Zákányszék: Protected Nature and Rural Culture

Zákányszék brings together places of remembrance, the everyday history of farming and protected nature. Its themes range from a church whose present-day form dates back to a 1924 renovation to an old pedunculate oak planted in 1880. Folk music and local dishes also help shape its character. When planning your trip, there’s more than one possible focus: architectural history, nature or rural traditions.

History and Remembrance

The present-day Szentháromság-Templom was created in 1924 by expanding an older chapel. Magyari Nándor designed the renovation, and master mason Gál Mihály carried it out. Bishop Glattfelder Gyula consecrated the church on 25 July 1925. The names of those involved and the precise consecration date give the building’s history a specific time frame.

In 1923, Papp Vince had the Papp-kereszt erected in memory of those who had experienced the horrors of war at Doberdò and along the Isonzo. Zákányszéki Kegyeleti Park was established on the grounds of the old cemetery on Szegfű-János Street and preserves the memory of those buried there. A different form of artistic expression can be found at Lengyel tér: since 2002, the park has been home to a tulip-shaped fountain by ceramic artist László Szalay.

Nature Among Trees, Marshes and Trails

The old pedunculate oak known as Kocsányos tölgy was planted by Vass Miklós in 1880. It is counted among the country’s 100 oldest trees and is protected. A significant part of Ezerarcú Sömlyék lies within Zákányszék. From early spring to late autumn, the area offers a glimpse of its protected and strictly protected plant and animal life.

In the surrounding area, water collects in spring in the lowest parts of the salt marsh, including Lódri-tó. Flocks of migrating birds then gather in the area; the lake is protected as an “ex lege” area. The route of the Alföldi Kék-Túra also passes through Zákányszék and continues to the Fehértó birdwatching site and the Ópusztaszeri Nemzeti Történelmi Emlékpark. Check the latest route information before setting out.

Rural Life and Local Culture

Házi Múzeum on Móra-Ferenc Street showcases characteristic aspects of traditional farming life. Öregház Tanyamúzeum focuses on old household objects and tools from farm life, as well as everyday life in the past; the exhibits are accompanied by expert-guided tours. The house, now called Tömörkény-ház, adds a personal connection to the historical perspective: it belonged to Tömörkény’s father-in-law.

Zákányszéki Parasztkórus was founded in the village in 1964 and performs as a folk music ensemble; folk songs make up two-thirds of its repertoire. Zákányszéki Böllérnap was first held in 2003 at the initiative of local farmers. It focuses on traditional pig slaughter, preserving local flavours and fostering community spirit. Local specialities are part of the area’s character, too: Kerekes Homokháti Őszibarack Pálinka was created in Zákányszék and has national protected status. Babérné rétese is a strudel made using a special recipe and popular in Zákányszék and beyond.

Find a Holiday Rental to Suit Your Interests

When looking for a holiday rental in Zákányszék, you can start by considering which themes you’d like your trip to focus on. Architectural and commemorative history offer a different focus from the nature of Ezerarcú Sömlyék or the spring birds in the surrounding area. Music, festival traditions and local dishes round out the options. If you’re travelling with children or several generations, these different interests can all be included in your shared holiday plans without limiting the trip to just one theme.

Discover more destinations: Üllés, Bordány, Mórahalom, Ruzsa, Ásotthalom.

Return to the main travel overview: Mórahalomi.