Bükkszentmárton: Church History and Rural Experiences

• Szent Márton Church is nearby, outside the village. It was built in the 12th century, destroyed in 1554 and rebuilt in 1736.
• Magyar tanya is 3 km from Bükkszentmárton. Sheep, cows, horses and goats can be observed on the estate.
• Nomadic camping is possible on the grounds of Magyar tanya.
• The wider travel destination of Heves offers themes ranging from protected areas and nature trails to wine and textile culture.

The church near Bükkszentmárton has a history spanning several stages: it was built in the 12th century and destroyed by the Ottomans in 1554. In 1736, it was rebuilt by the hermit Baranyai István. For history enthusiasts, these dates make the passage from medieval construction to destruction and rebuilding tangible.

The stones used also give the reconstruction a tangible connection to different building periods. Baranyai István used medieval stones as well as stones from the Cistercian monastery of Bélapátfalva. The church’s history can therefore be understood not only through its dates, but also through the materials that have been preserved.

At Magyar tanya, 3 km from Bükkszentmárton, you can observe sheep, cows, horses and goats. This is a different focus from the historic church: here, the animals and rural estate take centre stage. Nomadic camping is also possible on the grounds. If wildlife watching or camping is important for your travel dates, it is advisable to check availability in advance.

The wider travel destination of Heves includes the 16,114-hectare Hevesi Füves Puszták Landscape Protection Area in the southern part of Heves County. It was designated in 1993 and reached its present extent after expansions in 2005 and 2008. These details bring together the size of the protected area and its history of development as a regional nature theme.

Also within the wider travel destination of Heves, the 6.5 km Ilona Valley Nature Trail follows Ilona Creek past the geological features of the Eastern Mátra Mountains and traces of former ore mining. The Pély-Ludas Nature Trail, by contrast, focuses on the grassland habitats of the Heves Plain: it provides information about saline grasslands, marshes, bodies of water, shrubs, semi-natural woodlands and forests, as well as their wildlife and the European roller population.

The route themes offer another point of comparison. The Heves County section of the Országos Kéktúra includes the ascent of Kékestető, Hungary’s highest point. In winter, fans of active tourism can enjoy winter sports at Kékestető. The regional picture thus brings together a nature trail about geology and mining history, a nature trail about habitats and wildlife, a route with a summit ascent, and a seasonal opportunity for winter sports.

Wine culture is also part of the wider travel destination of Heves. The Szépasszony Valley is home to Eger’s largest continuous area of wine cellars; wine culture and the gastronomy associated with it are among the area’s most important tourist attractions.

Another part of the cultural heritage is Hevesi szőttes, a textile heritage from Heves County associated with Heves, Mátraderecske and Bodony. A county tourism programme from 2021 lists the Mátra-Bükk area, alongside Lake Tisza, among the priority tourism areas. Wine and textile culture, together with this regional planning statement, add further perspectives to Heves’s nature and hiking themes.

Discover more destinations: Mónosbél, Bélapátfalva, Nagyvisnyó, Mikófalva, Bekölce, Balaton, Bátor, Szilvásvárad.

Where is Szent Márton Church?

The church is near Bükkszentmárton, outside the village.

Which animals can be observed at Magyar tanya?

Sheep, cows, horses and goats can be observed on the estate, which is 3 km from Bükkszentmárton.

Is nomadic camping possible at Magyar tanya?

Yes, nomadic camping is possible on the grounds. Before your trip, check whether this option is available for your dates.

What is the Ilona Valley Nature Trail known for?

The 6.5 km nature trail along Ilona Creek passes the geological features of the Eastern Mátra Mountains and traces of former ore mining.

Go to the wider travel overview: Bélapátfalvai.