HU_booklet_text_EN

THE PARLIAMENT
Over centuries, the descendants of the conquering
leader, Árpád, enacted laws without
use of a permanent house for the Hungarian
parliament. After the 1848 revolution, the
dynamically altered nation began to feel the
need to change this situation. Thus, in 1882 a
competition was announced to design a building
that would house the parliament, which was
won by Imre Steindl. Three years later on the
12th of October, the works began on Lipótváros’
Tömlő square. This was the biggest investment
of the time, and for seventeen years nearly a
thousand people worked on it. As there was a
wish to undertake the project with Hungarian
materials and a Hungarian workforce if possible,
entire branches of industry were revived
by this initiative. In this building with an internal volume of 473 000 cubic metres, 90 exterior
and 152 interior statues stand tall on the walls. The building has 27 doors, and inside 29
staircases enable movement between the levels. The building is 268 m long, 123 m wide and 96
m high, and there are more than 200 offices accommodated. It has become a structural representative
of the capital of our homeland.

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BUDA CASTLE
The history of Buda Castle dates back to the Medieval
period. Construction began in the mid 1300s, the
golden age in the time of King Matthias Corvinus. The
early central palace was severely damaged in the battles
against the Turks, but later, thanks to the initiative of Maria
Theresa, it was renovated in a majestic baroque style. Unfortunately,
the palace fell victim to the Second World War,
and at present it does not retain any parts which would
reflect the luxury of the bygone kings.
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Reconstruction work on the palace started in 1959 on a
rather tight budget. A simpler design was implemented
and instead of reconstructing the ornate halls, modern
and puritan architectural options were chosen. Today,
it has an important role in the country’s culture since
its chambers are used by the Hungarian National
Gallery, the National Széchenyi Library, the Ludwig
Museum of Contemporary Art and the Historical Museum
of Budapest. It is home to numerous traditional
events, including the Crafts Festival and the Buda
Castle Wine Festival. The Buda Castle Palace as part
of the Buda Castle Quarter has been designated as a
world heritage site since 1987. Hundreds of thousands
of tourists from all parts of the world visit every year.
Numerous sights and points of interest are on offer for
them. These include the Buda Castle Labyrinth, the
old narrow streets and cosy restaurants of the Castle
Quarter. Thanks to the location of the Palace, one can
enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the city of
Budapest.
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MATTHIAS CHURCH
M
atthias Church, with the official name of
Buda Castle Church of Our Lady, has occupied
a prominent place in Hungarian history from
the beginning. According to ecclesiastical tradition
it was founded in 1015 by St Stephen. According to
written records it was known in the 17th century as
St Stephen’s church. The church had been standing
for centuries when our King Matthias had a
tower built onto it. During this period the church
attained the peak of its mediaeval prosperity. King
Matthias and the great historic figures following
him had their weddings here, and Queen Elizabeth
too and Charles I, the last crowned Hungarian
king, also took their oaths in this holy place. The
building suffered severe damage in World War II.
Reconstruction work was begun in 1950 and the
finishing touches were completed in 1984. For the
first time in the history of the church, the state gave
it into the possession of the Church in 1999, and
even today this place of holy pilgrimage occupies a
position worthy of its rank on Holy Trinity Square
in the vicinity of Buda Castle Palace, providing a
home for sung High Mass and welcoming visitors
with open doors.
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HUNGARIAN STATE OPERA HOUSE
S
eptember 24, 1884
was the long opening
of the Budapest Opera
House, and the great
opening celebration was
enhanced by the presence
of Karl Franz Jozef.
The awaiting crowd of the Sugár road was so excited to see the interior that they swept aside
the guarding policemen and ran into the palace-like institute. Although, the name of the
road has since been changed, the building is still beautiful and is a favourite of opera lovers.
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GUNDEL RESTAURANT
T
he word Gundel is synonymous with tradition
and quality in the area of hospitality.
The founder of the restaurant, Károly Gundel
felt it was his goal to gather the values and
specialities of Hungarian gastronomy and to
amalgamate these with modern gastronomic
techniques used in other parts of the world.
