Maklár: Folk House and Local History

The Maklár Folk House and its collection

The residential building that houses the Maklár Folk House was built in the second half of the 19th century and belonged to the Smid family and their descendants. The exhibits were donated by residents of Maklár. This means the collection’s origins connect the Folk House directly with the town. In 2017, a “Vizit” room and a kitchen were opened as a permanent exhibition, along with a community room. The community room hosts ethnographic talks, exhibitions, and museum education activities.

Advance registration is required for visits to the Maklár Folk House and for museum education activities. Arrange your registration with the operator before your visit. This makes it easier to include a cultural stop in your travel plans.

The former Reformed church: construction and destruction

Maklár’s former Reformed church was built in 1790 on marshy land in the southern part of the village. A tower was added in 1852–1853, and the congregation also had a 223-pound bell cast. On 16 November 1944 at 11 p.m., German troops blew up the church during their retreat in the Second World War. Its construction, additions, and destruction mark clearly distinct stages in its history.

In the wider destination of Heves: nature and culture

The wider destination of Heves also encompasses landscapes. In the southern part of Heves County lies the Hevesi Füves Puszták Landscape Protection Area, a protected area covering 16,114 hectares. It was designated in 1993 and reached its current extent following expansions in 2005 and 2008.

Two nature trails offer different focuses. The 6.5 km Ilona Valley Nature Trail along the Ilona stream passes geological features of the Eastern Mátra Mountains and traces of former ore mining. The Pély-Ludas Nature Trail introduces visitors to the grassland habitats of the Hevesi Plain, including salt steppes, marshes, water bodies, scrubland, semi-natural wooded areas, and forests. The wildlife of these habitats and the roller population are also among its topics. The region’s natural heritage thus spans everything from geology and mining history to habitats and wildlife.

The cultural attractions in the wider destination of Heves are also diverse: the Szépasszony Valley includes Eger’s largest contiguous area of wine cellars. Wine culture and its associated gastronomy are among its most important tourist attractions. Hevesi szőttes is a textile heritage from Heves County associated with Heves, Mátraderecske, and Bodony.

Outdoor activities and regional highlights

The section of the Országos Kéktúra in Heves County includes the ascent to Kékestető, the highest point in Hungary. In winter, visitors interested in active tourism can enjoy winter sports at Kékestető. The county’s 2021 tourism plan identifies the Mátra-Bükk tourism area as a priority tourism area. Alongside culture and nature, hiking and seasonal outdoor activities are therefore also distinct themes in the wider destination of Heves.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide whether Maklár’s local history or the nature, wine, and outdoor activity themes of the wider destination of Heves should be the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Erlau, Demjén, Felsőtárkány, Egerbakta, Feldebrő, Kerecsend, Verpelét, Egerszalók

Back to the wider travel overview: Egri.