Kalocsa / Hungary

Near the left bank of the Danube lies the town of Kalocsa in central Hungary, about 120 kilometers south of Budapest.

Kalocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. The archbishopric was established here around 1135, and the bishopric by the first Hungarian king, known today as Saint Stephen, as early as the year 1000. In the 16th century, when the country was seized by the Ottoman Empire, the town suffered significant damage, and in the second half of the 19th century, a large part of it was destroyed by fire. Today, Kalocsa is a charming small town that is definitely worth a visit.

The center of Kalocsa is Holy Trinity Square with statues of Saint Stephen, the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, and a monument to the heroes of the First World War. The town's landmark is the baroque archbishop's cathedral from the 18th century, built on the site of the original church from 1050. The cathedral has two towers connected by a bridge and boasts a beautifully decorated interior and majestic organs.

From the same period as the cathedral comes the baroque Archbishop's Palace, which stands on the site of a former 14th-century castle. The ceremonial hall has magnificent ceiling frescoes, and the library houses around 150,000 titles, including literary treasures of world significance, such as a signed Bible by Martin Luther.

A popular attraction for visitors to the town is the horse show, reminiscent of the times when this part of Hungary was a small Wild West.

Those interested in learning should not miss a visit to the house of Nicholas Schöffer, a French artist born in Hungary, considered the father of cybernetic art, or the Karoly Visky Museum with a wide collection of items, including minerals and coins. The spicy side of Hungary is represented by the Paprika Museum, focused on the "red gold," whose cultivation and processing the area is famous for.

Paprika will also make a great souvenir, as will the beautiful local embroidery with unique patterns. No one will go wrong with a bottle of the excellent local wine: you can head to the village of Hajós, made up of at least 1,200 wine cellars.

Places worth seeing

Holy Trinity Square – Stroll through the beautiful square with statues of Saint Stephen, the first Hungarian king, and Franz Liszt, the famous composer.

Assumption Cathedral – Admire the symbol of the town, the beautiful baroque cathedral from the 18th century and its two majestic towers.

Archbishop Palace – Explore the residence of Hungarian archbishops and its extensive library with literary gems of inestimable value.

Nicholas Schöffer House – Visit the house of the Kalocsa native, French artist, and founder of cybernetic art.

Paprika Museum – Get acquainted with Kalocsa's "red gold," the cultivation, processing, and sale of Hungarian paprika.

 

Hajós – Head out for a tasting of excellent Hungarian wine in a village with more than 1,200 wine cellars.