This twin-spired church sits on Dóm Square next to the Dömötör Tower. Construction began in 1913. The outbreak of World War I caused construction to pause. Construction only ended in 1930. Standing tall with its 91-meter-high dome, the Votive Church offers panoramic views of both the city’s architectural gems and its scenic surroundings, drawing both locals and visitors to admire its beauty and historical significance.

“It is a cathedral, a family-friendly church, a destination of pilgrims, a sacred space, an exclusive conference and concert venue, home of the Szeged Open-Air Festival, and an open and receptive community magnet.”  -Szegedidom.com

Address: Dóm tér 15

The square that surrounds the Votive Church and Cathedral with its two towers is home to the world-famous University of Szeged. It is here at the University of Szeged where Albert Szent-Györgyi managed to extract vitamin C from the paprika grown in Szeged, for the first time anywhere in the world.

Under the arcades that surround Dóm Square, you will find the Pantheon, a collection of busts and portraits of several fprominent historical figures. For example:

• Mihály Munkácsy: A renowned Hungarian painter known for his realistic and evocative works, including the famous painting “Christ in front of Pilate.”

• Béla Bartók: An influential Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist, considered one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.

• Lajos Kossuth: A key figure in Hungary’s fight for independence during the 1848-1849 revolution, serving as regent-president and later as Governor-President.

• Ferenc Deák: A prominent statesman and Minister of Justice, known as the “Wise Man of the Nation” for his role in the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867.

• Zoltán Kodály: A celebrated composer, ethnomusicologist, and educator, who played a significant role in preserving Hungarian folk music and developing music education.

• Sándor Petőfi: A highly esteemed Hungarian poet and revolutionary, known for his powerful and patriotic poems, with “National Song” being one of his most famous works.

• Endre Ady: An influential Hungarian poet, known for his innovative and symbolic poems, contributing to modern Hungarian literature.

The City Hall was revamped after the great flood in 1879. Go to the middle window of the staircase where you will see the decorated words “Szeged will be more beautiful than it used to be”. You can hear the bells chime every hour.

Address: Széchenyi tér 10

Meander in Dugonics Square, in memory of the Piarist priest and teacher András Dugonics. In 1788 he wrote the first Hungarian novel, namely Etelka. Just like Széchenyi Square, Dugonics Square is known for all kinds of activities and festivals during the summer months.

Here you’ll see traditional orthodox interior. The rococo iconostas embellished richly with gold is one of the most beautiful pieces in Hungary. The church is on the northern side of Dóm Square towards the River Tisza.

Address: Somogyi u. 3

This free sightseeing attraction is an absolute must-see with war-theme frescos painted by Vilmos Aba-Novák, in memory of Szeged’s soldiers who died in World War I.

Address: Boldogasszony sugárút (opposite Arad Martyrs Square)

Alternatively, enjoy a game of tenpin bowling at the Bowling alleys and Szeged center – Szeged TE (Szegedi Teke- és Bowlingcentrum – Szegedi TE). They’re on Derkovits fasor 1-5, and you can check availability by telephone – +36 362 401 410.

Outside the Votive Church on the side of the Dóm Square, is the oldest architectural relic of the city, namely Saint Demetrius Tower.  Interestingly, the square is the same area as the St. Mark Square in Venice, namely 12,000 square meters.

Address: Dóm tér

Go to Dóm Square on the opposite side of the Votive Church’s main entrance. You would want to be there at 12h15 or 17h45 to hear the tunes of this unique piece of art, dating back to 1936.

Address: Dóm tér

To quote Luther Vandross: “The best things in life are free”. There are many things in life that are FREE and breathtakingly beautiful. One of those is a walk on the banks of the river Maros.

The popular Széchenyi Square has a history going back to the 13th century when the western walls of the castle were built on the bank of the river Tisza in the square. Since then, it has been reshaped completely. Despite all the well-preserved historical buildings, the square has a youthful atmosphere with all the students from the various surrounding campuses and is a hub of activities during the summer months.

The construction of Reök Palace is an exemplary piece of Hungarian Art Nouveau, constructed in 1907 by Ede Magyar. Today it is a popular place to have coffee and enjoy art exhibitions.

In addition to the Reök Palace, Ede Magyar designed several Art Nouveau buildings over eight years, like the Reformed Palace and Ungár-Meyer Palace.

Address: Magyar Ede tér 2.

On Szent István Square you’ll find the Art Nouveau water tower, known to locals as the Old Lady. The tower is open to the public on the first Saturday of every month between 1 April and 31 October. Go to the top for stunning panoramic views of Szeged.

You will find plenty of sculptures of great significance everywhere in Szeged. For instance, the statue of Lajos Kossuth on Klauzál Square and an unparalleled golden tie pin. The pin is held in the gold spectacle of the Ferenc Móra Museum. Lajos Kossuth was a political reformer who inspired and led Hungary’s struggle for independence from Austria. The controversial Kossuth visited Szeged in 1848, giving two speeches to about 10,000 residents. “The cheers, music, and cannons had no length-end,” they wrote of the glorious day. Kossuth gave his legendary speech on this day: “The people of Szeged, the pride of my nation, the pillar of my poor betrayed country, I bow deeply before you!”  Later, in 1902, the statue was inaugurated.

Szeged is the city of festivals. Have a look at the events calendar and plan your trip to join in the celebrations and experience Hungarian culture. 

Open-air musicals are staged in front of the Votive Church and it is a must-do when you are in Szeged during the summer months. Check for tickets and shows at: https://szegediszabadteri.jegy.hu/ 

Szeged’s Jewish Synagogue, completed in 1903, is a stunning architectural masterpiece, blending Art Nouveau and Moorish Revival styles. It ranks as one of the largest synagogues in Europe and the world’s fourth-biggest synagogue, accommodating up to 1,300 worshippers. The synagogue’s interior boasts breathtaking stained-glass windows and intricate decorations, creating a mesmerizing ambiance for visitors. A significant symbol of Hungary’s Jewish heritage, the synagogue serves as both a religious sanctuary and a cultural treasure, drawing tourists and locals alike to experience its rich history and spiritual significance. At the New Synagogue, find the biblical commandment in Hebrew and Hungarian that reads “Love your neighbor as yourself”.

Address: Jósika u. 10

Indoor activities for rainy days. There is no shortage of indoor activities when the weather is not ideal for being outdoors. Go to one of the many thermal baths, like Anna Thermal Baths.

Address: Szeged, Tisza Lajos krt. 24, 6720

You’ll find Thai massage parlors all over the city, like Thai Massage Szeged.

Located in the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Medicine, the Szent-Györgyi Albert memorial room is a sight of great significance. In short, Albert Szent-Györgyi won the Nobel Prize “for his discoveries with reference to vitamin C”. An achievement that Hungarians are very proud of.

Address:  University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine, Tisza L. krt. 109.