Sajókeresztúr: Church, Viticulture History and Literature

Church, Viticulture and Literary History

In the 13th and 14th centuries, viticulture, winemaking and the wine trade helped Sajókeresztúr develop into a market town. This historical connection to wine sits alongside a literary connection: Rontó Pál was born in Sajókeresztúr and lived there; József Gvadányi turned him into a legendary literary figure. The town’s development and its literary tradition are thus among the different perspectives that shape its history.

More Topics in the Wider Destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén

The wider destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén offers distinctive nature and cultural experiences. The Baradla-Domica cave system is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Caves of the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst. The short Aggtelek Cave Tour is 1 kilometre long, takes 60 minutes and is rated easy. A nature trail connects the Aggtelek and Jósvafő entrances to Baradla Cave, showcasing the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Hucul herd on the pastures of Gergés-lápa, around 1.5 kilometres north of Jósvafő, offers a different kind of nature observation: it can be viewed there year-round. The cave tour and wildlife observation offer different focuses, from the natural world underground to a view of a herd outdoors. Check the latest information on wildlife observation before visiting the pastures.

The wider destination also offers different ways to experience its landscape and get around. The nature trail in Lillafüred introduces local historical sights and natural attractions. The forest railway runs from Diósgyőr via Lillafüred to Garadna; check the latest timetable before travelling. The Szinva Waterfall is considered the highest waterfall in Hungary. The parkland in Miskolctapolca features an arboretum with numerous native species, as well as a boating lake with several small islands. The nature trail at Miskolc Zoo and Cultural Park has a 9-metre-high observation tower and a 32-metre-long suspension bridge.

The cultural history also extends beyond Sajókeresztúr. Diósgyőr Castle flourished under the rule of King Louis the Great in the 14th century and later served as a residence and a wedding gift for six queens. In Sárospatak, the Reformed College preserves treasures of Hungarian Protestant culture; the Basilica of Saint Elizabeth and the House of Saint Elizabeth bring the world of the Middle Ages to life.

Wine and Regional Architecture

In the wider destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, wine is also part of a distinctive regional landscape. The climate, soil quality and slope aspect of the Tokaj wine region are suitable for growing grapes; the region is legally designated as a protected wine-growing area. The built heritage also includes underground sites: the Ungvári cellar labyrinth in Sátoraljaújhely connects at least 27 cellars and covers an area of 50,000 square metres. Beneath the park of Rákóczi Castle in Sárospatak lies a cellar complex about 2,000 metres long, with two wine-tasting rooms. Thus, in Sajókeresztúr, wine is part of the town’s medieval development, while in Tokaj it forms part of the regional landscape and viticultural context.

Choose Your Holiday Apartment Based on Your Travel Focus

When planning your accommodation, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: should the history of Sajókeresztúr be at the centre of your trip, or would you also like to include selected topics and places in the wider destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén? It makes sense to choose a holiday apartment with the places you want to shape your trip in mind. The examples mentioned range from local architectural and literary history to caves, landscapes, culture and viticulture.

Discover more destinations: Harsány, Kistokaj, Varbó, Miskolc, Mályi, Kisgyőr, Lillafüred, Szirmabesenyő

To the wider travel overview: Miskolci.