Hungary’s Five Oldest Cities
Hungary is a Central European country rich in history and culture, with ancient cities that have witnessed historical evolution from Roman times to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Many of these cities have long served as political, religious, and cultural centers, leaving deep historical imprints. In this article, we will explore Hungary’s five oldest cities—Budapest, Pécs, Székesfehérvár, Esztergom, and Debrecen. These cities not only chronicle a millennium of Hungary’s rise and fall but also showcase unique architecture, cultural traditions, and historical relics, serving as important gateways to understanding Hungarian history.
1. Budapest
The capital city Budapest is one of Hungary’s oldest cities. Formed by the unification of Buda and Pest in 1873, both cities have histories dating back to Roman times. Buda was the site of the early Hungarian kingdom’s royal palace and was already the Roman city of Aquincum in the 1st century AD. Budapest is renowned for its magnificent architecture, rich history, and diverse cultural activities, including Buda Castle and the banks of the Danube River, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
2. Pécs
Pécs is one of Hungary’s oldest cities, with history tracing back to the 2nd century BC when Celts and Romans occupied the area. In the 4th century AD, Pécs became an important center of early Christianity. The Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pécs is also home to Hungary’s first university—the University of Pécs, founded in 1367—which remains a significant academic institution today.
3. Székesfehérvár
Székesfehérvár was the first capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, with a history dating back to the 10th century. The city played a crucial role in Hungarian history, serving as the coronation and burial site for many Hungarian kings. Medieval Székesfehérvár was the political, religious, and cultural center of the kingdom. The city’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral was once one of Hungary’s most important religious buildings; although only ruins remain today, it still stands as an important historical symbol.
4. Esztergom
Esztergom is one of Hungary’s historical and religious centers, founded in the 10th century and serving as an early capital of the Hungarian kingdom. St. Stephen, Hungary’s first king, was crowned here. The iconic Esztergom Basilica is the largest church in Hungary and the spiritual center of the Catholic Church in the country. Today, Esztergom attracts many tourists with its religious history and magnificent architecture.
5. Debrecen
Debrecen is a major city in eastern Hungary, with history dating back to the 13th century. During the Reformation, it became the center of Hungarian Calvinism, known as the “Calvinist Rome” of Hungary. The Reformed Great Church of Debrecen is the largest Calvinist church in Hungary and a symbol of the city. Despite experiencing wars and destruction, Debrecen has maintained its important role in Hungarian culture and religion.
These cities not only hold significant positions in Hungary’s history but also serve as gateways to explore the country’s rich culture and traditions. Each city preserves longstanding historical sites, making them ideal places to delve into Hungarian history.
