake, the Lion’s Well and the fountains, as well as the Princess Chamber Garden.
Source: keszthely.hu
BALATON MUSEUM
The building of the Balaton Museum in Keszthely houses the most comprehensive collection of the lake Balaton. The museum, which has more than a dozen permanent and numerous temporary exhibitions with a collection of around 380 thousand objects. It is open all year round and offers an interactive, child-friendly, perfect program for families.
GEORGIKON MANOR MUSEUM
The Georgikon Manor Historical Exhibition is a branch of the Hungarian Agricultural Museum and Library, a fresh spot in the heart of Keszthely city, with its varied themed exhibitions an ideal location for meaningful relaxation for every member of the family.
The History of the Manor
Georgikon, founded by Count György Festetics in 1797 in Keszthely, was Europe’s first independent agricultural higher education school. The institution was provided with the conditions for farming and practical education by the manor, and today the former buildings located on the two-hectare estate are the sites of exhibitions. The museum was ceremonially
opened on the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Georgikon in 1972.
Sights
You can get a glimpse into the life of the servants in the granary building and study the viticulture and winemaking culture of the Balaton-highland, follow the development of agrarian education in Keszthely and see the tools used for grain cleaning, storage and measurement, as well as crop cultivation. The former stable building houses an exhibition presenting the history of animal husbandry. We can also see the equipment of the former blacksmith, cooper and wheelwright workshops. Valuable pieces of the museum are the machines used in former agricultural work.
Source: keszthely.hu
KESZTHELY PROMENADE
The Keszthely Promenade, connecting the Festetics Palace and the Keszthely Main Square, evoking a turn-of-the-century atmosphere, plays a central role in the life of the city both in the past and present.
In front of me is the Castle, behind me is the Main Square…
If we visit Keszthely, it is almost inevitable that – due to its location – we will pass through the pedestrian street of the city, or at least touch it. If time allows, instead of rushing, wander along the street, take a few minutes to admire its beautiful buildings, and see what valuable information its memorial plaques hide!
The Promenade Then…
When we are on the Keszthely Promenade, wherever we look, come, go, we stumble upon treasures. Did you know that Károly Goldmark, the famous composer, was born hereat the Pethő-house? Do you know which is the old Town Hall building? While walking on one of the oldest streets of the city, think of how many stories the buildings of various styles – Baroque, Classicist, Copf, Eclectic, Secessionist – could tell, some of them being hundreds of years old!
Looking back at the past of the Keszthely Pedestrian street- formerly known as the Keszthely Promenade – the offer of its shops rivals that of any major town. There were goldsmiths, newspaper, glass, porcelain, fur, hairdresser, pharmacist, butcher, confectioner, and the list could go on. No wonder it was the busiest street of the city in the old days.
… and now
Although our needs have changed a little nowadays, so there is a fitness room opposite the Baroque-style Goldmark House, but there are many things that do not change: we are still happy to eat ice cream, eat delicious pastries, and go to a quality restaurant for meals.
The Balaton and…
If you think that the Balaton is the best place, don’t miss the museum about it! The Balaton Museum presents the formation of the Balaton, its history, and the tourism connected to the lake, as well as its formation. The wonderful thing about the “Hungarian Sea” is that everyone loves it for different reasons.
Most people probably visit it during the summer season for swimming and boating,
but there are some who visit it all year round for fishing and hunting, or just to admire it. The permanent exhibitions include the János Halápy Memorial Exhibition, the painter left his Balaton-themed paintings to the museum as a legacy. Recently, the Festetics Escape Room was also created in the building. But there are many interesting things to be found about the connection between Balaton and sports, castles, and people. Have you heard the legend about the giant called Balaton? They will tell you about it at the museum too!
Source: keszthely.hu
LAKE BALATON SHORE AND PAVILION ROW
Keszthely’s most popular spot throughout the year is the Balaton shoreline, which is easily accessible and offers a variety of programs and leisure activities from spring to autumn. Approaching from Helikon Park, you will find the Pavilion Row, where you can eat and chat as you wish.
Pavilion row – Restaurants by the Shore
In the summer season, the Pavilion row offers many interesting and delicious things from the Table of the Olympians to the Musicpavilion. If we notice before going to the beach that we have left something at home, we can go to the boutiques where we can choose from many beach items. If we are tired from travelling, swimming or cycling, a variety of buffets and restaurants await us. If we crave nostalgic flavors, let’s have a hot dog or a pancake, if we want something else, there is also a pizzeria and a grill.
At the Beach in Summer
The beach of Keszthely on Lake Balaton is full of life from spring to autumn, hosting programs, gastro festivals, concerts, performances and screenings at the Zenepavilon. The giant Ferris wheel rises above the beach, from which a wonderful panorama of Lake Balaton and the Keszthely region opens up. The beach ends with the Pier, from which various boat trips depart. If we come with a child, we should definitely visit the Water Play Park, which provides a meaningful relaxation for the little ones. Here we find two iconic buildings of the Keszthely beach on Lake Balaton, the Wave and the Balaton Hotel.
The Promenade during the year
Although the summer period is the busiest at Lake Balaton, we visit it throughout the year. It is an ideal place for resting while cycling, we can relax on benches while admiring the lake’s water. Between the Balaton Hotel and the Helikon Hotel, we can find a playground for children, an adult fitness park and ping-pong tables. Even if we just want to take a pleasant walk, we should choose the Balaton shore, shorter and longer distances can be covered in a beautiful environment. Many people like to capture beautiful moments, two photo points make sure that our photo clearly shows that we were in Keszthely. On the shore there are two statues of famous people, one of Ferenc Csik, Olympic athlete from Keszthely, and the other of Queen Elizabeth, between the Balaton and Hullám Hotels. Two famous people’s statues can also be found on the shore, directly by the water Ferenc Csik statue, who was the Olympic champion from Keszthely, and the sculpture of Queen Elizabeth between the Balaton and the Wave Hotel. In winter, the Energy Square awaits ice skating lovers.
Source: keszthely.hu
Events on the Promenade
The Promenade Street provides a venue for many events throughout the year. During the Street Festival, renowned performers create a summer festival atmosphere in the street on weekday evenings in July and August. On the first weekend of September, barrel organs line up, filling the street with music and good vibes. Then comes the KultUdvar, and throughout the year several guided tours, mainly on historical topics, pass through the street.
Source: keszthely.hu
