Discover Mád: Wine, Architecture and Jewish Heritage

Four supporting columns divide the synagogue’s interior into nine sections; its dome features Copf and Baroque characteristics. Mád’s Jewish cemetery lies on the northern edge of the town and is considered the largest Jewish cemetery in the Hegyalja region. At Első Mádi Borház, you can taste wines from 13 wineries in Mád. The varied soils around Mád can also be observed underground, in the root zone of the vineyards.

The synagogue can be described through two distinct architectural features: its interior layout and the design of its dome. Four supporting columns divide the interior into nine sections. This arrangement is described as a 16th-century Polish-Lithuanian Renaissance innovation. The dome, meanwhile, features Copf and Baroque characteristics. The building thus brings together an unusual layout and several architectural influences.

Another site of Jewish heritage is the cemetery on the northern edge of the town. Its regional significance is reflected in its status as the largest Jewish cemetery in the Hegyalja region. The synagogue and cemetery offer different points of interest if you are interested in the town’s architecture and cultural heritage.

At Első Mádi Borház, you can taste wines from 13 wineries in Mád. Check before your trip whether this offering is currently available. This is especially helpful if you want to make the tasting a firm part of your plans.

You can also get a different perspective on this wine-producing town underground: the varied soils around Mád can be observed in the root zone of the vineyards. Wine tasting and soil composition are therefore two distinct themes that shape the town from different perspectives. As you plan your visit, consider whether you are more interested in wine, architecture and Jewish heritage, or the landscape.

The wider Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén destination offers a range of experiences beyond Mád. The Tokaj Wine Region is a protected wine-growing area. Its climate, soil quality and slope exposure are suitable for growing grapes.

A very different highlight is the Baradla-Domica cave system, which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage caves of the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst. The short Aggtelek cave tour is listed as one kilometre long, lasting 60 minutes and easy in difficulty. The stated length and duration give you a practical guide when planning time for this tour.

The Lillafüred Forest Railway also offers a different perspective on the destination: its route runs from Diósgyőr via Lillafüred to Garadna. If you are planning a ride, check the timetable beforehand. These regional examples complement the themes you can explore directly in Mád and can be considered independently of them.

Mád offers a clear choice between cultural history, wine and landscape when deciding which aspects to explore further. Elsewhere in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, there are additional, distinct highlights such as caves and the forest railway route. If you are looking for accommodation, it may help to first decide which of these themes will be a priority when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Mezőzombor, Golop, Legyesbénye, Rátka, Bekecs, Szerencs, Tállya.

What is special about the synagogue in Mád?

Four supporting columns divide the interior into nine sections. The arrangement is described as a 16th-century Polish-Lithuanian Renaissance innovation; the dome features Copf and Baroque characteristics.

Where is Mád’s Jewish cemetery?

It lies on the northern edge of the town and is considered the largest Jewish cemetery in the Hegyalja region.

Which wines can you taste at Első Mádi Borház?

You can taste wines there from 13 wineries in Mád. Check before your trip whether this offering is currently available.

How long does the short Aggtelek cave tour take?

The tour is one kilometre long, takes 60 minutes and is rated easy.

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