Békéscsaba – The City of Munkácsy
Békéscsaba is the seat of Békés county, but many people just refer to it as the sausage capital. Békéscsaba's 59,000 inhabitants are proud of their city’s attractions and its history. The beautiful downtown with its charming squares, as well as local culture and gastronomy make Békéscsaba a sought-after tourist destination.
In the last few years, the city centre of Békéscsaba has been renewed and restored to its former prominence. The revitalized downtown with its lovely pedestrian areas, fountains, cafés and shops attracts holidaymakers. The city boasts the largest Lutheran church of Central Europe. Other architectural gems worth visiting are Jókai Theatre, the first stone theatre in the Great Plains of Hungary; and the city hall in St. Stephen's Square, which dominates the centre. Fiume Hotel, the most exclusive hotel of Békéscsaba is across the square from the city hall. Csaba Center, the largest shopping centre in Békés county, is at the end of the pedestrian street.
Munkácsy district, named after one of the greatest Hungarian painters, Mihály Munkácsy, includes Csabagyöngye Cultural Centre and the oldest museum of Békéscsaba. Munkácsy Mihály Museum is home to the largest collection of the artist’s most valuable paintings. The permanent exhibition showcases the master’s 19 original paintings and some personal items, including photographs depicting him, and various documents. From the museum it is a short walk to the Munkácsy Memorial House, where Munkácsy spent a lot of time with his relatives.
Munkácsy district, named after one of the greatest Hungarian painters, Mihály Munkácsy, includes Csabagyöngye Cultural Centre and the oldest museum of Békéscsaba. Munkácsy Mihály Museum is home to the largest collection of the artist’s most valuable paintings. The permanent exhibition showcases the master’s 19 original paintings and some personal items, including photographs depicting him, and various documents. From the museum it is a short walk to the Munkácsy Memorial House, where Munkácsy spent a lot of time with his relatives.
Those who prefer a natural ambience will not be disappointed, since Békéscsaba is one of the greenest cities of Hungary. It's worth taking a stroll around Széchenyi Liget, the green heart of the the city. The visitor centre of the Körösök Völgye Natúrpark is located in this lovely park and you can find useful information about water, cycling and hiking tours, as well as information about the park’s trails. The beautifully renovated building also serves as an events centre and a marketplace selling organic fruits and vegetables, and products made by local artisans. The Living Water Canal runs alongside Széchenyi Liget and the entire city.
One of the city's newest attractions is CsabaPark, a gastro-tourism events centre that is dedicated to preserving the traditions of Csaba sausage and its production. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Frankó Tanya and Haluskaház aims to present rural lifestyles in a way that is tangible to visitors. To achieve this, they drew on gastronomy - the focus of the farm show is on the making of ″haluska‶ (cabbage and noodles) - the Slovak national dish.
In the Csabai Rendezvénypajta (Events Barn) there is a roller skating rink in summer and an ice-skating rink in winter, and street food lovers can indulge in craft burgers made with fried sausage and brindza (goat milk cheese). For those looking for an authentic and first-class pálinka tasting experience, Árpád Pálinkatanya is the place to be. In addition to a lovely meal accompanied by top notch pálinka, visitors can learn about the secrets of pálinka making. Another place worth checking out is the Békéscsaba Market Hall, where plenty of local sausage makers sell their products. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the marketplace is packed with local producers selling homemade cheese, cottage cheese, honey and meat products. At Békés Airport, located between Békéscsaba and Gyula, you can use an air taxi service; take a scenic flight; or if you fancy an adrenaline rush, you can even give tandem skydiving a go.
For those who like active recreation, such as trekking or biking, visiting nearby Wenckheim castle and the majestic park around it in Szabadkígyós is a must-have experience. The romantic castle ruins in Póstelek in the middle of an enchanting forest is another popular place with locals and tourists alike. In addition, two other palaces in the region are within easy reach from Békéscsaba via the newly built Wenckheim bike path.
Árpád Thermal Bath and Spa offers everything needed to unwind and chill in splendid natural surroundings. Therapeutic massage, jet massage, children's pool, swimming pools, wellness pool and saunas await those who wish to relax.
The city of Békéscsaba is dedicated to host a wide array of fun programmes and cultural events designed for a wide audience. In the summer there is something to do almost every day.
Csabai sausage is a globally renowned Hungarian speciality to the extent that it is protected by the European Union with a geographical indication. Its popularity in Hungary and abroad is bolstered by the Csabai Sausage Festival, which is held every October and is now one of the most widely known gastro-cultural events in Central - Eastern Europe. The popular festival strives to deliver a sophisticated, extensive line up of activities and events, where the focus of attention is in raising pigs and sausage making. The 4 days of this gastronomic event creates a memorable experience for more than 100,000 guests annually.
More information:
www.visitbekescsaba.com
