Experience history and culture in Székesfehérvár

Visitors who want to get to know Székesfehérvár through its sights can choose from architectural landmarks, collections and a range of activities. Topics span medieval architecture and religious art to football history and playful exhibitions. When planning, consider whether you are more interested in a historic site, a museum or a guided activity.

Architecture and history

Bory Castle stands on Öreghegy. This small fantasy castle was conceived by Jenő Bory, a sculptor from Székesfehérvár. In the city centre, Hiemer House is a restored, individually protected historic complex formed by the merger of three buildings of medieval origin. The two landmarks each have their own character: Bory Castle is described as a fantasy castle, while Hiemer House stands out for its layers of architectural history.

The Coronation Basilica Ruin Garden highlights the city’s historic significance through the remains of a three-aisled building with four towers. Until 1543, the basilica was the coronation church of the Hungarian kings; 38 Hungarian kings were crowned here in the Middle Ages. Works visible here include the stone sarcophagus made for the canonization of Stephen, the coloured stained-glass windows by Lili Árkainé Sztehló and wall paintings by Vilmos Aba Novák. Together, the architectural remains and artworks point to different aspects of this historic site.

The clock show also features figures from Hungarian history: they represent legendary kings and well-known figures and appear with musical accompaniment for the first time at 10 a.m., then every two hours. Check whether the clock show is currently operating before your visit.

Museums, art and football history

The Vidi Museum is devoted to the history of Videoton and Fehérvár FC, which dates back to 1941. The collection includes memorabilia, trophies and other mementos of victories, signed jerseys and shoes, as well as several thousand other objects. Football fans can complement their museum visit with a themed museum or stadium tour: tours are available for individual visitors and groups.

The permanent exhibition at the Székesfehérvár Diocesan Museum presents liturgical objects and religious memorabilia from the diocese. Highlights include goldsmithing, church textiles, Baroque paintings and sculptures. The museum’s grand hall is also the endpoint of the “In the Footsteps of the Holy Hungarian Family” pilgrimage route.

At the Hetedhét Toy Museum, the objects are not primarily arranged chronologically or by art-historical period. The exhibition focuses on play and role-playing. This differs from an approach that sorts objects mainly by age or style, giving the exhibition’s theme a distinctive perspective.

The Vörösmarty Theatre also has a place in the city’s history: it opened in 1874. Its complete renovation and reconstruction began in the summer of 2004; the theatre reopened after the work in December 2005. These dates describe its building and theatre history, not its current programme.

Tours, play areas and nature

For a city tour, the little train departs every hour from Városház Square by the Országalma. Its route through the city centre takes about 40 minutes. As the timetable may change, check the departure times before your ride.

Seven playgrounds with more than fifty wooden play structures are spread throughout Koronás Park. The areas and features include a play village, a herb labyrinth, a castle and a coronation hill.

A guided ecotour is offered on the Sóstó Nature Trail. It starts at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and lasts about an hour and a half. The tour introduces the wildlife and plant life along the trail. If you plan to join, check before your visit whether the tour is running on that date.

Discover more destinations: Pátka, Börgönd, Sárszentmihály, Sárkeszi, Lovasberény, Iszkaszentgyörgy, Sárkeresztes

For the wider travel overview: Székesfehérvár.