Kópháza: Croatian History and Views

Specific highlights include the history of Croats in western Hungary, a Baroque church, a monument commemorating a historical event, and an observation tower. Visiting the Croatian Farmhouse requires an appointment, so plan this separately.

Church and monument commemorating a historical event

The Baroque Church of Sarlós Boldogasszony was built in the second half of the 18th century with the support of Count Antal Széchényi. Count Ferenc Széchényi and Countess Julianna Festetics were married in the same church in 1777. The construction period and the wedding date mark distinct historical reference points: one relates to the building of the church, the other to an event that took place there. This makes it possible to consider the history of the architecture and a documented event associated with the same place separately.

The “Jövő emlékműve” commemorates the “Battle of Kópháza” on 15 August 1989, four days before the Pan-European Picnic. Its significance differs from the church’s construction and wedding history: here, the focus is on a commemoration tied to a specific date in 1989.

Exhibitions and planning your visit

The permanent exhibition “Beyond the Tie – the History of Croats in Western Hungary” in Kópháza presents the history and culture of Croats in western Hungary. The local history exhibition in Kópháza focuses on the town’s history and is located in the attic of the mayor’s office. As an exhibition venue may change, it is advisable to check the location before planning a specific visit.

The Kópháza Local History Educational Trail presents the history and traditions of the town’s predominantly Croatian population. It offers another way to explore this subject: the permanent exhibition covers Croats in western Hungary, while the trail focuses on the traditions and history of Kópháza’s population.

Visits to the Croatian Farmhouse are available by appointment. Appointments can be made in person at the mayor’s office during office hours or by calling +36 99 531-069. You can ask about guided tours in Hungarian or Croatian. Check the arrangements before travelling and confirm when making your appointment whether a guided tour is available.

Views from the Weinberghügel

The observation tower stands on Weinberghügel, known as Gora. It was built in 2014 through a collaboration between the local municipality and TAEG Rt. From Main Road 84, the tower can be reached via the Local History Educational Trail. From the top, views extend to the Sopron Mountains and Lake Fertő; visibility may vary depending on conditions. Check local conditions before setting out if you plan to visit the tower. This viewpoint differs in focus from the church and exhibitions: here, the emphasis is on views of two named landscapes and access via the trail.

In the wider destination of Győr-Moson-Sopron

The wider destination of Győr-Moson-Sopron encompasses distinct landscape and cultural themes. The Fertő/Neusiedler See Cultural Landscape includes Eurasia’s westernmost steppe lake, as well as wetlands, saline soils, reed beds, and shoreline areas. The Hungarian part of Lake Neusiedl has been protected since 1977; the Fertő-táj Cultural Landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 13 December 2001. These details provide a distinct regional context for the landscape and cultural heritage.

The wider destination also includes the Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma, founded in 996. The World Heritage property of the Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment includes the monastery complex, basilica, educational buildings, the Chapel of Our Lady, the Millennium Chapel, and botanical and herb gardens. In Fertőd, Esterházy Palace is an outstanding example of Hungarian Baroque-Rococo palace architecture. Together, these examples illustrate the destination’s diverse cultural and landscape themes without equating them with the local attractions in Kópháza.

Discover more destinations: Ágfalva, Fertőd, Nagycenk, Sopron, Pereszteg, Fertőboz, Röjtökmuzsaj, Fertőhomok.

View the overview of the wider destination: Sopron–Fertőd.