Debrecen-Hungary | Emblematic Calvinist Rome of Eastern Europe.

Debrecen, the second largest city of Hungary is definitely a great destination well known to be the emblematic Calvinist Rome of Eastern Europe, former cradle and stronghold of that Protestant Religion in that part of the continent, elevated as a sort myth and symbol of that Christian fait since the 16th century and since born the comparison with the core of the Catholicism with its seat in the Vatican, Independent State in the boundaries of the Italian Capital.

With its approximately 220,000 inhabitants that centre lies at 231,0 kilometres from the capital of the country, the beautiful Budapest ,it is the major centre of the county of Hajdú Bihar and  Észak-Alföld as it is called the Northern Great Plain Region which includes in its territory the notorious and picturesque Puszta, that vast grassland east of the Danube highlighted by large plains, wetlands, prairies with  scattered bushes, a scenic attraction for its great preserved environment with an endless captivating horizon and subject of several landscape paintings.

Debrecen has a long history to narrate, very captivating and extremely attractive, it was the largest city of Hungary in the 18th century, capital of the Nation during the Revolution in 1848-1849, at the end of the 2nd World War between 1944 and 1945 and seat of an iconic University founded centuries ago boasting a prestigious fame.

Nowadays that centre is a very bustling and lively reality and thanks to the presence of that very distinguished Academic Institute it currently hosts over 30,000 pupils elevating itself as one of the most relevant national hubs in terms of education  becoming a favourite destination of several students for the ample choice of faculties it offers. 

Due to that massive young presence in its boundaries you will notice in its core many bars, clubs, restaurants and other ideal recreational  establishments to spend pleasant and animated evenings and a vibrant nightlife.
 

All that certainly increased the popularity of the city which is not too big but neither small, a captivating feature which attracts the attention of the visitor who can reach with extreme easiness by public transports but also walking different urban corners in a pretty fast way. 

Many things changed in comparison with the gray times corresponding to the Cold War when Debrecen was pretty isolated for a lack of quick connections with the Capital and the rest of the country and the easier accesses to other lands were those related to the border of the nearest Romania, situated just 50,0 kilometres away.

Considerable mutations about the image of the municipality took place in the late 80's and much more in the early 90's linked to the era of the fall of the Socialist regimes and Hungary was in that period one of the first Nations of the former Pact of Warsaw to open its frontiers to Western Europe.

 Since then Debrecen started to have a brilliant escalation revaluing its historic and architectural patrimony with a very fast metamorphosis highlighted by an intense process of makeup and restoration of a large number of emblematic buildings in decay, many of them pretty deteriorated.

Those operations since then were aimed to lead a major preservation of  relevant monuments, an aspect which was certainly very positive after many years of lack of interest due to political reasons which privileged other issues.

All that favoured interesting incoming flows of tourism in a country in which apart the stunning Budapest  and the famed Lake Balaton had other beautiful destinations, many of them pretty underrated,others a bit unknown by tourists as the case of that city.

A support to further improvements came later by many foreign investors and entrepreneurs who detected a potential mine of business and opportunities, the forecast was loyal to that analysis and today the city is a relevant seat of  International Congresses, Conferences, Cultural, Scientific Meetings and Sporting events. 

Thanks to that arose an excellent network of comfortable Hotels and accommodations with a relevant capacity responding to every budget and needs and the boom of the Hospitality Industry reached notable peaks of relevance placing itself in the highest ranking of the local economy.

Today that busting centre boasts a pretty busy Airport, an organised system of transportation, excellent communications, a great new appearance, a notable cultural calendar, superb museums and it gained and consolidated a significant position  with an important reputation in Eastern Europe. 

 All that was an incredible exploit  because just two decades that radical mutation was almost unthinkable or perhaps so far for many people for the brilliant reality Debrecen is living nowadays.

The course of the local chronological history in different and distinct stages was very tumultuous in large part also due the formation of its territory. 

The Puszta is a very large extension entirely flat with an absence of mountains or natural defencive barriers and the former settlement and its surroundings due to that geographic feature were often and easily invaded by several belligerent populations especially coming from East.

The Magyars, ancestors of the current Hungarian population came from a geographical point of the Ural mountains called Yugra in the 9th century settled in the current place occupied by the city which was originally populated by a small Celtic tribe which was quickly assimilated by those new rulers.

Afterwards there was a flow of Slavs who established their camps in the immediate proximity increasing a multi-ethnic reality living in many cases a situation highlighted by intolerance and clashes for borders reasons, different language, culture and intrusions in different issues.

Many invaders in medieval times such as Cumans, Huns, Tartars and Mongols reached  that land without difficulties, famous was the massive  invasion of the latter which destroyed the major Slavic Principalities established in Eastern Europe and in the Balkans ravaging villages, towns and in some cases also pretty big cities.

