Bükkösd: Castle, Church and Eco Park

Three distinct themes can guide your choice of stay in Bükkösd: the history of the castle, the features of the Roman Catholic church, and wildlife observation in the eco park. You can choose your focus based on whether you are more interested in historical attributions and architectural details or in observing animals and exploring the routes on offer.

Castle history and differing attributions

The Petrovszky Castle, later known as the Jeszenszky Castle, in Bükkösd was designed by Fischer von Erlach. There is disagreement over who commissioned the building. According to one account, Zsigmond Petrovszky had the castle built in 1786. Other researchers attribute the building to Dániel Horváth; according to their account, he had it built for his son-in-law, József Petrovszky, and his daughter, Krisztina Horváth. Thus, the attribution of the design and two different accounts of why the building was commissioned stand side by side.

Church: construction history and details

The Roman Catholic church in Bükkösd was built in 1791 by Zsigmond Petrovszky and his sibling. It was designed by József Buch, who was the first drawing teacher in Pécs. Niches in the church façade contain statues of Saint John of Nepomuk and Saint Sigismund. The base of the altar also has an account of its provenance: according to oral tradition, it comes from the Pauline monastery on Jakab Hill near Pécs and is made of Goric marble. This detail is explicitly identified as oral tradition.

Eco park: routes and wildlife observation

At the Bükkösd Eco Park, visitors can observe waterfowl and landfowl, as well as large game species found in Hungary, in their natural environment. Park guests can choose between the Völgy séta and Erdőjárók útja routes. Wildlife observation and route selection offer a different focus from the castle’s construction history and the church’s details.

The themed programs for preschool and school groups include feeding and interacting with animals, horseback riding, and a playground. These activities must be booked in advance by arrangement. If you are considering a group program, arrange your visit ahead of time.

In the wider destination of Baranya

The wider destination of Baranya also offers cultural and nature-related attractions, each with its own focus. In Pécs, the Early Christian Necropolis of Sopianae includes decorated tombs from the 4th century. The tombs were built as underground burial chambers with above-ground memorial chapels and decorated with richly detailed Christian wall paintings. This adds an archaeological story that differs from the buildings and features in Bükkösd.

The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter includes the “Golden Age of Zsolnay” and “Pink Exhibition,” as well as an exhibition on the family and factory history. For children, the quarter offers outdoor playgrounds, an interactive lab, a planetarium, the Bóbita Puppet Theatre, a ceramic-painting workshop, and courses at the Hercules Workshop. The exhibitions and activities offer a range of options for a cultural stay.

At the Ős-Dráva Visitor Centre near Szaporca, an interactive exhibition brings together nature and agriculture themes with a farming demonstration area where practical farming methods are shown. Three themed educational trails provide information about traditional farming, the Ős-Dráva Programme, and the wildlife along the Drava. The agricultural area features native Hungarian domestic animals, including Hungarian Grey cattle, Mangalica pigs, Hucul horses, and heritage breeds of sheep and poultry.

Discover more destinations: Szentlőrinc, Hetvehely, Dinnyeberki, Helesfa

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Szentlőrinci.