Táplánszentkereszt: Castle History and Wild Garlic

Churches, Castles and Collections

The Church of the Holy Cross in Szentkereszt was probably built in part from Roman-era materials in the first quarter of the 13th century. This cautiously qualified dating and the older building material give the church a tangible connection to local history. Listed castles include the former Inkey–Széchényi Castle and its garden in Szentlőrinc, Erdődy Castle in Bakófa, and Széchény–Inkey–Sigray-Saint-Marsan Castle in Szentkereszt. The place names distinguish the three castle locations.

Erdődy Castle in Táplánszentkereszt houses an exhibition on local history, a Forrai Katalin memorial room with an exhibition on the history of kindergartens, and the mineral and rock collection of János Pásti. Visits are possible by prior appointment, so arrange your visit in advance. The cultural centre of Táplánszentkereszt has been located in the heart of the village since 1961, next to Szécseny Castle and surrounded by Szécseny Park. Local history, the history of kindergartens, and geological collections thus sit alongside one another as distinct cultural themes.

Wild Garlic and Local Events

Széchen Park in Táplánszentkereszt is a locally protected natural area and a habitat for wild garlic (Allium ursium). The subject also features in the cultural programme: the Medvehagyma-virágzás Ünnepe (Wild Garlic Blossom Festival) is associated with the wild garlic in the park on Fő utca. Check local announcements for current dates and access details if you are planning to attend the festival. Nature and culture offer different focuses here: the protected park and wild garlic on the one hand, and the church, castle history and collections on the other.

In the Wider Eisenburg Destination

The wider Eisenburg destination offers additional themes for planning your trip. Írottkő Nature Park is in the northwestern part of Vas County and encompasses the entire 4,303-hectare Kőszeg Landscape Protection Area. The Vulkán Tour in Vas County leads to Kis-Somlyó, Ság-hegy and Belső-hegy. You can combine cycling with visits on the Termál Kerékpáros Túraút (Thermal Cycling Route): it leads to five thermal bath complexes in Vas County and combines cycling with visits to architectural and natural attractions, as well as other thermal baths.

Vasi Skanzen offers a different cultural perspective. It presents the rural way of life and folk architecture of Vas County from the past two centuries. Since opening in 1973, the open-air museum has rescued and rebuilt 43 structures from 27 settlements. The range of themes in the wider Eisenburg destination thus extends from landscape conservation to volcanoes and cycling, and on to rural architecture.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can weigh up these different focuses: Táplánszentkereszt offers local history, collections and a connection to nature through its wild garlic; the wider Eisenburg destination adds further landscape, cycling and cultural themes. Consider which focus is of greatest interest to your travel group. If you plan to visit the collections at Erdődy Castle, arrange your visit in advance; if the Wild Garlic Blossom Festival is part of your plans, check local announcements.

Discover more destinations: Zsennye, Gencsapáti, Dozmat, Balogunyom, Szombathely, Vasszécseny, Torony.

Back to the wider travel overview: Szombathelyi.