The notorious battle of the Sajó River which took place on 11th April 1241  in Mohi also known as Muhi, a village not far from the Slovak border which saw Baku Khan, grandson of Gengis Khan founder and ruler Golden Horde, a feared division of the Mongol Empire defeating the army led by Béla IV, King of Hungary of Hungary and Croatia  supported by Frederick II, Duke of Austria was the key of that Asiatic population to conquer the entire country including Debrecen leaving that land in extreme conditions of poverty and desolation.

The name of the current city is closely related to that century when it was mentioned for the first time in 1235 as Debrezun generated by determined occupations ans as it is usual  there are some debates regarding its origin. 

Another historic declaration is linked to the word Debresin left by the Cumans, a Turkic nomadic people from the Eurasian steppe which means live, something connected to the life of a camp or settlement established in the current boundaries of the municipality.

Another version is associated to former Slavic populations who called it Dobreziem, a composition of two words such as Dobre and Ziem. The first translated  means good, while the second is linked to soil, land, ground closely related to the current substantives zemlju and  zeme used in some European countries populated by Slavs such as Croatia, Slovakia and Czech Republic among others.

That name was probably created because that fertile land permitted to be well cultivated and from that second hypothesis was determined that attribution.

In the Middle Ages with continuous replacements and changes of settlers, the former village was governed by King Louis I also known as the Great or Lajos Nagy, Monarch of Hungary, Croatia and from 1370 Sovereign of Poland. 

That character increased his fame and influence until to undermine lands ruled by the powerful Ottoman Empire and the Marine Republic of Venice, historic rivals with which that Monarch had numerous disputes and clashes. 

Those events were very usual in a period in which that vast territory was characterised by frontiers mutating in a very short time due to treaties, territorial cessions, defeats in battles and loss of lands, provisional alliances generating partitions of strategic geographical points and further claims later.

Despite that he also developed a very active centre establishing in the local boundaries a  relevant activity trade with traced routes transforming Debrecen in a notable open gateway towards the territories of the Transylvania along a network of trails connecting that site to important centres such as Oradea and Cluj Napoca among others.

Thanks to excellent results obtained with a constant increasing of an intense traffic also highlighted by many merchants coming from different corners of the Balkans generating a notable revenue that Monarch granted the citizens the right to choose a judge to solve diatribes among the traders and a sort of mayor dictating policy rules.

 The site receiving that considerable autonomy became in a very short time an important market place and relevant cross point linking Eastern Hungary to all the Northwestern borders of Romania, Slovakia, southern Slovenia at north with a consequent easy access to the territory of Austria.

In the early 15th century Sigismund of Luxembourg, Holy Roman Emperor after a treaty with the Prince Stefan Lazarević, also known as Stefan the Tall, or Despote delivered the rule of Debrecen to that Serbian leader on September 1411 replaced after his death by the successor  Đurađ Branković elevated as Baron of Hungary and first member of a noble dynasty to hold the Royal throne of Serbia.

After that Slavic period of domination, Debrecen between 1450 and 1507 moved under influence of the Hunyady family, one of the most powerful and influential Hungarian Houses which had in the iconic Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary from 1458 to 1490 and also Sovereign of Moravia one of its relevant exponents.

During those years apart a superb growth, the golden ages continued also regarding a cultural aspect during the times of King Ferdinand I  with the foundation in 1538  of Debreceni Egyetem, the emblematic University which played an important role in that town and in the country.

That site called numerous prominent figures to study or teach in that prestigious Institution which was totally supported by the Kingdom becoming soon an academic emblem well known also abroad and apart that the town continued to be an important commercial hub highly regarded in Eastern Europe.

The importance of that considerable cross road obviously attracted the desire of conquest of declared enemies and a large part of Hungary was invaded and occupied by the Ottoman Empire in 1541 during the period of the Great Sultan Suleiman I, nicknamed Suleiman the Magnificent but also the First and the Lawgiver because he re-established the legal system in the Imperial Turkey.

Since then the Turkish always used that land as an ideal and strategic platform to attack Vienna and the core of the Austrian Empire and to have a solid territorial base north of the Balkans controlling all the main accesses from different cardinal points.

Despite that in those times period the current nation was subdivided in three parts, the northwestern territories were under influence of Austria, one in Turkish hands and a third corresponding to the Principality of Transylvania which included Debrecen in its domains a sort of reality apart with an independent status hostile to the Hapsburg domination and expansion  trying to keep good relationships with the Turks considered for that by the Hapsburg House a vassal of the Ottomans.

 Probably the Austrian Emperors in those centuries were right because in a sort of tacit agreement that land was never Islamised as other nearest territories always creating suspects and distrust from part of Vienna.


