Somogyhárságy: Rectory, bell tower and Zichy Castle

Local history and notable buildings

Count Lajos Tolnai Festetich had a rectory built in Somogyhárságy in 1779. Zichy Castle was built in 1939 and is part of a park. The two dates mark different periods: the rectory is the older of the two buildings, while the castle was built much later. Together, they provide a timeframe for the village’s history, though the buildings need not tell the same story.

The wooden bell tower makes a different impression. Benches are arranged around it, so the tower and seating together define the site. There is also a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk in the centre, at a crossroads on the west bank of the stream that flows through the village. Its precise location places the monument in the village centre: it is not just somewhere by the stream, but at a specific, named point in the centre.

More to explore in the wider destination of Baranya

The wider destination of Baranya offers further, distinct cultural and nature experiences alongside the local sights of Somogyhárságy. In Pécs, the Early Christian Necropolis of Sopianae includes decorated tombs dating from the 4th century. They were built as underground burial chambers with above-ground memorial chapels and adorned with richly decorated Christian murals. This archaeological burial site, with its paintings and tomb chambers, complements the buildings and places of remembrance that distinguish Somogyhárságy.

The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter is also in Pécs. Its exhibitions focus on the “Golden Age of Zsolnay”, the “Pink Exhibition” and the history of the family and factory. Children can enjoy outdoor playgrounds, an interactive lab, a planetarium, the Bóbita Puppet Theatre, a ceramics-painting workshop and classes at the Hercules Workshop. The outdoor area of the Cultural Quarter is free to enter and use during opening hours. This makes it possible to explore different cultural themes within the wider destination, with one clearly stated condition for access to the outdoor area: opening hours.

Near Szaporca, the Ős-Dráva Visitor Centre offers an interactive exhibition, a demonstration farm with hands-on farming activities, and three themed educational trails. They provide information about traditional agriculture, the Ős-Dráva Programme and wildlife along the Drava. The farm area features native Hungarian domestic animals, including Hungarian Grey cattle, Mangalica pigs, Hutsul horses and old breeds of sheep and poultry. The themes range from the landscape and its animals to how agriculture and the natural environment are presented.

Another nature highlight is the wilderness trail along the Old Drava. Facilities include a birdwatching and bird-ringing station, a viewpoint, a photography hide, a covered activity area and several rest stops. The Kikerics Panorama Trail serves two purposes: it allows visitors to walk safely along the cliff edge while protecting the park’s plant life from trampling. Anyone wishing to explore nature and the landscape as well as local history will find other themes to enjoy in the wider destination of Baranya.

There is also something for food and wine lovers: along Villány’s cellar row, you can go from cellar to cellar throughout the year to sample wines and delicious food. When looking for a holiday rental, you can choose according to your interests: would you like to focus on the history of Somogyhárságy, or also take into account the cultural, landscape and food-and-wine attractions of the wider destination of Baranya?

Discover more destinations: Ibafa, Hobol, Merenye, Magyarlukafa, Szulimán, Nagydobsza, Somogyapáti, Greater Sziget.

Back to the wider travel overview: Szigetvár.