Discover Bene

Bene between river and culture

On the right bank of the Borzhava, Bene combines a striking riverside setting with a distinctive cultural character: at its centre are wood sculptures of the Seven Magyar Chieftains, and the Reformed church dates from 1458. The church belongs to the Reformed congregation. The sculptures refer to the ancient Magyar tribes, who, under their chieftains, entered the territory of present-day Hungary at the end of the 9th century. In Bene, you can encounter two clearly distinct historical points of reference.

History at the centre

The church is associated with a specific year of construction, while the sculptures tell a story about chieftains and the movement of the tribes. The two references are set far apart in time: 1458 belongs to the history of the church, while the end of the 9th century provides the historical context for the figures depicted. This difference makes Bene interesting for travellers who want to explore different periods in history. The number seven and the role of the chieftains in the history of the Magyar tribes also offer a tangible conversation starter for families travelling with children. In this way, architecture, figures and historical stories can appeal to different interests within one trip.

Wine cellars and tastings

A second theme takes you from the sights in the centre to the nearby surroundings. The Ursta family’s wine cellars lie northeast of Bene, at the foot of Kertais Hill, and are over 400 years old. A wine tasting includes a short tour and tastings of nine wine varieties. This brings the cellars’ long history together with a hands-on tasting experience, offering a different focus from the church and sculptures. A description dated 23 August 2020 mentions wine tastings for groups of two to 60 people; handcrafted chacha is available on request. If you would like to use these details when planning your trip, check the current visiting arrangements in advance. The Varga wine cellar is on Rákóczi Ferenc II Street in Bene.

A date in June

Bene holds its Peach Festival every year on the last Saturday in June. If you would like to plan your stay around this event, confirm the date locally for the relevant year. The festival adds a specific seasonal reason to visit to the town’s historical and cultural attractions. You can weigh up whether the town’s culture, a wine tasting or the festival is the main focus of your plans.

Choose the right focus

When looking for a holiday apartment in Bene, it helps to decide first what you would like to focus on. The church and sculptures are in the centre, the Varga wine cellar is on a street in the village, and the Ursta cellars are nearby to the northeast. Travel dates become especially important if the Peach Festival is the reason for your stay. The central cultural sights, wine tasting in the surrounding area and festival date are therefore different factors to consider when planning. You can then decide whether to centre your stay on Bene itself, wine or the June event.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Shayan, Rosishka, Irshava, Yanoshi, Lazeshchyna, Pasika, Dubowe, Richka

For the broader travel overview: Zakarpattia Oblast.