With his persistent, popularising work he succeeded
in putting Hungarian cuisine on the
world gastronomy map. Looking back on a past
of more than 100 years, the Restaurant has survived
the storms of history, the world wars and
the changes of regime, and at present is proudly
continuing the work of the founder. It has won
numerous national and foreign accolades. The Gundel Restaurant is popular with both Hungarians and
foreigners, the secret of which is the milieu surrounding the guests, the inimitable hospitality, the tradition
which radiates from the building and environment, and the food compositions prepared from outstanding
quality ingredients. The Gundel Artistic Prize was created at the turn of the millennium, which
is assigned each year in 14 categories for the purpose of acknowledging the best in various branches of the
arts and in order to support their work. Since 2010 the chairman has been Miklós Szinetár, Kossuth prize
winner, twice Mari Jászai prize winner and director of theatre, opera, TV and film.
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GREAT / CENTRAL MARKET HALL
Aiming at ceasing the noisy and dirty
outdoor markets, the City Council
established the Central Market Hall. The
stately neo-gothic building was handed
over to the traders in 1897, and almost
at the same time, four other market
halls were built on the Pest side. The
building is one of the finest creations
of historicism in Hungary, built to the
designs of architect Samu Pecz together
with the neighbouring University of
Economic Sciences. The building has a
ground space of 10 000 square metres,
the roof is adorned with building ceramics
from the famous Zsolnay works,
the stone entrance gates represent the
Neo-Gothic style. The building was declared
a monument in 1977, which was
magnificently renovated at the end of
the 20th century. In 1999 it was awarded
the most prominent accolade of the
Chamber of Hungarian Architects. This
wonderful building is still in operation
as a market hall today, welcoming thousands
of local and foreign shoppers and
visitors with a colourful selection.
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HEROES’ SQUARE
All the lamp posts are facing a peculiar monument
on the Hősök tere (Heroes’ square). It is
the millennial monument which commemorates
the thousandth anniversary of the original settlement
of the Hungarians. The monument depicts
the heroes who made Hungarian history with their
deeds. A Gloriette designed by Miklós Ybl stood
here in 1894, which also incorporated a drinking
fountain. The Gloriette was short lived, as in the
year following its placement the decision was made
to build a Pantheon on its site for the Millennium
celebration. Sculptor György Zala and architect
Albert Schickendanz were commissioned with
implementing the task. Statues of 14 Hungarian
rulers stood in the original monument. The square
was later named Heroes’ Square in 1932. During
the communist dictatorship following World War
II, the statues were refashioned in accordance with
the political views of the age, so the statues of the
Habsburg monarchs were replaced. Although the
country has been liberated from the dictatorship,
the statues of the Habsburgs have still not been
returned to their original positions.
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HUNGARIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM
The idea of founding the museum emerged in
times when the national consciousness and the
notion of freedom were both becoming apparent
among civilians. In 1802, Ferenc Széchenyi, wanting
to grant his rich collection to the Hungarian
nation, asked the permission of the ruling Ferenc I
who, of course, supported Széchenyi’s idea. Later,
the 1832-36 Hungarian Diet carried a motion to
build an independent house for the museum. The
appropriated sum was half a million Forints, and
the professionally recognized Mihály Pollach became
entrusted with the designs . His work was finished
by 1847, and the place had a significant role in the
1848-49 war of independence. The revolution broke
out after the famous poet, Sándor Petőfi, recited his
poem to the nation while standing on the stairs of
the museum. From that point on, the building became
a museum as well as an emblem of the nation’s
freedom. Nowadays the Museum welcomes visitors
with a permanent exhibition presenting the history
of the Hungarian nation, seasonal exhibitions and
interesting, colourful programmes for both younger
and older people.
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GELLÉRT HOTEL AND SPA
The history of the Gellért Hotel and Baths goes back
to ancient times. In the 13th century, Andrew II
established medicinal baths and a hospital here. During
the Turkish period a bathhouse named Acsik ilidzse
stood here. Following the reoccupation of Buda it came
into the possession of Leopold I’s family physician,
then in 1718 the ownership passed to the city of Buda.
At that time it was known by the name of
Sárosfürdő. In 1894 it was demolished when
the Franz Joseph Bridge was built. When the
concept of Budapest as a city of bathhouses
was in formation in the early 20th century,
construction of the baths and the hotel once
more came to the fore. The building was
completed in 1918 in breathtaking art nouveau
style and entered public consciousness as
the first luxury hotel and bath in the capital.
