Szentendre is located just outside Budapest, and with its Danube setting, it is a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the city and see a bit more of Hungary.

The lovely town is symbolized by churches, museums, galleries and cafés in Baroque setting. Serbians fleeing from the Turkish occupation settled here in the 17th century in large numbers, giving the city its Mediterranean character. The architecture, cobblestone streets and the city’s picturesque location have attracted many artists throughout the years. Let’s see what to do and see when you visit this charming town.

Open-Air Ethnographic Museum (Skanzen)

This open-air museum is perfect for those who wish to learn about and explore the history of the Hungarian way of life. It displays traditional Hungarian rural architecture from different regions of the country, such as recreated peasant homes from the 18-20th centuries, stone windmills.

The Museum is also home to a collection of artefacts that aim to educate visitors about the life and traditions of different Hungarian regions. Visitors get a chance to learn about the seven Hungarian regions from the Great Plains to Balaton Uplands. With petting farms, craft stalls and several events (including the mangles pig festival), this is a brilliant summer or family day out.

Marzipan Museum

The Szamos Marzipan Museum is one of Szentendre’s most visited attractions. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of two outstanding Hungarian confectioners: Mátyás Szamos and Károly Szabó.  The exhibition displays the art of marzipan making along with some of their masterpieces, such as a marzipan version of the Parliament building. The lower floor is also home to a shop where guests can buy marzipan in many shapes and colours.

Margit Kovács Collection

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The Margit Kovács Museum is one of Szentendre’s best known attractions, dedicated to the work of artist Margit Kovács (1902-1977), a famous ceramic sculptor, well-known throughout Hungary. Kovács’ works are a tribute to her Hungarian roots, and her main themes were folk art and religious art, especially Bible stories. She donated the majority of her work, such as statues, pots, plates and plaques, to Szentendre. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to take any photographs, but the distinctive style is memorable enough.

Ferenczy Museum

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Károly Ferenczy (1862-1917) was a Hungarian Impressionist, one of the leading painters of the famous Nagybánya School of Painting. He studied in Paris, and lived in Szentendre, Munich and Nagybánya. In 1906, he moved to Budapest and became the professor of the College of Fine Arts. His children, Valér Ferenczy (1885-1954), painter, Noémi Ferenczy (1890-1957), tapestry weaver, and Béni Ferenczy (1890-1967), sculptor, were famous representatives of Hungarian art. The museum is a tribute to the Ferenczy family.

Béla Czóbel Museum

Béla Czóbel (1885-1976) lived in Paris and Szentendre alternately from the 1940s. He belonged to the group of painters following the Post-Impressionist movement. Also his style reflects the principles of the Nagybánya School of Painting.

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The best Hungarian Christmas fairs in the countryside

The Christmas spirit has spread all across the country. In Debrecen there will be a series of Advent programs while in Szentendre the downtown will be dressed in festive decorations. In addition, there are many programs along the shores of Lake Balaton.

You can visit the Guitar Mass in Tihany, watch the Christmas concert in Siófok, or admire the giant nativity scene in Vörs.

The largest nativity scene in Europe, with a floor area of 60 square metres, is currently being built in Vörs. This has been a tradition in this charming rural town for more than 70 years.  The nativity scene is made of pine, moss, and other natural materials. It depicts the events that took place a the time of the birth of Jesus.

photo: Debrecen, Hungary (Depositphotos)

The Advent craft fair opens in Festetics square in Hévíz. There is a special program waiting for visitors every weekend. You can savour sweet chocolate specialities, try gingerbread baking, and even visit a fish market at the fair. There will be a musical mass and a mulled wine cooking competition in Tihany while,  in Siófok, there will be exhibitions, gingerbread towns, and concerts.

Turizmus.com writes that the Assumption Basilica in Siófok is a popular sight among English, Canadian, and Chinese believers. Christmas starts in the countryside Last year, the Hungarian Christmas markets were cancelled in many places due to the coronavirus epidemic.

This year, the festive atmosphere will return to most places, for example, also Debrecen Christmas market will be back! More than 200,000 Christmas lights will adorn several parts of the city. In addition, there will be 16,000 lights on the city’s Christmas tree.

According to the mayor, the Christmas spirit will be even more accentuated this year. The good news is that you can visit the outdoor fair without an immunity certificate. Not only Debrecen, but also Szentendre oozes festive ambiance, writes HelloMagyar.hu.

Advent candle lighting, Christmas fair as well as art and cultural programs await the visitors. The programs can be attended in Szentendre from 28 November to 10 January. You can watch Christmas movies at the Danube Promenade. In addition, several artists will give an interview.

It is truly worth exploring other Hungarian Christmas fairs as well outside of Budapest; the countryside awaits you with a great variety of activities and a splendid festive ambience.

source: dailynewshungary.hu