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Jászberény on the Zagyva RiverA Hungarian Town - Centre of the Jász Culture and Life in Hungary
Jászberény is the centre of the Jász people, who prize the Lehel Horn, used in a German battle in 955. There's also a thermal spa and a week long festival in August.
Jászberény, half way between Hatvan and Szolnok in Hungary, is the centre of the Jász people. Their ancestors, of Iranian descent, settled near the Zagyva and Tarna rivers during the 13th Century. They received special dispensation from the Hungarians, giving them virtual autonomy, provided that, in case of conflict, they fought on the side of the Hungarians. They agreed to this condition, and despite the various ups and downs of history, Jászberény is now a delightful country town on the edge of the Great Plain. Tourist InformationYour first stop should be the friendly Tourist Information office, at the Déryné cultural centre on the main street. Pick up the handy "A walking tour in the town". It gives information, in English, on all the 23 noteworthy buildings and statues in town. Lehel’s HornDon't miss the Jazygian Museum, which displays the culture and life of the Jász people. The highlight of the exhibition is the famous Lehel’s Horn, a symbol of the town. It’s an intricately carved 8th century Byzantine horn. The legend is that the Germans, in the Battle of Augsburg in 955 captured the Hungarian leader, Lehel. Before his execution, he used this horn to murder the German king. Famous HungariansOther famous Hungarians originating from Jászberény whose work is show cased in the museum include András Sáros the artist, and the actress Rósza Déryné, who was used as a model for a famous Herend porcelain statue – the woman playing the lute. Janka Zirzen, born in the town in 1824, established a girls’ school in Jászberény in 1840, and she also organised women’s education and teacher training facilities all over Hungary. Church HistoryThe Roman Catholic church on Szentháromság square was built as a Gothic structure in 1332. It's been reconstructed several times, and now has many Baroque features, and some interesting frescoes. There’s also a Roman Catholic Franciscan church dating from 1406 with a monastery nearby. With the arrival of the Turks the church and the monastery were turned into a fortress, and the Franciscans didn't return until 1690. The monastery is now still in use by the Roman Catholic Church. Saint Well ChurchAfter a destructive hailstorm stuck the town in 1747, a spring welled up, and a church – Saint Well Church – was erected close by. StatuesThere are several interesting statues in the town, including one of a "Fur Coated Shepherd" dating from 1908, a bronze horseman dedicated to the Jazgyo-Cumanian Hussars who died during World War I, and one in memory of a cholera epidemic of 1831. Other AttractionsAlso in town are thermal baths, which are open all year, regardless of the temperature outside, a zoo and botanical gardens. Csángó FestivalThere are plenty of events and festivals in Jászberény throughout the year, but the outstanding event is the Csángó festival, or the Folklore Festival of the Minorities. It’s a week long celebration of song, dance and handicrafts with visiting groups from Hungary, from countries that were once part of Hungary, and visitors from other countries. There’s also a week long dance and music camp for people who wish to learn the folk dancing and music of the region. Folklore/dance house email:
The copyright of the article Jászberény on the Zagyva River in Hungary Travel is owned by Christiane Birkett. Permission to republish Jászberény on the Zagyva River in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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