Sarospatak

Sárospatak is the intellectual centre of Zemplén, a famous student town. Once called the 'Athens of the River Bodrog', the settlement has many historical and ecclesiastical monuments to offer those who visit.

This ancient town lies on both sides of the River Bodrog. Kings of the House of Árpád gladly stayed here in the centre of their royal forest estates. Saint Elizabeth of the House of Árpád, daughter of Andrew II, was born in Sárospatak in 1207.

The town lived its golden period at the time of the Rákózi family which came to own the castle through the marriage into the family of Zsuzsanna Lorántffy in 1614. After the fall of the Ferenc Rákóczi II-led Freedom Fights, the estate passed to the Treasury and subsequently to the Windischgrätz princely family from 1875 until 1945.

The historical character of Sárospatak is determined by its architectural heritage including the castle and ancient atmospheric streets nearby, the churches, and the buildings of the Reformed College, and the Teacher Training Department of the Miskolc University.

The changing townscape is marked by the style of the architect, Imre Makovecz, who designed several buildings, amongst others the Community Centre (A Művelődés Háza), Árpád Vezér Secondary Grammar School (Árpád Vezér Gimnázium) and some of the houses in Hild Square in the town centre.

The thermal baths and campsite of the town is located in Végardó, once a separate village but now part of Sárospatak. The waters are particularly beneficial for those with locomotor disorders.

The small lake (know as sea eye; 'tengerszem') that emerged at a former millstone quarry on Megyer Hill is popular for excursions. The site has information panels about its geological and cultural history.

Interesting museums include the Great Library (Nagykönvytár), the City Gallery (Városi képtár) with the life work donated by sculptor János Andrássy Kurta and the castle exhibitions. Do not miss out on the chance to taste some of the outstanding Tokaj wines in the ancient Rákóczi cellars which, decorated with noble mould, stretch for a kilometre under the castle.

In the famous school of Sárospatak, the Reformed College, many notable persons taught and studied. The town which faithfully guards its noble traditions, is trying to live up to its golden age title once again 'Athens of the River Bodrog'.

How to get there:
By public transport, take a train to Sátoraljaújhely from Budapest. More connections are available with a change at Miskolc or Szerencs. Local Volán coaches run to Sárospatak from Tokaj and Debrecen. By car take Route 37.