Discover churches and Báthori history in Nyírbátor

City history between churches and Báthori buildings

The Várostörténeti Sétány runs between the Minorite Church and the Reformed Church, providing a walking route for locals and visitors. Life-size sculptural representations convey the roots of Nyírbátor's dragon culture, the legend of Szentvér Street and the history of the Báthori family. Along this route, local history and legends come into view together: as well as the family history, the story of Szentvér Street is also among the subjects depicted.

István Báthori, Voivode of Transylvania, had the Reformed Church built. Construction probably began in 1484 and was completed in 1511. Beside the church stands a wooden bell tower, built from oak beams in 1640 in the Transylvanian style. It is almost 30 metres high and is considered Hungary's oldest and largest wooden bell tower. For visitors, a renovated staircase and a lift lead inside the tower to the restored timber-framed roof structure, which is considered unique in Europe.

The Minorite Church is also worth visiting for its interior: it contains richly decorated altars and a pulpit. The Greek Catholic Church is Baroque in style; it was built in 1932 and renovated in 2013. A statue of Voivode István Báthori stands between the Reformed Church and Báthori Castle, adding another point of interest between the two buildings.

Exhibitions and places of remembrance

Rebuilt in 2006, Báthori Castle preserves the only section of the former castle whose standing walls contain medieval remains. A permanent exhibition is devoted to the era and legends of the Báthori family associated with the town. The family is depicted in period surroundings in the wax museum. Thus, the building's history and the family's history come together during a visit, without the exhibition being limited to a single subject.

The István Báthori Museum brings together archaeological, historical, ethnographic, arms-history, fine art and applied art collections. Its permanent exhibitions include “Centuries of the City of Nyírbátor” and an exhibition covering the 70-year history of border protection. The museum park also contains a Tree of Life composition created by woodcarver Sándor Schmidt. It is a symbol of the 1956 Revolution and was installed on the revolution's 50th anniversary.

Horse riding is available at Fedeles Lovarda, which opened in autumn 2014. Városi Galéria displays a puppet exhibition featuring pieces from the collection of Judit Kissné Szalontai. These activities offer a different focus from the churches and museums and can be taken into account alongside the town's history when planning a visit.

Thermal water and fishing

The pools at Sárkány Wellness és Gyógyfürdő use water that springs in Nyírbátor, known as Báthory medicinal water and containing calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate. Its dissolved salt content is 1,526 mg/l. Fishing is currently possible at Szénaréti Lake. Day tickets are available on site, at the Csali fishing shop at the beginning of Fáy út, and at Sorompó presszó on Gyulaji út. Since ticket details may change, it is best to check them before fishing.

Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg in the wider context

The medieval church landscape also plays a role in the wider destination of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg. The northern Hungarian section of the Route of Medieval Churches connects 37 churches in this region. This is the regional context; the buildings and exhibitions in Nyírbátor also offer their own history, centred on the town.

Choose a holiday rental to suit your interests

For the wider travel overview: Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg.