Jásztelek: Church Art, Local History and Nature

Church art, archaeological evidence and a protected area offer different points of interest during a stay in Jásztelek. Local highlights range from the architectural history of the Roman Catholic church to finding your way around the landscape. You can also plan your journey using specific information.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Jásztelek is accessible by car or bus via Road 32, between Jászberény and Alattyán. If you travel by bus, check the schedules separately. To reach the protected area, leave Jásztelek heading south and turn off toward Pusztamizse. A carved wooden sign marks the area. Check local road conditions before setting out.

Church and Local History

The Roman Catholic church on Erzsébet tér is oriented east–west, as is characteristic of medieval church architecture. The present church was built in 1765, after the older chapel had been demolished. Its medieval-style orientation and the construction date of the present church therefore represent different historical connections.

The painting on the main altar depicts Saint Martin and was painted by Antal Peski in 1862. The church and the painting can be clearly distinguished chronologically: the altar painting followed the church’s construction in 1765, in 1862. The subject and the artist’s name add a specific art-historical detail to the building’s history.

An archaeological find on the outskirts of Jásztelek opens up a much older period. Excavations uncovered a hunting hut measuring 5.20 metres in diameter in a Mesolithic layer. It probably dates to around 7000 BC, so the date is approximate. The Jásztelek Tájház is housed in a dwelling dating from the mid-19th century. Together, these remains point to very different periods in local history, from prehistory to a comparatively recent residential building.

Nature and Planning Your Visit

Protected plants and rare bird species are found in the protected area. An artificial oxbow lake is about 3 kilometres long and covers around 9 hectares. Its length and area describe its size from two perspectives; both figures are approximate. Fishing is permitted in forms that are intended to preserve natural values. Check the current regulations before fishing.

The Havas-Boldogasszony Chapel stands on the outskirts of Jásztelek, among fields, trees and shrubs. A media report from 2025 described its condition as very poor. As its condition may change, check both its current state and access arrangements before visiting.

Regional Context

Within the wider travel destination of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Lake Tisza in the northern part of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County is a tourist centre. Cycling tourism also plays an important role there: Lake Tisza and its surroundings are among the region’s outstanding areas for cycling. The international EuroVelo II route runs along the Tisza through the county. These regional points of reference add another perspective on the destination to the picture of Jásztelek.

Discover more destinations: Jászárokszállás, Jászberény, Jászszentandrás, Jászboldogháza, Jászapáti, Jászalsószentgyörgy, Jászdózsa.

Back to the wider travel overview: Jászberény.