Keszthely Main Square

The Cultural Center of Keszthely

The Role of the Main Square in the Life of the City

Culture, history, education, religion, art, gastronomy, turn-of-the-century-style buildings – you can find all of the above in one place, the city’s Main Square, which is also the center of the city at all times. It hosts events, festivals, exhibitions, and even sport events, but don’t be surprised if you come here on weekdays and hear the noise of students, as there are two schools here. Its centrality is given by the fact that roads start and end here in all directions, but the square itself is car-free. Thanks to this, it is an excellent meeting place, and the benches here serve for pleasant rest.

An interesting factThe 250-year-old János Vajda Gymnasium also stands on the Main Square, which was founded by Count Pál Festetics in 1772. The educational institution began its operation as a three-year gymnasium, and in 1808 it came under the leadership of the Premonstratensian Order. From 1890 it operated as an eight-class main gymnasium, and the renovated building was inaugurated in 1892. Its jewel is the St. Emeric window made by Miksa Róth.

Mainly during the summer, we can often see wedding processions, as the beautiful building of the City Hall is also here, where the affairs of the settlement and its inhabitants are handled. Near the City Hall is the Balaton Theatre, where the city’s oldest outdoor creation can be found, the Trinity Statue. The former medieval fortress complex consisted of the church – where Hungary’s largest Gothic frescoes can be found – the former monastery, the building of the current school and the Castle Garden.

An interesting factDid you know? The fountain in the Main Square symbolizes the water ditch that used to surround the former fortress.

Above the entrance of the Gymnasium, a special clock can be seen. At 8am and 12pm, the Hungarian folk song “Stars, Stars, Shine Brightly” collected by Bartók Béla in Keszthely is heard, and at 6pm the folk song “May God Give You a Good Night” played on the tárogató (Hungarian wind instrument) can be heard.

HintIf you want to have lunch at the Main Square and you like special flavours, come to Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant, where they welcome you with South American Latino atmosphere and flavours in the heart of Keszthely!

From Carnival to Christmas – Programs at the Main Square

The Main Square is filled with colorful programs throughout the year. The Keszthely City Carnival enjoys great popularity, the longest masquerade parade on Balaton, where hundreds of people dress up to drive away the winter. On the first weekend of June, the city’s celebration day is held at the Main Square of Keszthely, where the Balaton settlement celebrates with concerts, cultural, entertainment and children’s programs. The summer’s popular event is the KeszthelyFest, when the Keszthely downtown is filled with melodies and flavors. On the first weekend of September, barrel organs line up, filling the Main Square with music and good mood. The year is closed with Advent, Christmas and New Year’s programs in the city center. The novelty of 2021 was the ice skating rink created for children.
An interesting factDo you want to know more about the past of Keszthely? Then the book KESZTHELYI TÖRTÉNETEK was written for you, get it in the Tourinform office on the walking street!