Very curious and peculiar the situation of that geographic area  totally surrounded by Christian Catholic and Muslim big  realities respectively represented by Austria and Turkey.
  
That land had during those times several reforms also related to Religious issues embracing the Calvinism and the current site started to become since then  the most important cradle of that Protestant Religion with thousands of Hungarian citizens who were converted to that faith introduced by some German merchants who brought Evangelical ideas from the Holy Roman Empire.

That Religion had in the Swiss city of Geneva the focal point a faith which spread all around  Switzerland in the 16th century with the pioneers Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin and Heinrich Bullinger but also in Germany thanks to influential figures such as Martin Bucer, Wolfgang Capito and Johannes Oekolampad obtaining a relevant number of believers.

It reached furthermore significant successful  results in other countries such as Holland, France, Lithuania and including for a period protagonist of considerable movements also in Sweden despite overshadowed by the strong Scandinavian links to the Lutheranism pretty rooted in that Nordic Kingdom.

Zacharias Ursinus , a reformed theologist born in the Polish city of Wroclaw, eminent master at the German University of Heidelberg played an important role in the large introduction of the Calvinism in Transylvania and Hungary, a case pretty unusual in that European geographical point for all the historic and cultural stages lived in the previous centuries.

A reformed Constitutional synod took place in Debrecen in 1567 which became since then a considerable Calvinist Hub in Eastern Europe embracing the second Helvetic confession and since then that Principality  was Governed by converted Princes who assimilated that faith as a distinctive emblem and not just only Religious but as something embracing many cultural rooted aspects.


 A leader of that  former country was the Prince Ferenc Rakoczi II, a patriot descendant of the first Magyars, considered a national hero who also had a statue paying homage to him  in the famous square Hosök Tér, the Heroes Square of Budapest.


Many things changed  at the end of the 17th century when the Austrian Empire defeated the Ottomans which ceded practically three quarter of the Hungarian territory keeping the current city of Timisoara in Romanian territory and some lands in its proximity.

The integration of Hungary in the sphere of Austria which also absorbed Transylvania and Debrecen  as highlighted since the beginning by the establishment of a hard and rigid regime characterised by a strong hostility by a large part of the population which did not accept impositions and drastic changes by those new rulers.

That tense situation caused a rebellion  against Vienna and and Rakoczi II  led the Hungarian revolt but losing the battle of Trencin in Slovakia in 1708, an event which was the prelude to a stronger and authoritarian Hapsburg domination which after that victorious clash also rejected every proposal of possible treaties.

After a long period highlighted by various riots and rebellions, the Austrian Emperor once re-taken total control of the situation started to organise traditional territorial and urban subdivisions as in the motherland, including introducing the Baroque architectural style elevated during Hapsburg times as an icon and entered with a strong impact also in those conquered lands. 

In addition the German was declared official language and as further detail was that the Catholic Religion had to be the predominant for desire of that Imperial House.

All those cultural, linguistic, artistic and Religious impositions were not accepted with enthusiasm by the locals and in the half of the 19th century, concretely in 1848 started revolutionary movements in Budapest with several riots and intolerance towards the rulers with protagonist and leader Lajos Kossuth who declared the Independence of Hungary, an episode which changed the history of the country.

In that period the city also became for a brief time Capital of the Nation and a very important event was celebrated in the major Calvinist Church of the country, Nagytemplom when it hosted that character in an acclaimed speech in presence of thousands of people.

That historic episode caused a Religious revival as instrument of struggle increasing furthermore the notable influence of that faith in Hungary becoming for many citizens an  indisputable national symbol.

For all what happened there with an incredible International resonance reaching all the European frontiers since then then started to be in vogue that nickname Calvinist Rome comparing that site to the eternal city of the Popes and Debrecen became the focal point of a movement which was able to face a powerful Empire with an intense resistance.

 

The Hapsburg House some years later to keep good relations with the Hungarians gave the country an ample autonomy and thanks to those concessions there was a relevant development which was the  origin of golden ages of the city. 

Those years were protagonists of a new plan of urbanisation, a reform of the old railway system, construction of new buildings with the establishment of some trade and financial companies and furthermore as relevant detail is that centre was the first city in Hungary to have a steam tramway.

The two wars had two different effects on the city. After the 1st World War with the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918 the County of  Hajdú Bihar lost a big part of its former territory commercial key points and businesses in favour of the nearest Romania after the restoration and design of new European maps.

The period was not among the most favourable in that Nation, Hungary was not anymore part a Imperial power and its size was remarkably reduced. Obviously all that had considerable local repercussions in the municipality which felt itself isolated and the only way to have a renaissance was a rebirth with its own efforts.

Something of pretty positive as s signal of improvements came when the local governors started to be very active establishing a plan to restore some Institutions as the Commercial Chamber but much more to re-launch its famous University and in addition there was the construction of recreational structures and complexes as a big pool among others.  

