Located in the heart of Hungary’s Southern Great Plain, the Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park stands as a remarkable tribute to Hungarian history and culture. This open-air museum and historical park commemorate the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin and offer visitors an engaging way to explore centuries of tradition, architecture and art.

The park’s historical significance is deeply rooted in the legend of Szer, where Hungarian chieftains, led by Árpád, are said to have held the first national assembly. This tale is recorded in the Gesta Hungarorum by Anonymus, the notary of King Béla III, and has made the site a cornerstone of Hungarian national identity.

The area’s heritage includes a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, once the largest in the Southern Great Plain. Built by the Bor-Kalán clan, the monastery underwent several reconstructions over the centuries and was a significant religious and economic center during its peak. By the late Middle Ages, the surrounding settlement of Szer had grown into a thriving market town. However, the Turkish occupation led to its destruction, and by the 17th century, it became known as “Puszta-Szer” (Desolate Szer). The ruins of this monastery are preserved within the park, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past​.

The iconic Feszty Panorama

A visit to the park isn’t complete without experiencing the Feszty Panorama, a 120-meter-long circular painting titled The Arrival of the Hungarians. Painted by Árpád Feszty and collaborators in the late 19th century, the panorama is a romanticized depiction of the conquest. Accompanied by sound effects, it immerses viewers in the drama and emotion of this pivotal event. Restored in the 1990s, it is now housed in the Rotunda, the park’s main visitor center, alongside modern multimedia exhibits about Hungarian history.

The exhibitions in the Rotunda offer diverse, engaging historical and cultural displays alongside the renowned Feszty Panorama. Here’s an overview of the key exhibits:

Behind the Feszty Panorama:

This exhibition explores the creation, destruction and restoration of the iconic Feszty Panorama. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the Feszty Salon, learn about the restoration process, and delve into historical press coverage related to the painting’s creation.

Multimedia playground:

A playful, educational space that combines history and technology. Visitors can create donation certificates, explore key historical events from their birth date, or step into the role of Árpád, the Hungarian leader, within the Feszty Panorama. This interactive area offers engaging activities for all ages, including insights into 19th-century explorers and Hungarian princesses’ marriages.

“A fortress once stood”:

This exhibit chronicles Hungary’s medieval history from the Conquest to the fall of the medieval state. Visitors can explore significant castles, battlefield and pivotal events like Árpád’s victory in the 907 Battle of Pressburg.

Treasures from the earth – Archaeology and numismatics:

This exhibit highlights the role of coins in dating historical events and offers a glimpse into medieval Hungary’s ethnic and economic diversity. Artifacts related to coinage reflect the multi-ethnic influences within the Hungarian Kingdom.

The story of Szeged paprika:

This permanent exhibit showcases the history and industrialization of Szeged paprika production. Original artifacts and historical items introduce visitors to the traditions and development of this renowned spice.

Conquest:

A scientific exploration of Hungary’s Conquest era, including settlement, daily life in the 10th century and military campaigns. Visitors can view exhibits on the transition to Christian Europe and significant cultural milestones.

Szer Monastery and village:

Focused on the Árpád era, this exhibit reconstructs the history of the Szer Monastery and its surrounding medieval settlement through archaeological findings, models and artifacts.

Promenade 1896:

A tribute to the peak of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and the Feszty Panorama’s creation year. The exhibit recreates the bustling promenades of towns and cities, highlighting societal customs, fashion and daily life at the turn of the century.

The Kun leader and his people:

Featuring discoveries from a medieval Kun leader’s grave, this exhibit showcases artifacts like a wooden coffin, weaponry and the skeleton of the leader’s sacrificed horse, providing insights into the nomadic culture and burial traditions.

Renaissance panopticon:

Life-sized figures recreate scenes from Hungary’s Renaissance period during King Matthias’s reign. The exhibit brings this era to life through depictions of fashion, religion and art. The exhibitions cater to a wide range of interests and age groups, offering historical education and interactive activities. Visitors can access all levels of the Rotunda via elevator, ensuring an inclusive experience.

Architectural and cultural attractions

The park is home to several architecturally significant structures, including the Csete yurts, designed by György Csete, a renowned pioneer of Hungarian organic architecture, and Jenő Dulánszky. Inspired by traditional yurts, these unique buildings open to the sky, reflecting their ancient origins. Although the yurts can only be viewed from the outside due to technical reasons, they stand out as artistic and cultural landmarks.

