Local tourism and travel information for Hungary - Northern Hungary

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Holloko: World Heritage village in Northern Hungary

The tiny village of Holloko in Northern Hungary is surrounded by the hills of the Cserhat, and is just about hundred kilometres away from the Hungarian capital, Budapest. The scenery in this area is completely different from the area around Budapest.

Holloko is an unmatched example of the traditional village life, which was typical before the agricultural revolution in the 20th century.

Visitors, who arrive by car, reach the newer part of the village first. They have to walk to the Old Village as cars are usually not allowed to this part, where 60 old houses are located on two streets.

The houses were built in a uniform style, which is typical Northern Hungarian architecture. The roof is overhanging on two sides supported by columns forming a neranda. The façade is decorated by fine wooden carvings. The exterior of the houses reflects the atmosphere of the past times, but the interior is modern, and some have been converted to a post office, doctor's practice, tourist lodge and so on.

Holloko Castle

The settlement of Holloko was destroyed several times during its history. The Tartars invaded the country in the 13th century and devastated Holloko along with many other villages and towns. In the 1500`s it was struck by Turkish troops.

There were also several blazes, the last fire broke out in 1909 and destroyed the village. The houses were rebuilt by 1911, and since then, nothing has changed. To walk on Holloko's streets feels like walking back in time.

If people weren't working around their homes or doing other `normal` things, it would give the impression of a museum or the scenery of a movie. But it is more than that, the visitor might think it is just a make-up, but the locals are literally living here. Some of them still wear traditional costumes, especially on Sundays when they go to church.

This is one of the places where some of the old folk customs are still part of their life. The most important festival is Easter time when the women wear their traditional clothes. Inhabitants keep all traditions, with painted Easter eggs and on Easter Monday the boys shower the girls with water. Egg painting is typical in Hungary but different patterns are used in different parts of the country.

The ruins of a 13th century castle stands on top of a hill. There is a narrow and steep path which leads to the top from the Old Village. There is a beautiful view to the surrounding area from here.

Holloko village has been among the places on the UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1987. This 14,2 ha is part of the Bukk National Park. Since Holloko is protected, and the residents don't have to worry about loosing their special piece of culture and history.
 

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