It is not an overstatement to call the charming town of Vác one of the most revered settlements of the Danube Bend. Its thousand-year history is made apparent by its rich cultural heritage, stunning buildings, and winding cobblestoned streets.
In this article, we have collected the buildings, museums, and monuments most deserving of your attention in the town of Vác. Behold the must-see sights of Vác!
Must-see Churches of Vác
Seven Chapels Church and Friary
The first stones of the church were laid in 1711 and its name was given because of its 7 pillars before it, which were installed in 1769 by canon Ferenc Wirth. The pillars hold the pictures of the seven joys and seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary.
The place is a pilgrimage site, and has seen masses of people flocking here for centuries on Mary’s name day to pay their respects, and drink from the healing fountain which springs from beside the church.
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Greek Orthodox Church of Vác
This church was founded in the 17th century by Orthodox Cincar settlers, together with a wide variety of people from many ethnicities.
The style of the church combines western baroque architecture with eastern rites. It was consecrated in 1795 and eventually depopulated. In 1964 the city founded a museum within its walls.
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White Church
The Rococo-style Dominican church has a distinct, spiraled façade, ornamented with statues providing a clean, plain outlook. Its interior, however, is richly decorated.
The crypt, which lies under the church tower, hides 262 caskets full of elegantly dressed, mummified bodies that remained in surprisingly good condition. The exhibition under 19 Március 15. Square is home to the unique findings.
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Saint Michael Lower Church
The precursor of this church was built in the 11th-12th century, although there are hardly any archeological artifacts remaining from this time.
In the 13th century, Germans settling in the region of Vác decided to build a church in the old one’s place. This new church had a few overhauls during the following centuries. Today, the lower church hosts an exhibition, which includes the remaining artifacts of the ancient church. The museum is open from April till October.
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Museums of Vác
Pannonia House Exhibition
Originally, the building was a tavern for the high class, providing a platform for troupers and traveling artists.
The cozy courtyard of Pannonia House is the location of events and an exhibition place for applied arts. There is also a stage for open-air performances, which is in step with the original purpose of the centuries-old roots of this amazing place.
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Mother Earth Geological Exhibition
Lectures by experts and over 600 exhibited minerals and fossils provide insight into the oft hidden world of our Mother Earth.
This unique geological museum offers secrets and invaluable information about treasures under and above ground, the history of the planet, and the development of life on it.
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Modern Art Collection
The exhibition presents the works of some of the most notable contemporary artists of the past 40 years.
World-famous works look down upon us from the walls: Salvador Dali, Szilveszter Matuska, Erik Scholz and Vladimir Szabó are only a few names who have their originals inside. The exhibition can be visited after prior registration.
To register, call: +36 30 258 0269
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International Mobile MADÍ Museum
MADÍ is an international abstract art movement initiated in 1946 by the Hungarian-Argentinian artist and poet Gyula Kosice. The founders of the museum have hosted hundreds of exhibitions and festivals over the years worldwide. The collections of the museum include 500 works from 150 artists of 16 countries and can be explored in the hallways of the City Hall of Vác.
The exhibition can be visited during the City Hall’s visiting hours.
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Monuments of Vác
Triumphal Arch
The only triumphal arch of Hungary can be found in Vác, and it was raised in honor of Queen Maria Theresa in 1764.
Imagine well-dressed noble lords awaiting the arrival of Maria Theresa from the Bratislava Parliament surrounded by celebratory cannon fire. The 20 meters tall gate was built in mere 5 months and has been standing proudly in the center of Vác ever since.
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The bridge over the Gombás stream
The bridge above the river called the “fungal stream” or “mushroom stream” is the only Baroque bridge in Hungary standing today.
It was built between 1753 and 1757 in honor of Saint John of Nepomuk, the saint of bridges and bays. There are 6 statues on the bridge, all depicting patron saints and apostles.
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Sándor Nagy Statue Park
60 years of works by sculptor Sándor Nagy can be found all over the streets of Hungarian towns and cities.
One of the largest creations of the famed artist can be found in Vác. This sculpture ensemble is made up of life-sized stone figures in an outdoor park. The idol-like sculptures and the ancient power filled with drama and majesty make this statue park a truly unique presentation.
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Pillar of the Holy Trinity
One of the most notable sights of Vác can be found in front of the Piarist Church.
The ensemble of statues depicting patron saints was created as a work of gratitude after the end of the plague of 1740-1741. The sandstone statues are standing on a triangular-shaped pedestal and on the top of the pyramid of saints stands the statue of the Holy Trinity.
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