In 1944 during the 2nd World War when Hungary supported the axis Berlin-Rome-Tokyo the city acquired for a short period and in a second occasion the title of Hungarian Capital despite only temporary.
  
It was also protagonist in thar famous event called Debrecen offensive operation  in a notorious battle which took place in its boundaries from 6th to 29th October 1944 with the German Heeresgruppe Südukraine, the Army Group South Ukraine, allegiance of the Wermacht led by the General Johannes Friessner facing the Soviet 2nd Ukraninan Steppe Front , a major formation of the Red Army commanded by the Marshal Rodion Malinovsky.

Despite the tactical victory of the first the post-battle was also a strategic success of the second because the defencive German Eastern Front was significantly weakened opening a large hallway towards the invasion of the enemy all around the rest of the Nation with the conquest of Budapest which was in that operation the target of the Soviets.

With the entrance of the tanks of the Red Army in that city, the current major centre of Hungary and  the installation of a Communist regime the pearl of the Danube was proclaimed Capital once again.

Debrecen lived in that period probably the darkest pages of its history, it suffered the sad destiny of the numerous local Jewish Community which was deported in extermination camps and as tragic historical detail the city suffered a tragic event with the 65% of its historic patrimony totally destroyed.

Many elegant, stylish Neoclassic and Baroque buildings next to several other historic constructions including old beautiful Churches needed a total restoration and the main roads were in major part devastated by bombing. 

The railway station was victim of a terrible devastation and due to its precarious conditions with the platforms practically nonexistent and all the main structure severely damaged it had a very slow
 recovery.

The post-war and several years  lived in the USSR sphere placed Debrecen in a position of extreme anonymity, completely marginalised from all the main routes living very gray times. 

The new  Government also took all the Institutions and private activities as property patrimony of the Socialist Party and obviously all that generated lack of opportunities to create new businesses. Also the iconic University had a process of reforms desired by those rulers who planned a different organisation of the faculties.

In addition that title of emblematic Calvinist Rome of Eastern Europe was totally obscured as switching off a light in a room in a Communist society which proclaimed the Atheism as one of its ideology. 

The notorious establishment of the Pact of Warsaw signed by Hungary in 1955 was a further shock when Europe was cut in two blocks starting the dark years of the infamous Cold War which for long time seemed as an insurmountable wall, a barrier impenetrable with Budapest as major centre with rest of the Nation largely depending by that city and practically almost unknown in the rest of the world.

The local history followed the destiny of the entire country after the fall of  Berlin Wall in 1989 and the Socialist regimes with the rebirth of a new Republic which continued its stages to conquer a continental dimension and visibility until 2004 when Hungary entered as official member of the European Union.

The historic core is mainly developed along its long boulevard Piac Utca which crosses the city from north to south. Approximately in its central section that artery is bordered by two other important avenues  such as Lajos Kossuth Utca and Széchenyi Utca. Along them and in their immediate vicinity you can see the major part of the most important monuments and historic buildings.

Hunyadi Utca at north, Sztent Anna Utca and Miklos Utca at south are  other relevant urban axes corresponding to the limits of the old city and they are excellent points of reference and orientation during the the approach to know the city.

You can start the visit from the iconic Nagytemplom also known as Reformed Great Church of Debrecen  located in the huge square Kossuth Tér, a majestic temple elevated in Neoclassical style by the architect Mihály Péchny between 1805 and 1824.

That Religious building lies in a place on which were previously elevated other Churches in different periods since the middle ages but disappeared or demolished for different kinds of events. That Calvinist Temple is that legendary site which represents an icon for all the Hungarian Calvinists, a sort of distinctive historic landmark next to the renowned University.

Developed on a large rectangular plan, that imposing construction painted in a light ochre tonality was erected using a mixture of Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles with a central nave flanked by two high towers both with large circular clocks inserted in two dark domed sections with pinnacles established on the top.

The facade presents a wide pediment on its upper section in which was placed another clock in the middle supported by eight false columns attached to the front side and a series of seven high rectangular windows developed among them. 

The impressive nave is approximately 55,0 metres long and over 15,0 metres wide, surprising is also the size of the transept reaching an high of 38,0 metres and 14,0 metres wide. It is also for those dimensions one of the most remarkable architectural works elevated in Hungary regarding Religious structures all time.

You will notice n addition the perfect symmetry of all the elements present in the facade in a layout respecting spaces and outlines despite a lack of decorations making it a bit austere but with very defined lines and its image is in perfect harmony with the urban environment highlighting with its volume and majestic profile the entire square.

The interior reflects the typical aspect of a traditional Calvinist Church, sober with light walls characterised by the presence of arcades, niches, vaults and domes reaching in a point a maximum height of 21,0 metres.

Flanking the altar you can admire a series of ample rectangular and curved windows all them established beneath niches transmitting exterior light to a spacious apse, presbytery and the main nave.

Nagytemplom also has two organs, one of them is pretty modern consisting in an electronic creation boasting 52 registers installed in the Church in the 80's by Peter Albert while the second is located behind the pulpit and it is a classic organ of 43 registers made by the Austrian master Jakob Deutschmann.

Very impressive is the capacity of that Sacred seat, it can contain over 5000 people, a place which was chosen for that relevant event previously mentioned hosting the celebration of the Independence of the Nation in the 19th century and linked to that you will see the famous armchair on which Lajos Kossuth sat during that famous speech on 14th April 1848. 

Very popular also abroad for its history as centre of reforms, that site is a very important destination of devoted pilgrims who embraced that Religion in Hungary and Eastern Europe.

In Déri Tér, a square behind the Church is situated Déri Museum hosted in a stupendous Baroque construction with a central rounded body bordered by two long wings with a large exterior passage flanked by four bronze statues by the sculptor Ferenc Medgyessy leading to that interesting exhibition, a visit is very recommended to discover and know more the local and national history since the 13th century.

In different sections are displayed relevant documentations introducing that very important period corresponding to the 16th century with the advent of Calvinist Reforms until the 19th century. In other spaces you can admire collections of works by Hungarian artists and the highlight is certainly a trilogy consisting in three paintings by Mihaly Munkascy depicting the famed Ecce Homo, Jesus Christ in front of  Pilatus and the Crucifixion.

Another area contains a rich collection of items from the ancient Egypt with mummies and sarcophagus, pieces from the ancient Greece, Far East objects and artifacts linked to the Roman Empire while other rooms are devoted to different historic periods, nature and animals.   

Next to that Museum in a square called Kalvin Tér dedicated to John Calvin  you can see the famous Calvinist Reformed College, an elegant and stylish building erected in the 16th century in Baroque style totally restored at the beginning of the 19th century due to a fire.

That Institution was founded in the 16th century by professors coming from Wittenberg. a famous German town linked to that Protestant Religion but also to Martin Luther and teachers from the famed University of Krakow, relevant city of Southern Poland. 

That site is very famous for its superb library which contains over 6.000.000 books, considered in its kind a historical and cultural treasure apart its immense cultural value and worth a mention the presence of  a collection of Bibles translated in over 250 languages.

You will have the opportunity to admire memorabilia of the history of the country such as a briefcase of Lajos Kossuth and the flute of Mihály Csokonai Vitéz, a famous Hungarian poet born in the city. As further attractions you will have the chance to see a notable Numismatic collection boasting several medals and in addition a very interesting section devoted to minerals.

Walking along Piac Utca which translated means market street because along its surface took place the old market exactly situated in front of  Kalvin Tér, you will be on a boulevard extremely attractive for the charming presence of a varied architectural composition of buildings erected in different styles and periods showing diverse shapes and silhouettes.

A large part of them have a modern and contemporary aspect while others were elevated in Art Nouveau and Neoclassical styles. On that scenic artery lies the famous Hotel Aranybika, a famous and very comfortable accommodation.

It is very famed apart for its superb services and qualites because it hosted in several occasions the prominent Hungarian musician and composer Bela Bartok who performed there some concerts in one of its halls.  

That fine hospitality establishment to pay homage to that distinguished pianist of the 20th century dedicated him a a lounge bearing his name to thank that famed artist who influenced Brahms  Liszt, Strauss and was pioneer of that movement called Ethnomusicology, that method aimed to a direct approach to the study of folk, ethnic, cultural and social contexts.

 

At the corner of Lajos Kossuth Utca you can see the Town Hall, a stylish building erected by the architect Péchy  Mihály in 1802  totally changing ther image of a previous structure erected in 1531 but with an interruption of the plans of work for lack of funds.

The operations were continued later by the architect  Ferenc Povolny who ended the entire layout of the building in 1843 which was the residence of Lajos Kossuth in 1849 and later headquarter of the Honvédelny Bizottmany, the Defence Committee linked to the Hungarian Army.

The building consist in a huge construction arranged on two stories with a large central body boasting a high front side highlighted by an ample neoclassical pediment in its highest section, a portico on the ground floor with stylish arcades and rectangular windows on the second floor while the two wings are characterised by a symmetrical series of  other big windows. 

A short distance from there along Lajos Kossuth Utca you can admire Csokonai Theatre. That building  is an elegant and stylish romantic construction dated 1865 considered in its kind a magnificent masterpiece.

 Its name is in honor of Mihály Csokonai Vitéz, prominent poet, writer and eminent exponent of the Hungarian Literary Revival of the Enlightenment, considered a genius for his unique talented style to write love and heroic poems but also comedies of farces in a very personal and unique way.

