"Serbs, Schlock, and Sacred Art in Szentendre" Top 5 Page for this destination Szentendre by nicolaitan

Szentendre Travel Guide: 198 reviews and 583 photos

Szentendre

20 km north of Budapest, this quaint village of 20000 has become a major day trip tourist destination. Early occupants included Celts, Romans, and Lombards. Serbs fleeing the Turks first settled here in the 14th Century and the village retains its origins in the many Orthodox churches, brightly colored Mediterranean architecture and ambience, and use of Cyrillic writing. After the difficult life under Turkish occupation ended in 1686, the Serbian ( and Greek ) immigrants prospered for a period. As Habsburg rule became more autocratic, however, many moved on and the town became just another village on the Danube. Floods and crop disease further limited development in the 19th Century. The result has been the preservation of the original Mediterranean architecture and ambience and the preservation of several Serbian Orthdox churches making for an attractive tourist destination even though very few Serbs remain today.

In the 1920's, a group of forward looking Hungarian artists discovered Szentendre and made it into an artist colony. Tourists followed particularly after the 1960's adding the final touch to the village today -- amazing numbers of shops selling trinkets and souveniers to the landscape.

The image depicts the towers of the main Serbian Orthodox church towering over the commercial heart of the village.

Serbian Orthodox Church

Surrounding the church and adjacent museum, and far from the tourist crowds in the many shops, find the surrounding gardens and this peaceful scene for a few minutes of relaxation.

Intro Updated Mar 17, 2007
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Reviews (9)

Blagovestenska Church Things to Do (7)

Dating to the 1750's and built by Andreas Mayerhoffer n the site of an older wooden church dating to 1690, this church... more travel advice

The Memorial Cross Things to Do (7)

Centered in Fo ter is an ornate Greek Orthodox cross with a painted crucifix on a trriangular base covered with further... more travel advice

An Unexpected Pleasure Restaurants (1)

We expected very little in the way of quality dining on the main square of a town devoted to day tripping tourists. And... more travel advice

Walk Along the Danube ( 3 photos ) - Szentendre

Walk Along the Danube ( 3 photos ) Things to Do (7)

The Danube splits and surrounds a 20 mile island at the level of Szentendre with the narrower limb of the river... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Access to Szentendre ( 2 images )

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Comments (18)

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GentleSpirit Mar 24, 2013 at 8:11 PM

Some useful tips, especially about the train/bus trip. I was quite disappointed with the Marzipan museum near the castle. Surprising how mediterranean szentendre looks from your photos
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mindcrime Jul 30, 2012 at 5:14 AM

great tips! this is the first town we will visit in Hungary and your transportation tip is more than helpful! :)
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Nemorino Nov 26, 2011 at 9:34 AM

Interesting tips about a town that I have never quite been to, though I used to have relatives across the river in Dunakeszi. I know some people here in Germany who would really like that Marzipan Museum.
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BruceDunning Aug 9, 2010 at 10:57 AM

The museums and churches surely look like a lot of good things to see in the town. YOu did a wonderful job of pictures taking and comments.
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HORSCHECK Jan 18, 2010 at 1:28 PM

Lew, lovely little page with brilliant photos of Szentendre, which I have already heard a lot of. Although I am not too much of a museum goer, I must admit that the Marzipan Museum sounds tempting to me.
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Jan 28, 2009 at 10:16 AM

Interesting place with great Serbian and Orthodox influence. The Museum and Basilica look so attractive for a visit. Thanks Lew for the virtual tour!
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MalenaN Sep 21, 2008 at 12:05 AM

Szentendre is lovely! I have made a daytrip there as well and enjoyed it very much. The Elizabeth Restaurant sounds great!
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Maxus Apr 23, 2008 at 9:34 AM

the world needs more marzipan museams
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nickandchris Mar 29, 2008 at 8:34 AM

Seems a delightful place.
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csordila Mar 16, 2008 at 5:28 PM

Dear Lew! I'm nearly finished my Szentendre. I'm curious what is your opinion about that? Many greetings. Laszlo