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Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of 9.6 million people. Its largest city is Budapest with 1.6 million people and Szeged is the third largest city here with a population of 158.000. Hungary is famous for the thermal baths and food with a lot of paprika. We also have a long tradition of math competitions in elementary school and high school. We already hosted MEMO in 2013 in Veszprém, and now we host it for the second time, in Szeged.
Szeged
Szeged is the third-largest city in Hungary, located near the south-eastern border of the country at the confluence of the Tisza and Mures rivers. The area has been inhabited since ancient times. The first written record of the city dates back to 1183, in which Szeged (Ciggedin) is mentioned as the centre of Hungarian salt transport. The flood of 1879 is one of the most significant events in Szeged's history and greatly influenced the development of the present-day cityscape. Most of the buildings were destroyed (only 300 of the approximately 6000 houses survived the flood), so today's Szeged was largely built after this disaster. The city was rebuilt with international assistance, and practically everything was redesigned. This explains the city’s street layout with rings and boulevards. The ring roads are now named after the cities that helped rebuild them, such as Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, London, Paris, and Rome. Another interesting fact about the city is that it receives the most sunlight in Hungary—more than 2100 hours a year—earning it the nickname “City of Sunshine”.
Sights in Szeged
Sights in Szeged
Szeged has a wealth of cultural, architectural and natural attractions, which are worth a visit:
Votive Church
After the flood of 1879, the people of Szeged made a vow: if their city was rebuilt, they would construct a large church. The foundation stone of the Szeged Cathedral was laid in 1914, and it was finally completed in 1930. It is the fourth largest church in Hungary and the only one built in the 20th century.
Dömötör Tower
The Dömötör Tower is the oldest building in Szeged. Its foundation was most probably laid during the 11th century, while the lower part was built in the Romanesque style from the 12th century, and the upper part in the Gothic style from the 13th century. It stands in Dóm Square, in front of the much larger Votive Church.
Szeged Synagogue
This is Hungary's second-largest and Europe's fourth-largest synagogue. Thanks to its excellent acoustics and 1340 seats, it regularly hosts classical and popular music concerts. One of the most striking features of the synagogue is its stained glass windows, designed by the famous Hungarian stained glass artist Miksa Róth.
Reök Palace
The Reök Palace is an Art Nouveau building, which was designed by Ede Magyar and built in 1907. Nowadays, it hosts exhibitions of modern fine arts and is also home to the elegant and cosy Reök Artisanal Pastry Shop and Café, which is well worth a visit.
Water Tower of Szeged
This was the first water tower in the country made completely of reinforced concrete. Inside the tower, there is a Foucault pendulum demonstrating the rotation of the Earth, an exhibition of colourful soda water bottles, and an exhibition on the history of physics.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of the University of Szeged is divided into different parts based on geographical areas, showing the flora of Hungary, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean, both freely and in various greenhouses.
Specialties of Szeged
Specialties of Szeged
Many famous Hungarian specialties are associated with the city of Szeged. Some examples of these:
Szegedi paprika
Szeged is known as the home of paprika, a spice made from dried, powdered capsicum fruits. The climate in Southern Hungary and the humus-rich soil of the Tisza-Maros estuary are excellent for its cultivation.
The PICK Wintersalami
The PICK Wintersalami has been produced since 1869 using a well-kept secret recipe and contains nothing but choice ingredients. Carefully selected cuts of pork are used and smoked on a real fire of beech wood that has been dried for 2 years.
Szeged Open-Air Festival
The Szeged Open-Air Festival is Hungary's largest open-air theatre (4000 seats) and one of the most important summer theatre festivals in Central Europe. It offers a unique diversity of genres even among European theatre festivals, with opera, operetta, musicals, prose, and symphonic music.
Szegedi halászlé
The slightly spicy fish soup is traditionally made in a kettle using at least four types of river fish (mostly carp, catfish, sterlet, and pike). "Szegedi halászlé" is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of the riverine lifestyle and the rich fishing traditions of the Tisza River.
Szögedi papucs
This is a women's slipper with red butterflies and knock-off heels. For a long time, it was an important accessory of the folk costume of Szeged. The product was made with a wide variety of motifs and decorations, but its structure was the same, durable and able to withstand heavy use.
Budapest
Budapest, A gem of Central Europe.
Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is situated along the banks of the majestic Danube River in Central Europe. With a rich tapestry of history, cultural heritage, and architectural splendor, Budapest stands as one of the most captivating cities in the region.
From its ancient roots to its modern-day allure, Budapest offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for visitors to explore. Whether admiring its architectural wonders, immersing oneself in its cultural treasures, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Danube River, Budapest invites travelers to discover the magic of this historic city.
History
History
Budapest's history can be traced back to the ancient Roman settlement of Aquincum, founded around 89 AD. Over the centuries, the city evolved through various stages of development, including the establishment of the medieval town of Buda and the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century. The unification of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda in 1873 marked the birth of modern Budapest.
Architecture and Landmarks
The cityscape of Budapest is adorned with a diverse array of architectural styles, ranging from Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque. Key landmarks include the Parliament Building, a neo-Gothic masterpiece that dominates the skyline; Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched atop Castle Hill, St. Stephan's Basilica, and the Chain Bridge, the city's oldest and most iconic bridge.
Cultural Heritage
Budapest boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with world-class museums, theaters, and galleries that showcase the city's rich artistic heritage. The Hungarian State Opera House, the Heroes' Square, and the Museum of Fine Arts are just a few of the cultural institutions that attract visitors from around the world.
Thermal Baths
One of Budapest's most famous attractions is its thermal baths, which have been enjoyed for centuries for their healing properties and relaxation benefits. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath, located in City Park, and the Gellért Baths, housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building, are among the city's most popular thermal spas.
Mathematical Legacy
Budapest has a strong tradition of mathematical excellence, with notable mathematicians such as Pál Erdős and János Neumann calling the city their home. The Hungarian Academy of Sciences, founded in 1825, continues to foster mathematical research and innovation to this day.
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