Szentendre, a picturesque artist’s village on the Danube River, is a perfect day trip from Budapest. Its relaxed atmosphere of narrow streets, cafes, restaurants, wine bars, and traditional Hungarian food evokes the Mediterranean vibe that has made it such a popular tourist destination.
Szentendre is also home to a number of museums and galleries. Among these is the Retro Design Center, which flies time travelers back to the 1970s with an in-depth study of Soviet-era lifestyles.
Kovacs Margit Ceramic Museum
The Kovacs Margit Ceramic Museum is a fine place to admire amazing clay art masterpieces. It pays homage to one of the most famous ceramic artists in Hungary, Margit Kovacs.
Her oeuvre includes terracotta, chamotte and porcelain works that blend folk, religious and modern themes into Gothic-like figures. Her later works are very powerful, especially the ones that deal with mortality.
In 1972 she donated her entire oeuvre to the Pest County Museums Directorate in Szentendre and it is now housed here (in an 18th-century salt house). The museum was opened in 1973.
To reach the museum, descend Gorog utca from the main square and turn right onto Vastagh Gyorgy utca. It is a short walk away from the historic cross on the hill overlooking the Danube and Szentendre island.
Blagojevica Church
Szentendre is a small town on the banks of the Danube near Budapest. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It’s a quaint place, with the occasional flashy landmark to mark its presence.
The Blagojevica Church – or the Transfiguration Church in Serbian – is the city’s finest example of late-baroque architecture. Dedicated in 1752, it’s got the oh-so-famous iconostasis and some of the best examples of neo-Gothic in the whole country.
The Blagojevica is also the location of Szentendre’s most spectacular neo-Gothic organ. The organ was built for the local cathedral and is a true work of art. The best place to hear it is at the rear of the church, in a room with a high ceiling and plenty of natural light. It’s an excellent place to take in the acoustics, and to listen to some choral works. It’s a definite must-see while you’re in the area. It’s a bit of a schlep from the train station, but it’s worth the extra effort.
Museum of Hungarian Culture
Located on the banks of the Danube, Szentendre is a beautiful medieval town that's just 40 minutes away from Budapest. With Mediterranean vibes, Baroque architecture, and a history of Serbian residents, this riverside town is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore Hungary's rich culture.
The Museum of Hungarian Culture is one of the city's most interesting attractions. This opulent and historic building houses exhibits that focus on the fascist and communist regimes that ruled Hungary throughout the 20th century.
This interactive museum is also a dedicated memorial to those who died during these regimes. Visitors can learn about the methods of torture and interrogation used during these times.
Another important attraction in Szentendre is the Skanzen, a collection of 26 buildings that replicates the imprint of a particular village in each of Hungary's regions. It's a great way to experience Hungarian culture and the region's folk traditions.
Batik Gallery
Szentendre is a charming riverside town that has become a popular getaway for tourists looking to escape Budapest. This town is famous for its art galleries and museums, as well as its beautiful setting.
- Situated just 40 minutes north of Budapest, this picturesque artists' village is a must-visit for any visitor to Hungary. Savor the fairy-tale charm of Szentendre by exploring its cobbled streets, visiting antique shops, and taking part in a variety of activities.
- You'll also want to make time for a visit to the Batik Gallery. The gallery is home to a huge collection of works by artists from Hungary and beyond.
- The batik gallery offers ever-changing exhibitions, workshops, and events. It's a great place for those interested in Hungarian culture, as well as those who are looking to learn more about this traditional craft.
