Explore Székesfehérvár, the former capital of Hungary. This city offers a combination of history and modernity, providing wonderful monuments and modern attractions. Székesfehérvár, known as the city of kings, was the coronation and burial place of many Hungarian monarchs. Its historic center offers stunning examples of architecture, including St. Stephen’s Basilica and the baroque Monastery on the Isle. Among the modern attractions, Székesfehérvár boasts Bory Castle, an extraordinary residence full of fanciful fairy-tale towers.
The city organizes numerous festivals and events, such as the famous Alba Regia Festival, which brings the city’s history to life through music, dance and historical reenactments. Székesfehérvár is also home to many art galleries and museums, including the King Stephen Museum, which details the region’s rich history. Near the city there are national parks and nature reserves, which are an ideal place for hiking and spending time actively.
Location
Székesfehérvár is a city located in the west-central part of Hungary. Convenient location between Budapest and Lake Balaton. Szekesfehervar is 65 km from Budapest.
Old Town
You must visit the Old Town with its 18th-century Baroque and Rococo buildings. You will be amazed by the squares decorated with fountains and flower beds. Pay attention to the Town Hall Square (Városház tér), with the 19th-century Bishop’s Palace. Look for the statue of the Orb here – a large ball held by three lions, symbolizing the coronation of the first king of Hungary, Saint. Stephen.
Bory Castle
Bory Castle was built 1879-1959. It was a huge studio for the works of the architect and his wife, the painter Ilona Komócsin (1885–1974), but also the works of other famous painters and sculptors. Bory intended the building itself as an independent work of art.
Architect and sculptor Jenő Bory created it as a personal monument to his artistic vision and love for his wife. As you explore the castle’s seven towers, courtyards, and gardens, you’ll see numerous sculptures and paintings by Bory and his students. The castle incorporates elements from various architectural styles, resulting in a distinctive artistic expression. The castle is a popular venue for wedding photography, musical performances, and cultural events.
Medieval Ruins Garden and St. Stephen’s Basilica (Középkori Romkert)
The Medieval Ruins Garden (Középkori Romkert) is a key historical site in Székesfehérvár. These are the remains of the Coronation Basilica where many Hungarian kings were crowned and buried. The site was largely destroyed during the Ottoman occupation, but you can walk among the stone foundations. Nearby stands St. Stephen’s Basilica, an 18th-century church built on the site of earlier medieval churches. Inside, you’ll see frescoes depicting the life of King Stephen I and a relic of his skull.
Csók István Képtár (István Csók Gallery)
The urban exhibition spaces of the Szent István Király Museum are located in the most beautiful historical buildings. One of them is the István Csók Gallery, which operated under the name Horthy Miklós Cultural Center between 1940 and 1942 based on the plans of Ferenc Schmidl.
The gallery, which houses one of the largest collections of paintings in Székesfehérvár, named after István Csók, a major figure in 20th-century Hungarian painting and fine arts, born in Fejér County. The Csók Gallery has been the scene of many significant fine art events of high artistic value.
King Stephen Saint Museum
In the uniquely rich archaeological collection of the King St. Stephen Museum we can get a taste of the past of Fejér County from the Neolithic up to the Ottoman times and amongst other things we can see the remains of the valuable stone-work of the royal basilica. The Székesfehérvár Diocese Museum is open to visitors with the most modern technological innovations and interactive guided tours.
Hetedhét Játékmúzeum – Toy Museum
