Discover Bakonyszücs: Church and Calvary

Church, Calvary and roadside chapel

The present-day Nagyboldogasszony Church was built in 1786 by Bishop Károly Eszterházy, to plans by Mihály Pauly. The high altar painting depicting the Assumption of Mary is a work by Ferenc Huszár of Eger, dating from 1789. The two dates offer a brief insight into the building’s history: the church and altar painting were completed three years apart.

The Calvary (Szűz Mária) is in the northwestern part of Bakonyszücs. The two-storey building has a U-shaped floor plan; a Calvary group of three crosses stands in a figure niche. The cornerstone was laid on 14 May 1874, and the same year is engraved on the doorpost of the entrance gate. The building’s form and inscription thus combine an architectural feature with a clearly legible historical date.

Nearby, the simple, detached Szentháromság Chapel stands on the road between Bakonyszücs and Bakonykoppány, right at the municipal boundary and in front of a water tower. An openwork iron double cross sits on the gable. The chapel is made of rather irregular masonry and is entirely undecorated. Other details include a plank door in the gable with a segmental arch at the top and an irregularly curved rear wall. The interior is plastered, barrel-vaulted and unfurnished.

If the history of the buildings is the reason for your trip, you can search for a holiday rental using the place name Bakonyszücs. When choosing your destination, it is also helpful to distinguish the local architectural focus from the other themes in the wider destination.

Other themes in the wider destination of North Balaton

Geology takes many different forms in North Balaton. Hegyestű is a 337-metre-high mountain between Zánka and Monoszló. There, the quarry face exposes the interior of a basalt volcano that was active around eight million years ago. At the viewpoint on the western edge of the quarry site, visitors can identify the surrounding hills with the help of a panorama board. A rock garden displays characteristic rock types of Transdanubia. The Tapolca Lake Cave offers a different view into the landscape: it is part of a cave system beneath the town that has so far been explored over a length of 14.6 kilometres. Boat trips are offered there, and the guided exhibition includes “Csodálatos karszt” (“Wonderful Karst”).

Crafts, art and history also offer distinctive experiences. The Herend Porcelain Museum presents a permanent exhibition and changing exhibitions on the history of the manufactory. The visitor centre explains porcelain production, the related techniques and the traditions of applied art. In the Mini-Manufactory workshops, visitors can handle porcelain clay and a brush for painting. At the Levendula Ház in Tihany, an interactive exhibition explores the formation of the Tihany Peninsula and lavender cultivation; there is also a craft workshop and an experience garden. In Bakonybél, the Pannon Csillagda explores space travel and astronomy through an interactive exhibition. The history of the Szent Mauríciusz Monostor dates back to a monastery founded in 1018 by King Stephen I at the suggestion of the monk Günther, in the area of present-day Bakonybél.

Sümeg Castle also offers an insight into cultural history: it is a relatively well-preserved medieval fortress on a bare hill rising above the surrounding area. Extensive renovation work was completed in 2022, and an interactive exhibition opened in spring 2023. Those looking to focus more on nature and outdoor activities will find hiking trails and panoramic views at Badacsony, as well as geological formations known as basalt organ pipes. Special grape varieties are grown on its slopes and used to produce Badacsony wine.

Other options vary in activity and landscape. The Ámos-hegyi Pihenőerdő offers hikers a nature trail, an observation tower, a fitness trail and forest playgrounds across 230 hectares. The ski area at SkiArena Vibe Park in Eplény comprises 16 runs with a total length of 7,984 metres; from the Ámos-hegyi viewpoint, the landscape of the High Bakony stretches into view. Veszprém Zoo offers experiences across six continents all year round and welcomes visitors of all ages. Its Dinosaur Park features lifelike dinosaur models; children can also take part in a real archaeological excavation there. The African Savannah Playground includes zip lines, climbing frames, bouncy castles and a safari-striped aeroplane. This means you can choose among culture, geological history, landscapes and active attractions in the wider destination according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Homokbödöge, Döbrönte, Nagytevel, Németbánya, Farkasgyepű, Lovászpatona, Takácsi, Pápakovácsi.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Pápai.