Born and bred in Debrecen the city  remembered one of his illustrious sons who delighted with his works a multitude of people with that relevant Theatre.

 

Erected on a large rectangular plan, it is a two-story construction painted in ochre tonality with light decorations. At the entrance it presents a wide portico with charming columns and arched doors and one of the main attractions is the refined decoration of its main facade embellished by several sculptures inserted in a very balanced layout of a magnificent front side depicting distinguished figures of the theatrical art.

That splendid construction is furthermore highlighted by a wide balcony occupying half section of the structure completed by five curved wide windows. Very relevant is also the interior which boasts beautiful ceiling frescoes, glitzy crystal chandeliers and apart all those stunning artistic details it has a very ample calendar of events with notable performances by famed artists.

In a square called Revesz Tér you can admire another icon of the city consisting in the Small Reformed Church. That Sacred Temple was erected in the 17th century consisting a simple construction developed on a rectangular plan with three naves and the main attraction is definitely its high bell tower with a square summit elevated in the same period.

Totally restored in the 18th century due to a fire it originally had a Byzantine dome above that tower but during the operations of restoration despite the project was aimed to re-give the same aspect of the former structure the cupola was not added and for that the locals call it with a peculiar and curious name : Csonkatemplon which means the truncated temple. 

The interior is very attractive especially for its ample symmetrical columns and beautiful arcades, well preserved walls. Other highlights are a beautiful carved pulpit and a considerable organ placed under a huge sinuous vault.

Along Szent Anna Utca you can see Szent Ann Templom, the local Roman Catholic Church dedicated to St. Anne. Built in the 18th century on a former Monastery it is a Baroque yellow building with white interlines and two high twin towers both with a clock and surmounted by metallic pinnacles.

The facade has a scenic layout with series of windows placed vertically and horizontally, an attractive portal surmounted by a balcony of renaissance inspiration and above it you will notice the presence of a statue depicting St.Anne while thecentral nave is flanked by two aisles and two statues representing the King St.Stephen and the Prince Emerich. 

The interior is typically Baroque with splendid frescoes and painted ceiling dating back the 19th century works which were added after a restoration.

Debreceni Egytem, the local University is one of the most important Institutions arose in the city and Hungary with important  faculties such as Medicine, Agriculture, Science but also others ranging from Economic Sciences, Informatics, Engineering, Pharmacy, Law and Arts among others.

With a long history and prestigious traditions since its foundation in 1538 when Debrecen was a small town that historic Institute is a local pride and a National cultural symbol. 

The building is a magnificent example of Neo-Baroque style surrounded by a huge park of French inspiration containing different sculptures and a charming big fountain. To preserve its architectural value the construction had different restorations completely ended in 1933.

The city hosts several Museums ad in the square Joszef Borsos Tér if you are fond about Literature is very suggested to visit Debrecen Literary Museum dedicated to the history of that kind of art with highlight and protagonist the figure of the previously mentioned great artist Mihály Csokonai Vitéz.That exhibition displays a wide selection of works of different periods from the beginning of the 19th century until today and it is in its kind one of the most important in the country.

Walking on the street Peterfia Utca you can also visit Medgyessy Ferenc Museum located in a classicist building erected in the early 19th century. That outstanding exhibition is dedicated in honor of another magnificent Hungarian artist called Ferenc Medgyessy, the sculptor who made the statues at the entrance of the mentioned  Deri Museum considered as one the best talents of Eastern Europe,very famous also abroad especially in France.

That great place offers the opportunity to admire some of his significant masterpieces showing all what that eminent character was able to represent in his impressive works rich of reality, plasticity, expression, exalting the anatomy of bodies in all the smallest details. His great success was also probably supported because he was graduated in medicine and deep studies of anatomy remarkably helped his innate artistic talent.

Ended his academic career in the motherland he moved to Paris where he improved the techniques of executions in a unique environment as the Capital of France in which the Realism was during his sojourn an artistic trend in continuous development and he embraced with enthusiasm that movement called Folk Realism which characterised many of his outstanding works.

That talented man also studied in Florence, cradle of the Renaissance art where he completed furthermore his artistic skills and knowledge studying the lines of the superb Florentine masters and especially those by that incomparable genius called Michelangelo Buonarroti who influenced him very much during all his chronological stages.

Tuscany was for Medgyessy was a relevant period for his formation  because he also knew the Etruscan art which filled his background and profile with other special details linked to another kind of sculpture style pretty different than that of the sublime master from Caprese Michelangelo.

If you are fond of art, that exhibition site is undoubtedly a great chance to know more a superb character extremely talented and internationally quoted who left important marks in Hungary inspiring several young pupils and emergent artists who took him as a divine example and inspiration.