It ranked among the most modern medicinal
baths of the age . In line with requirements of
the time, a a hospital was attached . Cuisine
was provided by the world famous Gundel
Restaurant until 1945. It now bears the name
of Danubius Hotel Gellért, which is one of the
best known hotels in Budapest. Preserving
its traditions, guests are still welcomed by the
polite and amiable staff, as they come to enjoy
the pleasures of relaxation in magnificent
surroundings.
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VISEGRÁD
This picturesque town which celebrated its millennium
last year was the capital of Hungary under
King Charles Robert. The construction of the Upper
Castle was initiated by the wife of King Béla IV,
Queen Mary in the 1250’s, and later it was enlarged
by King Sigismund and King Matthias. The Tower
named Solomon is situated on the hillside beneath
the castle. A fortified military camp once stood here,
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where King Solomon was held
between 1081-1083 at the command
of King Saint Ladislaus. Visegrád
and the Upper Castle are now tourist
attractions. The town attracts
thousands of tourists from in- and
outside of Hungary annually because
there are great opportunities
for excursions, visiting historic
monuments, reliving the past, and
taking pleasure in the beautiful
sight of the Danube Bend. Visegrád
has also hosted the popular summer
palace games for several decades ;
a unique spectacle in the country.
The games are staged in the in the
dress of the times of King Matthias’.
In the programme spectacular
jousts are performed and the visitor
can even try archery.
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SZENTENDRE
At the junction of the mountains and the plain
land, on the bank of the Danube, lies the city
of museums and art, the cultural paradise of tourists,
Szentendre with its more than two thousand
years of history. Its museums, galleries, and cozy
cafes can be approached via streets of cobblestone,
and through narrow alleyways. Szentendre houses
the Open Air Museum of Ethnography, which presents
folk architecture, and the life of Hungary’s
most characteristic regions.
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ESZTERGOM
Grand Prince Géza chose Esztergom as his kingdom in 972, making it the first capital of our
country. King Saint Stephen was crowned here on 1 January 1001; he founded the archdiocese
of Esztergom as the centre of the Hungarian church. The Basilica of Esztergom, the largest church
in Hungary, was built on the castle hill. This masterpiece was consecrated in 1869, and for that occasion
Franz Liszt composed his Esztergom Mass.
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HORTOBÁGY
The largest park in Hungary was designated
a national park in 1973. It features
the largest grassland in Central Europe, and
is part of the World Heritage. Hortobágy is
the perfect plain developed from the planation
of the River Tisza, which preserves its
character even today. The ancient Hungarian
Grey Cattle, the managalica swine,
and the Hungarian herd-dogs: the puli and
pumi are held here with the purpose of gene
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preservation. The symbol of the National
Park is the famous Nine-holed Bridge,
which was the longest public road bridge
in 1833 when it was finished. The herds of
the Debrecen cattle merchants traveled to
Vienna using this bridge in the times of the
Tisza floods. Its unique flora and fauna,
the endless horizon are a genuine spectacle
and great experience for those who like
harmony and nature itself.
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KARCAG, WORLD FAMOUS LAMB STEW
Nagykunság is located in the middle of
the Great Plains. Its capital is Karcag,
which is the old name for the plains fox.
It is an independent, natural, and cultural
ethnic group with more than 800 years of
tradition. Among the outstanding aspects
of its folk culture are livestock farming,
gastronomy, and pottery. Shepherds have
always had access to the best foods due
to their work, and so over the course of
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decades and centuries a gastronomy has
developed for these. So there is a very
typical mutton stew that is common,
cooked the same as in Kazakhstan, which
shows that it has a tradition going back
several thousand years. The Karcag lamb
stew rightfully has entered the collection
of Hungarian folk history. The modern
and elegant Nimród Bio hotel and Bio
restaurant is located in the heart of the
city, where there is always food of exceptional
quality and quiet, spacious rooms
await visitors.
21

TOKAJ
According to the written sources, Tokaj was
a vine-growing region in 1067. In 1823 Ferenc
Kölcsey includes the wine region of Tokaj
in his poem – …Tokaj szőlővesszein Nektárt
csepegtettél… (…You were trickling Nectar
on the vines of Tokaj…) – , the poem which
later became the national anthem of Hungary.
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This charming historic city which has been attracting
tourists for decades is now part of the
World Heritage. Boldogkő Castle was buiild as a
fortress after the Mongol invasion, with the aim
of protecting the Kassai road and Hernád valley.
