Beyond the medieval and religious heritage of Esztergom

Tekla Balogh Bodor

In this post I would like to present five cultural locations in Esztergom that represent some of the many layers of the town.

1. Balassa Bálint Museum
The Balassa Bálint Museum has a vast collection of archaeological finds, ethnographic relics, numismatic set, and pieces of fine and applied art. The museum belongs to the Hungarian National Museum. Since 2014, the so-called Spectacle Collection is exhibited there, presenting exceptional pieces and finds from the past. (http://balassamuzeum.hu/en/)

Source: https://www.facebook.com/MNM-Balassa-Bálint-Múzeuma-1784525581798008

2. Duna Museum
Duna Museum focuses on the topic of water in every aspect. Visitors get information about the usages of the water, shipping, bath culture, history of soda water etc. Museum pedagogy is organized here, and the museum also has a library. (http://www.dunamuzeum.hu/index.php/hu/latvanytar)

3. Memorial House of Mihály Babits
Mihály Babits, the famous Hungarian poet bought a holiday home in Esztergom. From 1924, he spent the summertime here with his wife. Their guests were famous Hungarian writers and poets from the era, who left their signature on the walls of the house. Today the building is a memorial house and it operates as a museum. (http://balassamuzeum.hu/en/babitshaz-mihaly-emlekhaz/)

The wall with signatures
(source: https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babits_Mihály_Emlékház)

4. The complex of Özicseli Hadzsi Ibrahim-Djami 
The memory of the Ottoman Turkish Empire, the Özicseli Hadzsi Ibrahim-Djami and the surrounding buildings were bought by a foreign entrepreneur, who took financial part in the excavation and renovation of the complex. The building opened in 2007 and besides the djami there is an exhibition area, medieval bastions, and parts of the medieval wall, rose garden, coffee house and restaurant. (https://www.esztergomidzsami.hu/az-epuletegyuttes)

The Djami with the minaret (and the coffee house under the building)
The photo is taken by the author

Kaleidoscope house
Kaleidoscope house works as a local communal place for the younger generation. It unites the local artists. Since 2010, they are working on to create an active community and revive the cultural life of Esztergom. The association organize music festivals, concerts, but other artistic programs as well as regular thematic film clubs or exhibitions. (http://kaleidoszkophaz.hu/index.php/en/a-haz)

source: https://www.facebook.com/kaleidoszkophaz/photos/2403358986388082