Újudvar: History and Landscape

In Újudvar, the history of the Order of Saint John and distinct architectural and landscape features stand side by side. Some ruins associated with the Order’s former presence have been preserved in the forest; they are described as inaccessible. The Order built a monastery and a parish church in the village; the monastery is first documented in 1236. There are also two crosses classified differently, a 206-meter-high TV tower, and the artificial Csibiti-tó. If you are looking for a focus for your trip, history and landscape can be viewed as separate yet complementary themes.

The Order of Saint John and the 1236 Document

The Order of Saint John built a monastery and a parish church in Újudvar. A document from 1236 is the first recorded written evidence for the monastery. The year therefore marks the earliest documentary evidence of the monastery, not automatically the construction date of both institutions. The Order’s association applies to both buildings, but the 1236 documentary evidence refers to the monastery.

Crosses as Distinct Memorials

The two crosses highlight different aspects of the local cultural heritage. The Amerikás kereszt is made entirely of sandstone. The Göncz kereszt was erected in the early 19th century. The two landmarks thus differ in terms of material and period: the material is the defining detail of the Amerikás kereszt, while the Göncz kereszt is notable for its historical period. This comparison complements the history of the Order of Saint John with two precisely identified heritage features. The dates serve different purposes: 1236 is the first documentary evidence for the monastery, while the early 19th century is when the Göncz kereszt was erected.

TV Tower and Csibiti-tó

The TV tower in Újudvar is 206 meters high. Csibiti-tó lies in the Csibiti-völgy and is an artificial reservoir fed by the surrounding springs. These two features offer different ways to experience the landscape: the tower’s height is a concrete measurement, while the lake is defined by both its artificial origins and its spring-fed water supply. Together, a technical structure and a body of water provide two distinct aspects of the local landscape.

Zala as a Broader Travel Destination

The broader travel destination of Zala offers a regional setting where landscape, winegrowing, and culture each have their own focus. The Zalai Borvidék developed on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and on the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység. It includes two wine districts and 38 settlements. This geography describes the Zala wine region and broadens the perspective beyond Újudvar’s local history.

The Kis-Balaton is another regional natural landscape. It is Zala’s largest body of water, is strictly protected, and covers 14,745 hectares. It is also the setting for István Fekete’s novels Tüskevár and Téli berek. Here, protected status, area, and literary connections come together, offering a different way to experience Zala than Újudvar’s historic crosses and church heritage.

The regional events calendar includes the Water Buffalo Festival at the Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum, held every year in May or June. The exact date may vary from year to year, so check the festival dates for the relevant year before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Magyarszerdahely, Nagykanizsa, Nagybakónak, Pölöskefő, Nagyrécse, Sormás

Go to the broader travel overview: Nagykanizsai.