About another kind of artistic representation as painting you can visit a special site, the distinctive Laszlo Hollo Commemorative Museum situated in Laszlo Hollo Utca. That visit is highly suggested in a place which pays homage as tells the name of that gallery to another prominent man who conquered many fans worldwide.

That exhibition is hosted in the former residence of Hollo who studied in Budapest, Munich and Paris, cities in which he also lived for a period. Afterwards he also travelled to Italy and Spain attracted to know other artistic realities. 

Originally that eclectic painter started to be famous when he executed in his creations stylish  representations of the  Hungarian Puszta with a unique great predisposition to immortalise outstanding landscapes.

 Ollo was maily devoted in a second cycle of his artistic stage  to Religious themes which became protagonists of his main works and he proclaimed as a great exponent of the Hungarian realism.

His very special talent was mainly highlighted by an unmistakable great ability to combine expressive colours with an ample dynamic of the movements and very scenic backgrounds, very impressive are the marks of the traditional French school in his style with a play of lights and shades in his paintings using a vast range of tonalities for portraits of human figures with  very accentuated profiles and shapes.

That exhibition displays some of his gems and other collections among them some paintings by Erno Hrabézy, another prominent character of the surrealism in Eastern Europe.

Hungary is a country in which the art of handcraft has a long historic tradition, in Budapest, Gyor and in other cities there many expositions showing the talent of authentic masters and also Debrecen has its important centre called Timarhaz situated in Istavan Gal Utca.

In that exhibition you can admire practically all the history of the local manufacturing activities, it is a sort of walk in that world introducing the visitor many stunning items and objects represented on varied materials such as in pottery, ceramic cloaks, tiles, embroidery and everything related to local crafts. It is a stupendous Educational journey in a fantastic museum to know better the talent of the locals admiring their magnificent masterpieces.

The city also has its green areas in which the tourists can find relaxation enjoying alternative activities, Vidampark is one of them consisting in a amusement park with many attractions for children and Allatkert Zoo is another idea to spend pleasant times enjoying an alternative to cultural tourism. A further one very suggested is Nagyerdei Park which hosts the Aquaticum, a large space with a public swimming pool, bars, restaurants and a water park.

In that Hungarian centre are celebrated many concerts and several events, Debrecen is a city with a great tradition about Opera and Theatre. The previously mentioned Csonokai Theatre hosts several spectacular shows performed by excellent famed artists.

About events in a vast calendar worth a special mention  Kolcseny Spring Festival, a notable cultural appointment very famed all around the country. In June the Hungarian city celebrates Pulykanapok a festival dedicated to the turkey. Since a long time ago that centre is famous for turkey breed and that event is highlighted by a wide gastronomic preparation of  typical plates using that poultry product and highlighted by folk dances and music in a very lively atmosphere.

August is the special month with protagonist Virágkarnevál, the Hungarian Carnival with a magnificent parade and the city is highlighted by coloured decorations established on many buildings also filled by flowers. That special appointment always has a massive participation with people coming from other Hungarian regions and also abroad characterised by a very vibrant and animated atmosphere.

Local cuisine reflects the traditional Hungarian gastronomy very famous for its spicy flavours. Meat is always excellent and of high quality. You can find the famed and emblematic Goulash in many restaurants but also the delicious and flavoured Porkolt Gulyasleves, Bocracsgyulas  are highly appreciated.

The Jokaj Bableves is another notorious speciality consisting in a soup of beans which is in some cases is combined with meat adding paprika and served very hot. 

The Csirkepaprikás is a further plate very typical, a spicy chicken stew prepared with paprika, black pepper, garlic, onion, cream sour, butter, tomato and lard while the well known Borju is very similar but using in its preparation veal meat, the same ingredients adding to all that a good touch of fine white wine.

Both  plates are generally served with the Nokedii sort of dumplings resembling to Spätzle, Austrian Knödeln or Czech Knedliky. They are often present in different kinds of soups, they inherited by the Austrian cuisine which left its marks in the local gastronomy during the long rule of the Hapsburg House.

You can try furthermore the Rantótt Hús, a very famed dish and as the previous it has a strong influence from that nearest country consisting in a kind of Hungarian version of the well known Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal fillet generally accompanied by salad, vegetables, potatoes or chips.

The Virsli is a common pig product consisting in a kind of sausage similar to  German Wursteln. it is usually prepared in a very simple way, boiled and once ready served in a sandwich adding mustard, paprika or gravy sauce,  similar to a hot dog.  A variant is grilled seasoned with various spices accompanied by vegetables, mash or boiled potatoes with a gravy sauce.

