Szőlősgyörök: Castle History, Viticulture and Gorges

Szőlősgyörök combines historic buildings, viticulture and striking landscape features. The castle and church tell of different eras; viticulture on Banyászó Hill dates back around 1,500 years. Gorges with vertical walls also shape the area. If you are choosing a holiday destination based on culture, wine and landscape, Szőlősgyörök offers several distinct highlights.

Castle, Church and Gárdonyi Géza

The Jankovich Castle stands in the centre of Szőlősgyörök. It was built in 1820 in the Classical style and remodelled in the Romantic style in 1860. The castle has a protected park covering 17 hectares. The castle and park thus represent two different aspects of the village: its architectural history and a spacious, protected park.

The Baroque church is another historic landmark in Szőlősgyörök. It was built in 1782, and its altar of St Anthony is protected as a monument. Another link to cultural history is Gárdonyi Géza: his mother’s house in Szőlősgyörök stands on a street named after the writer and bears a commemorative plaque. The architectural history of the castle and church thus sits alongside a specific literary connection to the village.

Viticulture and Wine Tasting

Viticulture on Banyászó Hill has a history of around 1,500 years. Szőlősgyörök is also home to Koltai Winery, a certified stop on the South Balaton Wine Route. The village therefore has both a historic connection to viticulture and a designated stop on this wine route.

With advance booking, Koltai Winery offers guests a tasting of seven wines. The wine tasting can be combined with dinner on request. If wine is a particular interest when choosing your destination, you can consider the long history of viticulture on Banyászó Hill and the winery’s specific offering as two distinct points of interest.

Gorges and Views from Hava Hill

The landscape can also be characterised by its gorges. Mester Gorge cuts through Katykó Hill. The gorges typical of the area have vertical walls and are 10 to 15 metres high. Géri Gorge cuts through Hava Hill and is also one of the typical gorges with vertical walls.

After climbing to the top of Hava Hill, at an elevation of 209 metres, you can take in the surrounding area. The landscape thus features both striking gorges with steep vertical sides and a viewpoint on Hava Hill. If characteristic landforms and a viewpoint matter to you when choosing a holiday destination, Szőlősgyörök offers a different focus from its castle and viticulture history.

To choose between these holiday themes, consider whether you are most interested in Szőlősgyörök’s architectural history, viticulture or the landscape features described here. More village pages: Buzsák, Somogyvámos, Öreglak, Somogyvár, Lengyeltóti, Kisberény.

Return to the main travel overview: Lengyeltóti.