Zebegény
Zebegény was already a popular holiday village at the turn of the century due to its picturesque location. Numerous people from Pest bought a holiday home in this little village situated on the right side of the Danube, at the feet of the southern slopes of Börzsöny. The
beautiful location attracted more and more artists, and painters relaxed here during the summer, hidden among hills and forests. The picturesque scenery is praised in Summer in Zebegény by Áron Tóbiás.
The first reference of the village is from 1288 in a deed mentioning the village as part of the Land of Almás near Szob belonging to the Benedictine Fathers. During the Turkish wars, the village became uninhabited, which was rectified by the mainly German and some Slovak settlers, at the beginning of the 18th century. Later, the construction of the Vác-Bratislava Railway Line contributed to the development of the village. Then it came the turn of the century and many holiday homes were built and the village was discovered by painters.
Sights of the village
Roman Catholic church: a unique example of 20th century architecture, planned by architects Károly Kós and Béla Jánszky between 1908 and 1910 in the Secessionist style. The rich interior was done by Aladár Körösfői-Kirsch and his students from 1910 to 1914.
The Stone Chapel: can be found at the feet of Calvary Hill.
Calvary Chapel: is on the top of Calvary Hill with a Baroque façade and a tower, built in the Classicist style.
The Nation's Flag: following sculptor Géza Maróti's plan, the statue was started in the 1930s to erect a memorial to the tragedy of the Peace Treaty of Trianon and to the memory of the victims of WWI, but the construction later stopped. The statue can be seen near the chapel.
The István Szőnyi Museum: István Szőnyi (1894-1960) was a remarkable talent among the painters of 20th century Hungary, who lived and painted in Zebegény from 1924 until his death.
His art matured here inspired by the surroundings of magical beauty, the locals and his family members. His house and studio have been a museum dedicated to his memory since 1967.
The enormous garden behind the Szőnyi house now accommodates the Arts Academy and Arts Camp for Young People, named after the artist, providing programs, courses and camping pitches for 130 people.
Viaduct: the bridge was built with the help of Italian professionals in 1851. It consists of seven arches and is a fine example of the Hungarian railway history.
Children's holiday home: The beautiful wooden building with turrets, was previously the Tobacco Pavilion at the Millenial Exhibition in Budapest and was later moved to Zebegény.
Slovakian cottages: In Táncsics Mihály Street, on the bank of the Danube, visitors can see some wooden cottages with nice Slovakian folklore elements. The cottages were built by Countess Károlyi.
Captain Farkas' Marine Collection: (9, Szőnyi Street)