Today it is a tourist attraction, where a military
history exhibition including soldiers made out
of lead await tourists. In summer it is home
to castle games, where visitors are transported
back in time with horsemen, musical parade,
military exercises and an archery competition.
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SÁROSPATAK
Sárospatak was already inhabited in Palaeolithic
times; it was given town status in 1201 by King Emeric
of Hungary. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (Árpádházi
Szent Erzsébet) was born here – she was the daughter
of King Andrew II of Hungary. King Sigismund gave
Sárospatak the status of free royal town, and in 1460
it received the right for markets by King Matthias. Its
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Calvinist School is famous nationwide. Several famous
persons studied here, among others Mihály
Csokonai Vitéz and Lajos Kossuth. Péter Perányi
began building the castle in 1534, and it was possessed
by several famous noble families in the
centuries to come. Among the owners were István
Dobó and Ferenc Rákóczi II, whose name hallmarks
the castle today The Rákóczi Museum of
the National Museum functions among its walls
at present. Sárospatak is a starting point for numerous
tourist routes and the River Bodrog offers
sporting opportunities as well.
25

MÁTRA, HOLLÓKŐ
H
ollókő is the only village in Hungary
which is a World Heritage site. This
tradition- preserving village with a total
of 380 residents is not in operation as
a museum or a skanzen, but it is a living
village, where functional handicraft
workshops are to be found in the depths
of the whitewashed houses with verandas.
The families in the friendly, welcoming
guesthouses invite visitors to their tables,
where they can find out what real Palóc
soup and rösti taste like. The village is
surrounded by the picturesque Hollókő
Landscape Protection Area, which offers
numerous opportunities for relaxation
and excursions.
26

EGER
This thousand-year-old small town with a
glorious past is famous for its monuments,
good wine and thermal waters. Although almost
everything was destroyed in the time of
the Tartars, the town later played an important
role in the time of the struggle against the Turks
when István Dobó and his handful of soldiers
heroically defended the castle for 38 days in
1552, against an army forty times larger. Eger
was part of the Ottoman Empire for 92 years,
until 1687.The most spectacular monument of
Eger, the minaret, is still standing. The town
centre of Eger is often called the Baroque pearl of
Europe. The third largest church of Hungary can
be seen here, among others. Besides the numerous
monuments, many interesting programmes
and experiences await the visitor.
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TIHANY
Tihany is the only peninsula on Lake Balaton and it is unique in its historical and
natural richness. King Andrew I (András) in the 11th century had the burial place
for his family and a monastery built here. He brought Benedictine monks into the monastery.
The best-known sight and symbol of Tihany today is the abbey church, which has
been standing since 1752.
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BALATON
L
ake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and it is often referred to as the ’Hungarian
sea’. Tourists from within Hungary and abroad enjoy visiting the lake thanks to
the numerous recreation activities offered, including bathing and swimming. Kayak, windsurfing,
water-skiing, fishing and sailing enthusiasts also share the water. For those who are
more adventurous, there is the adventure park of Lake Balaton. The towns and villages surrounding
the lake also offer many interesting sights and activities for visitors. In some towns
there are spa baths and thermal springs to the great pleasure of those hoping to find cure. In
the hills of the northern side of the lake, in the Balaton Uplands one will find the home of renowned
wine growers, who offer, famous and delicious wines. After sunset when the beaches
clear, the reflection of night lights billow on the surface of the water. This is the time when
restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs become alive.
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GYŐR
A
significant castle had stood here by the
time the settler Magyars arrived. In
1009, King Saint Stephen chose Győr as one
of the ten bishoprics he founded , and one
part of the quartered body of the pagan Koppány
was put out here. Today it is known for
its waters, museums, beautifully renovated
Baroque buildings and palaces that can be
accessed via the narrow surrounding streets.
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KALOCSA
T
he town of Kalocsa is as old as the
Hungarian state and was one of the
archbishoprics founded by King Saint
Stephen in 1009. Kalocsa is the second
archbishopric in the country. The Cathedral
beside the compelling building of
the Archbishop’s Palace gained its present
form in 1754. Today the town is the
centre of national paprika growing and
production; its history can be explored
in the Hungarian Red Pepper Museum.
The famous Kolcsa embroidery, which has
become a part of Hungarian culture, has
patterns and motifs that reflect the painted
walls of houses. The flower ornamentations
are very well-known, and show the
flowers of the fields and gardens: violets,
star flower, tulips, bluebells, roses, and
the famous red peppers of Kalocsa.
