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Besides the well known cities renowned for exemplary beauty, rich historical past and places for sightseeing, Hungary boasts of several small cities and towns worth a visit. These town and cities have a past to be unraveled, charm of their own and beautiful places to visit. Get marooned in these places that are haven from hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. |
Bugac
Located 105 km southeast of Budapest, Bugac is the place for spectacle of the Hungarian cowboys in action. Horse shows are a daily feature during the summer season. This area is locally known for its fork-horned cattle and twisted-horn sheep.
Debrecen
The historic center of Calvinism, Debrecen is known for its 19th century Great Church. Debrecen is usually referred to as the "Hungarian Geneva" and "Calvinist Rome." The monuments of historic interest are the Reformed College, an important Calvinist institution, and the Deri Museum. Around 40 km west of Debrecen is Hortobagy, a village surrounded by horse pastures that resemble the Pampas in Argentina.
Eger
Eger is spotted with around 175 majestic historic monuments. Among the most notable are a castle, a basilica and the Istvan Dobo Museum with a Gothic arcade. Not to be missed is the baroque wrought-iron gates of the 16th century County Hall and a Franciscan Monastery. Other attractions of the town include Turkish baths and the Eger State Winery. The town is also known for Eger Bull's Blood, a distinctive deep-red wine. On the way from Budapest to Eger, at a distance of 40 km is Holloko, a charming village nestled in the Cserhat Hills that preserves the traditional crafts and architecture of the Paloc people, a group of northern Hungarians whose language and culture are distinct from the rest of the nation. The whole village is a UNESCO monument.
Gyor
Gyor is called the Town of Four Rivers as it lies at the confluence of the Raba, Rabca, Marcal and Mosoni-Duna. The 2,000-year-old city has a 12th century cathedral and the remains of a castle. Do not miss the performance of the Gyori Ballet, which has a reputation of being the best performance group in the country.
Hortobagy
Hortobagy is the name of both a region and a town in the Great Plain of eastern Hungary, where the rural Hungarian culture is still intact. Quaint peasant cottages have storks nesting in the chimneys and pastures are filled with herds of horses. Sights include the nine-span bridge built in 1827, the Shepherd Museum and a buffalo reservation.
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Kalocsa Kalocsa is known for paprika production, the House of Local Folk Arts and a cathedral. About 24 km north is Solt is the place to visit riding on a horseback. 20 km south of Kalocsa is the picturesque fishing village of Baja that is worth watching. |
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Kecskemet
Huge art-nouveau buildings dominate the center of this pleasant town in the heart of Hungary. These landmarks were built mainly by the Hungarian Odon Lechner in an effort to develop a new architectural identity drawn heavily from folk art. The Cifrapalato, a ceramic-covered palace, is a treat to eyes. The town is also the home of Zoltan Kodaly, one of the world's leading musicologists.
Koszeg
Famous in Hungarian history for its gallant stand in 1532 against a 200,000-strong Turkish army, the walled city of Koszeg is chock-a-block with monuments, museums, a castle and lots of other interesting old buildings.
Miskolc
An industrial town, Miskolc has some unusual attractions. Avas Hill, which overlooks the city is filled with numerous wine cellars, an interesting 13th century castle and museums devoted to metallurgy and hairdressing are worth watching. The spa of Miskolctapolca is the place famous for a cave and medicinal baths.
Rackeve
This town, located on Csepel Island in the Duna, is worth a day trip from Budapest. Present here are the 15th century Gothic church and frescoes and the 18th century Savoy Palace. Kayaks and rowboats are available to enjoy rowing in the river.
Sopron
Sopron, the home of composer Franz Liszt, has a well-preserved medieval center. It is located on the far western border with Austria, only an hour's drive away from Vienna. Sights include the Fire Tower, a Benedictine Monastery and other 14th and 15th century buildings in almost perfect condition. The Church of St. Mary is Hungary's finest piece of surviving Gothic architecture.
Szekesfehervar
Considered the oldest city in Hungary, Szekesfehervar was known in Roman times as Alba Regia. The remains of Stephen I, Hungary's first king, are thought to be in a tomb at the Stonework Museum. Visit the Istvan Kiraly Museum and Bory Var, an interesting building designed and constructed by a Hungarian sculptor and his students.
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