Becskeháza: Four Reformed Churches Through Change

The Reformed church history of Becskeháza is shaped by four church buildings. The first Reformed wooden church was destroyed during Ottoman raids. The second church was built around 1728 and probably held 50 to 60 people. It was closed in 1775 and reopened only after Joseph II’s Edict of Toleration. A third Reformed church was built in 1847. The present, fourth church was constructed in 1928 to plans by the architect Doszpoly Károly.

The sequence runs from the destruction of the first church through the closure and later reopening of the second, to the two later replacements. Several clearly dated milestones thus provide a thread through the history of the village. The present church also has specific details that add to this timeline: its tower stands in front of the south façade and is 20 metres high.

Two bells mark distinct historical moments. The 150-kilogram bell was made by Szlezák László; its inscription names Székely István and his family, as well as the year 1928. Another bell weighs 80 kilograms. According to its inscription, it was cast in Kassa in 1834 by bell founder Wiesner Lajos at the expense of the Reformed congregation of Becskeháza. Comparing the two bells highlights different details: the weight, maker and dedication of one, and the casting year, location and commissioner of the other. Together with the construction dates, they bring the different periods in the church’s history into focus.

Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén: more topics to help plan your trip

Beyond Becskeháza, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén offers a range of different aspects to explore. Nature, caves, culture and winegrowing are separate interests that can each shape your plans. The Baradla-Domica cave system is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Caves of the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst. A short Aggtelek cave tour is one kilometre long, takes 60 minutes and is rated easy—a clearly defined option if you are looking for a tour with a short route and a stated duration.

The Hucul herd can be viewed year-round on the pastures of Gergés-lápa, around 1.5 kilometres north of Jósvafő. As animal-keeping and visitor arrangements may change, it is worth checking current visiting options before planning your trip. Nature can also be explored through a particular theme on the Lillafüred nature trail, which introduces local historical sights and natural features.

Culture enthusiasts will find a different range of options in Miskolc. Diósgyőr Castle flourished under King Louis the Great in the 14th century and later served as a residence and a wedding gift for six queens. Miskolc Zoo and Cultural Park has a nature trail with a nine-metre-high lookout tower and a 32-metre-long suspension bridge. Miskolc National Theatre is a performing arts complex with five stages. These examples offer different cultural experiences, from medieval history to the performing arts and nature.

In Sárospatak, cultural highlights include the Reformed College, which preserves treasures of Hungarian Protestant culture, as well as the Szent Erzsébet Basilica and Szent Erzsébet House. The latter two sites bring the world of the Middle Ages to life. For a different kind of experience, there are the thermal pools and sauna world at Végardó Bath. If these facilities are important to your plans, check what is currently on offer in advance.

Winegrowing and wine cellars are another distinctive regional feature. The climate, soil quality and slope exposure of the Tokaj wine region are suited to growing grapes; the region is also legally protected as a designated wine-growing area. The Ungvári cellar labyrinth in Sátoraljaújhely links at least 27 cellars and covers a ground area of 50,000 square metres. Beneath the park of Sárospatak’s Rákóczi Castle, a cellar complex extends for about 2,000 metres and includes two wine-tasting rooms.

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: should the Reformed church history of Becskeháza shape your trip, or would you like to plan around the different things to see and do in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén?

Discover more destinations

Égerszög, Bódvarákó, Jósvafő, Damak, Szendrő, Perkupa, Debréte, Komjáti

For the broader travel overview: Edelényi.