The yurts’ dome roofs are decorated with motifs inspired by the metalwork of the Hungarian conquest era. These include church flags crafted by textile artist Ildikó Csete and carved benches by István Nagy. Among the yurts, the “Shelter of World Hungarians,” built in 1996, is the first in the series, followed by the Mammoth Redwood House, completed in 1998.

Inside the latter, visitors can see an extraordinary cross-section of a Californian sequoia tree, called the bütü. This tree slice, which dates back to around 200 AD, measures 6.3 meters in diameter, 80 centimeters in thickness, and weighs 7.5 tons. Its rings are marked with key dates from Hungarian history, creating a fascinating timeline.

The park also features an ecumenical chapel with twin towers, perched on a hill opposite the pavilions, adding a spiritual dimension to the park’s architectural and historical displays.

Another highlight is the Millennium Árpád Monument, a tribute to the first national assembly. Erected in 1897, the monument celebrates Hungary’s historical journey and aspirations, symbolized through the figure of Árpád, the leader of the Hungarian tribes.

Designed by sculptor Ede Kallós and architect Gyula Berczik, the statue depicts Árpád seated with a sabre in hand, gazing into the distance. This imagery captures the moment when Árpád and his tribal leaders camped at this site for 34 days to establish the customary laws of the newly formed nation. With the East at his back, Árpád’s gaze is turned southwest toward the “Eternal City” of Rome, embodying a vision for the future.

Over time, the original statues were recreated by sculptor Károly Buzál. Today, the original figure of Árpád is preserved inside the Rotunda building, along with archival photographs. The original lion statues, which once adorned the monument, now stand along the path leading to the site.

Exploring traditional life at the skansen

The Open-Air Ethnographic Collection (skansen) offers visitors a journey into the rural life of Hungary during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Featuring 19 building complexes and three outdoor exhibitions, it vividly showcases the country’s cultural heritage. The museum, which has been evolving since its inception in 1978, represents various regions, with a special focus on the Southern Great Plain.

Traditional homes, workshops and a windmill bring to life the daily routines and trades of village communities, complete with authentic furnishings and tools that create an educational and nostalgic experience for all ages. Highlights include a school, post office, general store, narrow-gauge railway, bakery workshop, as well as collections of carriages and agricultural machinery.

House of Herbs

A delightful addition to the park is the Szeri House of Herbs, established in 2017, where visitors can explore the rich world of medicinal plants and traditional herbal remedies. It includes a herb garden, a processing and drying facility and an educational workshop. This initiative aligns with the park’s goals of preserving and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Szer Monastery, strengthening rural communities, and making this heritage widely accessible through immersive experiences.

This interactive exhibition showcases a variety of herbs used in natural medicine and healing practices throughout Hungarian history. Workshops and educational programs invite visitors to deepen their understanding of sustainable living and the ecological benefits of herbs. It’s a perfect stop for those interested in health, nature or eco-tourism​.

Hands-on experiences

The Nomad Park provides an immersive journey into the everyday life and culture of 9th-10th century Hungarians, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the world of their ancestors. Combining educational, hands-on activities with historical authenticity, the park offers something for everyone.

Visitors can learn about the yurts, the traditional dwellings of nomadic societies, inside and out; experience the daily tasks of early Hungarians, including felting, weaving and wood-turning; discover their beliefs, social customs and craftsmanship through demonstrations led by dedicated heritage interpreters.

You can try your hand at archery with the help of skilled instructors, experiencing the power of the Hungarians’ legendary bows. The Nomad Playground features creative wooden games, such as spear throwing, target practice, balance challenges and more. These activities, designed for all ages, promote fun, skill and creativity. For nature enthusiasts, this section offers engaging exhibits on environmental awareness, sustainable living and the unique ecology of the Hungarian steppe.

Practical information

The park is open seasonally, with guided tours available for key attractions like the Feszty Panorama. Due to its popularity, especially on national holidays, advance booking is recommended. Facilities include a visitor center with a café, gift shop and multimedia presentations, ensuring a comfortable visit year-round.

• Address: 6767 Ópusztaszer, Szoborkert 68
• Official website: Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park
• Ticket sales: opusztaszer.jegy.eu
• Accessibility: take the Kistelek exit from the M5 motorway and drive 5 kilometers toward Kistelek. Once in the town, head straight toward Ópusztaszer for another 6 kilometers. When you reach the village, turn right, then drive 2 kilometers and turn left at the marked turnoff to arrive at the park.