Dóm Square

Dóm Square is the most beautiful square in Szeged. It is dominated by the Votive Church of Our Lady but there are other equally attractive elements surrounding it. The square was completed between 1929-32. On the western side you can see the Theological College of Szeged, in the south-western corner, there is the Bishop’s Palace and in the southern and eastern sides Szeged University facilities and research centres are situated. The arcade surrounding the square facilitates the National Pantheon. Originally it was founded in 1930 but since then many more sculptures and reliefs have been added. You can see works of art depicting famous Hungarian scientists, artists and historical personalities. In the southern part of the building surrounding the square there is a musical clock. It was made in 1936 and you can see the 12 zodiac signs on it. The figures emerging from the clock depict real people, for example among the students we can see famous Hungarian poets and artists of Szeged. In Dóm Square, to the left of the Votive Church, you can also see the Dömötör Tower, the oldest building in the city. It dates back to the 11th century; the building was restored in 1931.

Votive Church

The emblem of Szeged and one of its most distinctive building is the Votive Church of Our Lady of Hungary. The construction started in 1913 but it was consecrated only in 1930 due to the outbreak of the First World War. The Votive Church is situated in Dóm Square which is exactly the same size as Saint Mark Square in Venice. It is the fourth largest building in Hungary, the dome is 54 metres high outside and 33 metres above the floor of the interior. It has the third largest organ in Europe with 9,040 pipes. The two towers are 91 metres high. Above the main doorway there is a 3 metres high statue of the Madonna. She is the patron of this votive church and also the protector of Hungary since King Stephen I. You can see many magnificent artworks everywhere in the church. One of the most unusual is the Madonna in a fur coat made in mosaic just above the baldachin of the central altar. Masses are held at 6:30 am., 7:30 am. and 6 pm. every day. 

Szeged New Synagouge

The new synagogue and the head office of the Jewish community were built according to the plans of Lipót Baumhorn, the winner of a design competition. Construction work lasted between 1900 and 1902. We can recognise nearly all architectural styles in this monumental, 48,5 meter (158,5 feet) tall Moorish art nouveau building: the spandrelled arches, the ribbed wall above the Gothic organ, the Roman columns supporting the galleries. The most beautiful part of the synagogue is the interior of the dome, which symbolises the world. According to the teachings of Jewish religion, morality is determined by three factors: the Tora, work and philanthropy. In Hebrew these can be written down with four words, which are painted on the arches above the columns holding the dome. The 24 columns of the drum of the cupola represent the 24 hours of a day, above it the briar bush flowers on a blue background symbolise faith. Above the greenish-brown ornamentation, representing vegetation, the experience of infinite space manifests itself in the gradually darkening star-strewn blue glass dome. In the middle is the Star of David (Magen David), around it the Sun’s rays, which can be illuminated, crown the firmament. The dome and all the lead glasses were created by Miksa Róth. A bronze candelabra, which belongs to the altar, is similar to those in the sanctuary of the Temple in Jerusalem, destroyed by the Roman emperor Titus in 70 A.D. The middle two are gilded, all are decorated with semi-precious stones. Above the altar rises a small dome, which is a simplified version of the building's dome. The organ and the choir can be found behind it. Immanuel Lőw (1854-1944) Chief Rabbi played an important part in designing the decoration of the interior advising the architect in the selection of the biblical motives for the altar, the ornaments of the walls and the windows. The lead glasses are the works of Miksa Róth; they depict events of the year in the synagogue on weekdays and on the Sabbath, and commemorating all the Jewish feasts with symbols.

Address: 6722 Szeged, Jósika utca 10.

Website: http://www.zsinagoga.szeged.hu/en/

Kárász street

This is perhaps one of the most pleasant places of the city, since this street, recently reconstructed and transformed into a pedestrian mall, welcomes visitors with a number of attractions, architectural monuments, lovely shops, cafeterias and restaurants with patios. Among the landmarks of Kárász Street worth mentioning are the statues depicting a couple dressed in carnival costume, the so-called ”welcoming statues; and at the other end of the street the “street music” group sculpture, which is a heart-warming, cheerful work of art. It consists of a clown-nosed street musician on one side playing the violin, and opposite him a little girl with a teddy bear, her mother and a dog standing around and admiring him. The night life of Szeged is inviting as well.

Bridge of Sighs

The design of the bridge was based on bridges of Venice in honour of Francis Joseph on the occasion of his visit in the rebuilt town, since the emperor, who stayed in a lodging house, could reach the City Hall directly through the bridge.

Address: 6720, Szeged, Széchenyi tér 10.

Stefánia

Stefania is a promenade along the bank of the river Tisza in Szeged. It is a very pleasant place to relax in the town where you can take long walks and enjoy the view of the river. You can find the remains of Szeged castle there. It was an important castle, the Szeged Peace treaty was signed here in 1444. You can also see the statue of Queen Elizabeth (nicknamed Sissi), who is still fondly remembered in Hungary. Her statue is made of marble from Carrara. You can see the Theatre of Szeged as well from the promenade. 

Dugonics Square

At the southern end of Kárász Street you can find Dugonics Square. The main attraction of the square is the musical fountain which was built for the 100th anniversary of the Great Flood of Szeged. You can listen mainly to classical music during the day. It is a favourite meeting point among the students of Szeged University. The dominant building of the square is the building of Szeged University built in eclectic style in 1873. Its name used to be Jozsef Attila University, Szeged; a reminder is the statue of the poet Jozsef Attila at the corner of the building. The square is often the venue of festivals and fairs.

Széchenyi Square

It is the biggest park in Szeged city centre. With an area of about 50 000 square metres; it is the continuation of Kárász Street, the main pedestrian street in Szeged, surrounded by public buildings, for example the Town Hall, the Main Post Office, banks, restaurants and Hotel Tisza. It used to be a market place but today it is mainly used as a park and a place for relaxation, various festivals and fairs. On the western side of the square you can find the Grunn-Orban house, the building that accommodated the first printing press in Szeged. Next to the Grunn-Orban house you can see the building called Rented Palace built in 1872-73. It has always been rented by the Town Hall, hence its name. Between the Town Hall and the palace you can find the Bridge of Sighs. It was built in 1883 when Emperor Franz Joseph visited the city. He stayed in the palace and through this bridge he could easily walk to the Town Hall without having to step out into the street. The bridge is similar to those in Venice. There are many fine statues in the square, for example Ferenc Deák, István Széchenyi or Lajos Tisza, famous Hungarian politicians; and also a statue of King Stephen and his wife, Gizella.