Kecskemét, the capital of Bács-Kiskun county, is located in the central part of Hungary, about 85 km from Budapest, embodying all the beauty and value of the Great Plain.
Once a market town, it transformed into a true city by the turn of the century, captivating visitors with its Art Nouveau atmosphere from the very first moment.
Located in the main square, the Town Hall is registered as a gem of Art Nouveau, built between 1893-97 based on the designs of Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos. It is one of the city’s most recognizable buildings, frequently visited by tourists. The facade features a carillon that plays pieces by Kodály, Erkel, and Beethoven every hour. Its walls are decorated with Zsolnay majolica, found in other Kecskemét buildings as well. The decorative hall features paintings by the famous Hungarian artist Bertalan Székely.
Opposite the Town Hall is Kecskemét's oldest architectural monument, the Franciscan Church, built in the 14th century, locally known as the Church of Friends. Originally Gothic in style, it acquired its current Baroque atmosphere after several renovations, and a calvary was erected at its outer wall. Historically significant, it was jointly used by Catholics and Protestants until 1564.
Named after the city's famous native, József Katona, who created the first Hungarian national drama, the theatre bears resemblance to the Vígszínház in Budapest, as both were designed by the renowned Viennese architects, Hellmer and Fellner.
MOREContinuing on Kéttemplomköz leads us to the Reformed Church, built in the early Baroque style in the 1680s, the only stone church in the area during the Turkish occupation. The main square is unique in that it features churches of all denominations.
The Cifrapalota (Géza Márkus, 1902), celebrated in song, is distinguished by its undulating walls, glittering roof tiles, and ceramic decorations in plant and animal motifs, making it a unique architectural masterpiece.
TOVÁBBThe defining building of the main square, the Great Church was built between 1774-1806. Its long construction period was due to destruction by fire and earthquake. This is the largest Baroque cathedral in the Great Plain, with a 2,400 kg bell in its 74-meter tall tower, accessible via 94 steps.
The southern Great Plain is the sunniest part of Hungary, known for its numerous thermal springs, making it a paradise for those seeking healing and relaxation. Kecskemét's thermal water was certified as healing water in 1987, containing alkaline hydrogen carbonate, chloride, iodide, and fluoride. It is suitable not only for treating musculoskeletal disorders but also for gynecological problems and sports injuries. The year-round swimming pool, the three thermal pools with different temperatures, as well as the Leisure Bath and Slide Park (opened in May 2003 and operating from May to September) are all located in the same area. Kecskemét, Csabay Géza körút 2.
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