Mátraderecske: History, Handweaving and Medicinal Gas

Several themes come together in Mátraderecske: local history, handweaving and carbon dioxide medicinal gas treatments. When planning your trip, you can consider whether historical sites, textile craftsmanship or the range of treatments should be your main focus.

History between the town centre and its outskirts

The Baroque Roman Catholic Church of Mátraderecske was consecrated in 1804 in honour of Our Lady of Sorrows. Today it stands in the town centre; it was formerly on the outskirts.

On the grounds of the former old cemetery in the centre of Mátraderecske is a memorial to the 1848–1849 War of Independence, featuring the red marble tomb of Honvéd Major János Kis.

Kanázsvár lies on the outskirts. The castle was probably built by the Aba clan between the 11th and 13th centuries and was destroyed during Ottoman rule. Its ruins stand on Baláta-bérc, a ridge between Mátraderecske and Recsk. The local history spans a period from the church’s consecration in 1804 and the commemoration of 1848–1849 to the uncertain dating of the castle’s construction.

Handweaving and medicinal gas treatments

At the Népművészeti Ház, you can watch decorative curtains, tablecloths and artisan textiles being handwoven. You can see not only the finished textiles, but also how they are made. For those interested in textile design, this offers a distinctive experience alongside the historical sites.

The Mátraderecskei Széndioxid Gyógygázfürdő offers carbon dioxide medicinal gas treatments, including a 25-minute trial treatment. Groups of more than ten people are received by prior appointment. Check the provider’s current service information in advance, especially if you are planning a trial treatment or a group visit.

More to explore in the wider destination of Heves

The Hevesi Füves Puszták Landscape Protection Area lies in the southern part of Heves County, within the wider destination of Heves. It covers 16,114 hectares, was designated in 1993, and reached its present extent following expansions in 2005 and 2008.

The 6.5 km Ilona Valley educational trail along the Ilona Stream passes geological features of the Eastern Mátra Mountains and traces of former ore mining. Another focus can also be found in the wider destination of Heves: the Pély-Ludas educational trail introduces visitors to the grassland habitats of the Heves Plain, including saline grasslands, marshes, bodies of water, scrubland, semi-natural woodland and forests, as well as their wildlife and the European roller population. The two trails therefore offer different experiences: one combines geology and former ore mining, while the other focuses on habitats and wildlife.

The Hevesi szőttes is also part of the wider destination of Heves: this textile heritage from Heves County is associated with Heves, Mátraderecske and Bodony. Those interested in active tourism may enjoy the winter sports opportunities at Kékestető. The section of the Országos Kéktúra in Heves County includes the ascent of Kékestető, Hungary’s highest point.

Discover more destinations: Bükkszék, Pétervására, Szentdomonkos, Bodony, Mátraballa, Sirok, Paradohuta and Parádsasvár.

Go to the wider travel overview: Pétervásárai.