Gyula: Castle, Spa and Culture

Gyula combines a striking castle complex with a spa that operates year-round and a variety of museums. When planning your trip, you can easily distinguish the city’s main attractions: castle and city history, spa facilities, or smaller collections and cultural centers.

Castle and City History

Gyula Castle was built in the 15th century and is a surviving lowland brick castle. It is the only intact lowland brick castle in Central and Eastern Europe. Its walls house a museum with 24 exhibition rooms covering nearly seven centuries of history. From the observation tower, you can look out over the city. A visit to the castle therefore combines architecture, exhibitions, and an elevated overview of Gyula.

Spa, Water and Walks

The Gyula Castle Spa has 23 pools and a water surface area of 5,500 square meters; the facility operates year-round. Under the supervision of specialists, treatments include mud baths, galvanotherapy, electrotherapy, carbon dioxide baths, traction baths, underwater jet massages, therapeutic massages, physiotherapy, and aquatic therapy. The availability of individual treatments may vary. If a particular treatment is essential to your plans, it is best to check in advance; it is also advisable to verify the exact number of pools if you intend to rely on it.

The Old White Körös runs within the city limits, forming a green corridor through the city center. A boat trip offers a different perspective on Gyula; operating details may vary. If you plan to take a trip, check the specific options in advance. The Élővíz Canal, the pond by Gyula Castle, and several parks are also ideal for leisurely walks. The Kisökörjárási Fairy Forest Nature Trail adds a nature walk to the list: eight information panels explain the diversity of the forest and how to treat it with care.

Museums and Cultural Venues

The Máriás-ház was built in the Baroque style in 1770. Today, it serves as a museum, community center, and cultural center for the self-government of Gyula’s German minority. The original statue of Mary from the façade niche is on display inside the house. Tours must be booked in advance.

The Radio History Exhibition displays working pre-war Hungarian radios, telephones, and other electronic devices, including exhibits from EKA, Orion, Philips, Standard, Telefunken, and Telefongyár. At the visitor center of the Almásy Estate, exhibitions and interactive stations offer insights into the lives of the nobility and their staff. TájVízHáz is devoted to the landscape, waters, and natural resources of the Körös region, as well as its spas and folk medicine. Its seasonal opening hours may vary.

Objects in the Sugar-loaf Shop Museum evoke bourgeois life in a bygone era; a small exhibition explores the history of the former Hussar barracks that houses the museum. Visits are by prior arrangement. The Museum of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese displays historical objects, liturgical vestments, and other items used in the services of Hungary’s Romanian Orthodox community, as well as historical documents and records. Weekend visits must be arranged with the diocese.

The Ladics House also offers a distinctive perspective: the fully furnished home bears witness to the life of the Hungarian bourgeoisie. At the Ferenc Erkel Memorial House, topics range from interactive stations about European national anthems to exhibition rooms about European music and the musical work of Ferenc Erkel’s four sons. The Kohán Gallery displays works by Hungarian artist György Kohán and houses a permanent exhibition.

Gyula Sausage and Local Tradition

Gyula sausage is associated with centuries-old traditions and expertise in its production. The Gyula Sausage Museum offers hands-on activities such as sausage-making demonstrations and pig slaughter demonstrations. As the current program should be confirmed, contact the operator if you are interested in a specific activity. Together with the museums and the castle, the sausage theme offers another way to explore the city’s history and culture.

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