Another notorious sausage with a very spicy kick is the Gyulai Kolbász characterised by a strong quantity of paprika generally served as appetiser, snack or starter.It is a sort of  Hungarian twin of the notorious Slovenian Kranjska Klobasa and a kind of sister of the Austrian Krainer Wurst. Closely related to that product Debrecen has its special exponent called Debreceni Kolbász often used in the preparation of stews and casseroles.

A plate which contains that local gastronomic product is the popular Paprika Krumpli in which those sausages are cooked at a very slow temperature adding black pepper, onion, bacon, paprika,chilli pepper, salt and tomato and the  final result will be a sort of Goulash but with sausages in the place of meat.

 I suggest you try the Szalonna, a local cured bacon with a special taste, it is commonly fried or grilled also accompanying other plates and depending of the local traditions in some cases it is included in that previously mentioned recipe.

Also fish and especially trout prepared in different styles is part of the local gastronomic panorama, baked and grilled, accompanied by mixed salads, vegetables and boiled potatoes. 

Another plate which worth a mention is the Hálászlé, a delicious fish soup similar the Croatian and Serbian Corba. It consists in a hot mix made with carp, paprika, black pepper, tomato juice, salt and seasoned with a touch of white wine.

Notable is also the wide variety of desserts and bakery products.Very popular is the famous Gundel Palacsincas consisting in stuffed crepes prepared with walnuts and chocolate sauce. That speciality is very similar to the Austrian Palatschinke or to the several Palacinka prepared in Slovakia, Czech Republic but also in other Slavic countries such as Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia. 

Very traditional are also many others such as Fank, Vargabeles Retes, Arany Galuska, all them pretty popular and served in many establishments, all delights which conquer the sweet tastes lovers.

The wines in particular the fine and superb Tokaj are a relevant highlight but there is a long and brilliant tradition about other selected grapes all around the country and notable are also the excellent wines of the Balaton. (I wrote a post about Zámardi if you are interested)

That country of Eastern Europe has a very pleasant micro climate never too cold receiving mild breezes from the Adriatic which is not so far and the right altitude of the cultivation of the local vineyards produces an impressive wide range of superlative wines thanks also to a subsoil which boasts excellent properties.

An outstanding example is a great white Riesling, extremely palatable and elegant, but you can also find  smooth Chardonnay, Merlot, Cirfandli, Kéfrankos with body, texture, a stupendous colour, all of high quality and excellent are in addition some whites produced in the Northern of the country in the area of Pannohalma.

The outstanding Hungarian wines could be considered a perfect mix a of Mediterranean and Central European tastes. Many of them have the body and the texture of some western European wines and the aromatic and savoury feature of those produced in the heart of the continent making them very versatile and highly appreciated. 

A very good Hungarian wine is always ideal to accompany great meals and a very special feature is generally its tonality always pure, transparent and immaculate in the straw whites with a strong and intense vivid colour in the reds.

The town hosted a good number of Sporting events, in 2002 the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, in 2007 and 2012 the European Swimming Championships.Thanks to its Stadium the city is also protagonist of matches of the National Team, Champions and Euro League for the presence of its Club Debreceni VSC founded in  1914 which won in several occasions the Nemzeti Bajnokság I, the Hungarian Football League.

The local International Airport is situated at  just 6,0 kilometres from the city centre, gained importance in the last years with flights from and to London, Milan Holland and later with the advent of the low costs with many other destinations and arrivals.

Relevant events of international fame has furthermore increased the traffic by other Airlines from and to several European cities of important level. The Airport also operates with air companies offering some outgoing charter flights to Turkey, Egypt, Germany, Bulgaria, Russia and Tunisia among others.

The second Hungarian city is really very attractive and charming and if you are planning a tour of that country visiting Budapest  (I wrote a post about that magnificent Capital on the Danube river if you re interested), Lake Balaton, Gyor, the attractive Pannonia and other famous places of that beautiful country also that site is suggested if you are organising a significant itinerary with different stages.

That centre has a long and great history to narrate, the emblematic and distinctive Calvinist Rome of Eastern Europe is something of extremely captivating which marked a historic period highly relevant for that land. 

Hungary is wonderful country, in many places you can breathe a very relaxing atmosphere, natural wonders as the scenic green landscapes of the Puszta, an attractive Nation packed by a multitude of surprises and one of them is certainly Debrecen with an immense and rich cultural patrimony which will delight and surprise you.

Francesco Mari

Recommended Hotels in Debrecen

Hotel Lycium 

Hotel Divinus 

Aquaticum Debrecen Termál és Welness Hotel 

Villa Hotel

Hotel Platan
 Hotel Aranybika

Useful links

eng.debrecen.hu

www.debrecencity.com 

www.hotellycium.hu 

www.hoteldivinus.hu 

www.aquaticum.hu 

www.villahotel.hu 

www.platanhotel.eu
hotelaranybika.com