Nyíregyháza is one of the largest Hungarian cities. Its history dates back to the medieval times and despite the war damage, many monuments have been preserved here. The city's attractions are thermal baths and one of the largest open-air museums in the country.
The city was founded in the 13th century and was an important trade center in this part of Hungary. There were also many craft workshops, and over time, Jews began to constitute a large part of the city's population. The inhabitants actively took part in the uprising against Austria during the Spring of Nations, which led to severe repression. During World War II, a large part of the city was destroyed as a result of air raids, and reconstruction began only in the second half of the 20th century.
The most important monuments of Nyíregyháza are the local churches. The monumental, neo-Romanesque Cathedral of Our Lady stands on the site of the first Romanesque church from the early Middle Ages. In the baroque Greek Catholic Cathedral of St. Nicholas, you can see a complete iconostasis.
The city is an important cultural center of eastern Hungary. There are several interesting museums, including the Andras Josh Museum , the Kallay Collection and the Village Museum , which presents material culture and everyday life of the 19th century Hungarian countryside. In addition to the houses, you can see rural craft workshops and try fruit vodkas made in the provinces.
The biggest attraction of Nyíregyháza is the Aquarius Water Park with an open-air swimming pool and indoor pools with water facilities. Within it there are ponds with the small island of Sosto . Nyíregyháza is also home to one of Hungary's largest zoos and the János Tuzson Botanical Garden, which is perfect for walking.
