Visiting Unknown Mediaeval Churches

Visit the mediaeval relics of the Mid-Nyírség, churches featuring interesting frescos and stonework.
This time, you may set out to conquer the central part of Nyírség, where you can get to know many medieval churches of outstanding value, but shrouded in obscurity. At first glance from the outside, you wouldn’t even guess what exciting frescoes, stone carvings, and art pieces are hidden in them. The route of the tour runs along the mediaeval churches of Nyírtura, Székely, Nyíribrony, Levelek, Ófehértó and Kállósemjén, but in addition to the churches, it also touches other spectacular heritage sites. In Kállósemjén, there is the nature reserve of Lake Mohos, the Kállay mansion, in Nagykálló the tomb of the miraculous rabbi or the former county hall of Szabolcs county, built in baroque style.

Nyírtura – Calvinist Church

The first stop of the heritage tour is the Calvinist church in the centre of Nyírtura. From the base of the tower, the most valuable element of the church opens into the church square, the late Gothic stone gate with batons, which was built during the remodelling in 1488. This gate, with its decoration and artistic quality, is unparalleled in the area. Another beauty of the church is its medieval fresco, located next to the pulpit. Comprehensive archaeological research and restoration of the building took place in 1995.

Székely – Calvinist Church

From the semicircular sanctuary of the Calvinist church in Székely, it was long concluded that it belongs to the early churches of the Árpád era (896-1301). However, in the course of extensive archaeological research conducted in 2007, it was revealed that the original sanctuary was demolished and a completely new sanctuary was built in the middle of the 18th century in its original place. Based on research results, the first church was already standing in 1324, it was presumably erected around 1200 by the Hontpázmány Bánk family. As a result of the wall research, on the south wall of the nave, wall paintings depicting female saints made in the 15th century were found, which may once have been the beginning and end of the wall painting that decorated almost the entire south wall. During the restoration, the wooden belfry was moved from the top of the church to its original place, next to the church.

Nyíribrony – Calvinist Church

Based on the external classicist appearance of the church in Nyíribrony, one would not even think that it is of mediaeval origin, although it was actually built in the 13th century. The walled-up medieval windows came to light during the restoration of the monument. Mediaeval wall paintings were found under the layers of plaster. The murals were restored. These show the incomplete figure of a bishop with a shepherd’s staff and the figure of Empress Helena finding the Holy Cross. The same representation of Saint Helena can be found in the neighbouring Roman Catholic Churches in Baktalórántháza and Ófehértó.

Levelek – Roman Catholic Church

The simple, single-nave, longitudinal Gothic church was built in the 14th century in the centre of Levelek. The church does not have a tower. Its archivolted, peaked entrance tells about its Gothic origin.

Ófehértó – Roman Catholic Church

We recommend visiting the Roman Catholic Church in Ófehértó as an optional detour. It is located in the neighbouring settlement, and is one of the most exciting monuments in Nyírség. It is hard to imagine now, but in the Middle Ages, the entire church was probably decorated with frescoes. On the north wall of the nave, a huge picture shows the fight between St. George and the dragon. To the right of the picture, directly at the triumphal arch, you can see a larger figure of a female saint, and next to it on both sides are scenes from the life of Jesus.

Kállósemjén – Lake Mohos Natural Reserve

Lake Mohos nature reserve covers 95 hectares. The habitat, formed in prehistoric river valleys, is home to diverse plant communities and fauna, which is why the bog basin was given protection in 1954. The now protected area came into being as early as the Ice Age. In the 1900s, it was still a large floating marsh, but its condition continued to deteriorate, and the water level dropped. The undisturbed, slightly shrunk part of the bog basin is still home to rare species of insects, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

Nagykálló – Harangod

At the end of the tour, you should take a trip to Harangod, which is located within an arm’s reach of Nagykálló, a really cosy place to go. A 75-hectare artificial lake and the buildings of the Téka Camp located here make the typical Nyírség landscape attractive. The Téka camp has been one of the most important folk art camps since the 1970s.