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SOPRON
T
he written mention of this town comes
from 859. Sopron was a popular residence
of noble families, the memory of which is
preserved in the Esterházy Palace, the Széchenyi
Palace, and others as well. The town successfully
resisted the Tatars, Turks, the Kuruc
movements and the battles of the 1848 revolution
and war of independence. Thus there are
many medieval churches and houses standing
in the town today. The symbol of the town is
the Fire-tower (Tűztorony) built in 1676.
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MOHÁCS, THE BUSÓJÁRÁS CELEBRATION
T
he “busójárás” (Hungarian for Busówalking)
is a fun carnival which is the folk
tradition of the Sokác of Mohács. The traditional
Buso dress is the same as it is today:
made of a fur coat with a painted mask carved
out of wood. They are accompanied by the
Jankels, whose role is to keep the people of
the street away from them, which they accomplish
by sprinkling ash, flour, and sawdust
at the passers-by who jeer at them – primarily
children. The women with veiled faces and
the witches are an inevitable part of the parade.
Every year thousands of visitors view the
festivities, the festival, the crossing of the Danube,
and the huge bonfire in the main square,
which symbolizes winter, and in which a coffin
is burned, and the dance that is danced in
a circle around it. The special winter carnival
did not escape the attention of many foreigners,
and every year the festivities are visited
by people from abroad, while street vendors
help make the festival even more lively. As a
deserved recognition, the busójárás was inducted
in 2009 into the Representative List of
the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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35

HÉVÍZ
T
he history of Hévíz spa and the
therapeutic effects of the lake
were already known to the Romans,
but the earliest written reference
dates from 1328. The development
and revival of bathing in Hévíz
is linked with the name of Count
György Festetics, who purposefully
built up the bathing resort. Its
popularly has grown so much that
today several hundred thousands of
tourists visit the place every year,
which provides opportunity for
comfortable relaxation not only for
those looking for healing, but for
anyone at all. Besides the baths, visits
to promenades, parks, wine bars,
churches and statue parks can make
a trip here more colourful.
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37

PÉCS
The city of Pécs, at the foot of the mountain Mecsek,
was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century
AD. After the Settlement of the Magyars in the Carpathian
Basin in 1009, King Saint Stephen chose the
settlement as one of ten bishoprics he founded. In the
place of today’s cathedral, there was a chapel stand-
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ing in the 4th century, which was rebuilt
several times, gaining its present form
as a result. The 4th century building of
the Early Christian Mausoleum is an
unparalleled sight of the city. The Early
Christian necropolis is part of the World
Heritage. From the 18th century the city
saw great development, and to acknowledge
this, Queen Maria Theresa declared
it a free royal town in 1780. In the 1850’s
and 1860’s factories of nationwide fame
were established in the city, which still
function today. Pécs with its unique past
is a cultural centre today. Numerous
beautiful and interesting sights await
the visitor. Wonderful buildings, houses
with Zsolnay-roofs and foliage ornaments,
interesting museums all welcome
those wishing to see this pearl with their
own eyes.
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PÉCS, EARLY CHRISTIAN CEMETERIES
The predecessor of the city of Pécs in Roman times
was the city of Sopianae. This city’s more affluent
residents left behind a number of tomb monuments.
A particularity of the late Roman and early Christian
cemeteries and mausoleums is that these tombs are built
out of stone and their interiors are decorated with murals
depicting biblical scenes. This unique burial ground was
inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000.
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PANNONHALMA ABBEY
The history of the Pannonhalma Abbey goes
back more than a thousand years. The
Benectine monks are to thank for introducing
Christian beliefs and current European
culture to the Hungarians who had settled
in the eastern parts of Europe. The Benedictine
monasteries have always held important
cultural and public functions, and behind their
walls operated the first school in Hungary.
Even today it plays a very important role, since
besides its student dormitory and high school,
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the abbey operates both a college and a
nursing home for the elderly. The main
abbey is considered a unique monument
by the more than one hundred thousand
visitors that seek it out every year. The
basilica with its classical towers is a
popular place for young couples to have
weddings. To the left of the basilica is
the library, which besides books is also
decorated with stunning frescoes and
sculptures. Devotees of St. Benedict
obey the Benectine rule of supporting
themselves not from donations, but by
their own labor. The Pannonhalma
Abbey is successful both abroad and
at home, and markets premium products.
