Legyesbénye: Memorial Park and Stone Library

In the western part of Legyesbénye is the Memorial Park, with a terraced sacred complex. Four-metre-high statues depict Saint Stephen, Saint Ladislaus and Mary. There is also an open-air stone library made of granite slabs. The park is therefore a tangible cultural point of reference when choosing where to stay; its sculptures and texts offer two different ways to engage with its design.

Memorial Park and Stone Library

The granite slabs bear poems and quotations, mainly about Tokaj-Hegyalja, the landscape and the wine-growing region. The stone library incorporates these references into the park grounds. Sacred figures thus stand alongside literary references to the landscape and wine-growing – two different themes that shape the character of the Memorial Park.

The Mária Pilgrimage Route runs near the Memorial Park. If you would like to include it in your plans, check the current route and markings before setting out. This allows you to consider route planning as a separate part of the trip alongside a visit to the park.

More topics in the wider destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén

The wider destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén offers distinct nature and culture themes alongside Legyesbénye’s local focus. They range from caves and protected landscapes to wine-growing and historic buildings. When choosing a hotel, you can consider which of these themes you would like to shape your trip most.

Caves and natural history

The region’s natural heritage includes the Baradla-Domica cave system, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Caves of the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst. A short tour in Aggtelek Cave is one kilometre long, takes 60 minutes and is considered easy. An educational trail connects the Aggtelek and Jósvafő entrances to Baradla Cave and introduces the area’s natural and cultural-historical values. The two options have different focuses: the cave tour can be assessed by its length and duration, while the trail is distinguished by the way it connects the entrances and by its themes.

Wine-growing landscape and protected nature

In the Tokaj wine region, the climate, soil quality and slope exposure are suitable for growing grapes; the wine-growing region is legally protected. The Zemplén Landscape Protection Area is part of the Zemplén Mountains and thus of the Eperjes-Tokaj mountain range. The area’s landscape influences its flora and fauna; to the north, the range continues into the Carpathians on Slovak territory. Wine-growing and protected landscapes therefore represent different aspects of the region’s scenery.

Cellars and architectural history

Wine culture is also reflected in the architectural features of two cellar complexes. The Ungvári cellar labyrinth in Sátoraljaújhely connects at least 27 cellars and covers an area of 50,000 square metres. Beneath the park of Rákóczi Castle in Sárospatak is a cellar complex about 2,000 metres long, with two wine-tasting rooms. The details describe different features: in Sátoraljaújhely, the number of cellars and the area are the focus; in Sárospatak, it is the length and tasting rooms.

The history of Diósgyőr Castle offers another distinct cultural focus. The castle flourished during the 14th-century reign of King Louis the Great; later, it served as a residence and a wedding gift for six queens. In Miskolc, the National Theatre has five stages in a performing arts complex. Sárospatak adds another dimension with the Reformed College, which preserves treasures of Hungarian Protestant culture, as well as the Basilica of Saint Elizabeth and the House of Saint Elizabeth, which bring the world of the Middle Ages to life.

Discover more destinations: Golop, Mezőzombor, Szerencs, Tállya, Mád, Bekecs, Rátka

Go to the wider travel overview: Szerencsi.