The herbal tea recipes are three
hundred years old, their soaps are made
from lavender they grow themselves.
43

FERTŐ-HANSÁG NATIONAL PARK
The Fertő region is unique in Europe
thanks to the diversity of its flora
and fauna. In the western part of the area
there is a high salt-content steppe lake,
which stretches into Austria, where hills
and mountains rise around the lake. On
the Hungarian side of Lake Fertő there is
a network of reeds, the nesting place for
the great egret, the great crested grebe and
herons. A 240 km long system of canals
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has been cut into the reeds to provide access
to the inner lakes as well. Shorter or
longer trails let visitors observe the animal
life on the water and dry land. They
can also see the region’s birds of prey:
the white-tailed eagle, peregrine falcon,
harrier, and the Hungarian Grey cattle
and racka sheep grazing on the meadow
grass surrounding the lake. On the areas
covered with water there live anatidae
and black-headed gulls, which can be
observed from a high viewpoint.
45

HEREND PORCELAIN
F
ounded in 1826, the Herend Porcelain Manufactory really started to flourish under Mór Fischer in
1839. In 1842 it was awarded the Imperial royal porcelain title, then in 1843 won the gold medal
in the 1843 national exhibition. At this time porcelain was called white gold, because it represented
great wealth and was a privilege to own. Queen Victoria ordered a floral pattern Herend dinnerware
for the 1851 world fair, and this pattern, called the “Victoria” pattern, has been well-known ever since.
One recognition followed another, as a result of which Mór Fischer received a title of nobility. In 1874
Mór Fischer handed the factory over to his sons, who did not consider exclusivity to be important,
and so began the dark days of the factory, and in the end it had to declare bankruptcy. From 1896 on
the manufactory again flourished, once Jenő Farkasházi took over leadership. The second world war
was not kind to the manufactories, and in its aftermath they were taken over by the state, before being
again privatized in 1992. The owners are in large part its workers, and one quarter is owned by the
state. Among manufactories, it was the first to win the Hungarian Heritage title. The extensive range
of the beautiful handmade products is shown by the fact that there are nearly 16,000 pieces. There
is strong demand for the unique, high-end porcelain, and a testament to this is the fact that Herend
Porcelain is available in 50 countries around the world.
46

PUSKÁS ACADEMY
F
erenc Puskás is one of the best-known Hungarians,
and left behind a life work which is recognized
and honored throughout the world. In 1943
– at the age of 16 – he officially began his football
career with the Kispest NB team 1. In 1952 the Hungarian
team led by Ferenc Puskás won an Olympic
title. At the World Cup a year later, which has passed
into history as the match of the century, they defeated
the English national team in their own home.
Following this the team won numerous matches, a
streak that only the revolution of 1956 interrupted,
when Ferenc Puskás left the country. After a short
break he was invited to play for Reál Madrid and he
managed to stay at the world forefront for nearly ten
years, on one of Europe’s most successful teams. The
84 goals he scored in 85 matches playing in Hungary
stands as a world record to this day, and after this he
won the most goals for Spain four times. Overall he
is the highest scorer of all time. Later he worked on
every continent as a coach, and at the end of his career
returned home and represented his country for
several years, until he became ill. The Puskás Football
Academy was founded on his 80th birthday.
Construction of the building was started in 2012,
and included a 3500 capacity stadium, which the
UEFA classifies as a category 2 stadium.
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AGGTELEK’S BARADLA CAVE
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
A Baradla Cave is found in the Aggteleki
National Park, and is one of Hungary’s
best-known and most beautiful natural
phenomena. The 25 kilometer long cave, a 7
km section of which extends into Slovakia,
has many interesting and exciting features.
Based on artifacts that have been discovered,
it was already inhabited 7,000 years ago, and
later the caves served as a burial site. The
water that seeped through cracks in the
limestone pooled up and over thousands
of years etched out corridors and halls as it
flowed. The walls have breathtaking gleaming
stalactite and stalagmite formations,
which have gorgeous red, yellow, and white
colors. he tallest chambers is called the Giants
Hal, and is 200 m long and 60 m high.
The unique acoustics of the “Concert Hall”
seen on the photo is used to hold concerts
and performances there. In the caves tour
guides guide visitors through long and short
trips, which offer many interesting, exciting,
and unforgettable experiences for both
children and adults.