Explore Szalkszentmárton through its local history and connection to Sándor Petőfi. Historic places and buildings, literary traces, and the Petőfi Sándor Memorial Exhibition offer different ways to discover the history of the town.
Places and Architectural History
The square in the center of Szalkszentmárton, enclosed by buildings, has preserved its centuries-old character through renovations and reconstructions. An artesian well stands on Petőfi tér. It was originally built in 1928 and renovated in 2012 with donations from local residents. The two dates mark its construction and subsequent renewal; the renovation was made possible by local donations.
Also in the center is a former inn with a butcher’s shop. Count György Festetics, the town’s landlord at the time, had the building erected in 1810 in the Classical style. Its whitewashed walls are among the building’s explicitly noted features. Its former use as an inn and butcher’s shop is part of its history.
The Reformed Church has a consistent Baroque design and brings together furnishings from different building periods. These include a baptismal font set into the communion table and the “Sick Woman’s Pew,” considered exceptional nationwide. The combination of consistent design and furnishings from different periods gives the church a distinctive architectural history.
Petőfi’s Literary Footsteps
Sándor Petőfi wrote the poem “Fekete kenyér,” two plays, and a novel in Szalkszentmárton. Szalkszentmárton is listed as the place of composition for 112 of his poems. Petőfi’s literary connection to Szalkszentmárton is reflected in “Fekete kenyér,” two plays, and a novel; the town is listed as the place of composition for 112 of his poems. Those interested in Petőfi will find a literary perspective here that goes beyond a single poem.
The Szalkszentmárton Petőfi Sándor Memorial Exhibition combines literary commemoration with objects. Its exhibits include historical costumes, a hand mill, and a cimbalom. An animated short film can be shown in a screening room. Exhibition content may change, so check what is currently on display before your visit.
The memorial exhibition offers museum education programs for groups of different ages, including activities on literature and crafts, as well as a demonstration kitchen. Confirm the details with the museum before your visit. Alongside the opportunity to explore literature independently, visitors can choose group activities on a range of topics.
Another Landmark in the Townscape
A bronze statue of Saint Martin, the bishop, stands on Szent Márton tér. It is a work by sculptor György Benedek and was unveiled in 2000. The well, former inn, church, and statue each highlight different themes: local history and architecture, religious furnishings, and sculpture. Together with Petőfi’s literary legacy, they offer a variety of cultural topics to explore in Szalkszentmárton.
More Topics in the Wider Destination of Bács-Kiskun
The wider destination of Bács-Kiskun also has its own cultural and historical attractions. The Tiszaalpár, Földvár nature trail presents the history of the Bronze Age fortified settlement of Tiszaalpári Földvár and the way of life of people in the Bronze Age. The archaeological site is specially protected; this designation was made under Regulation 3/2003. (I. 25.) NKÖM. In Tiszaalpár, a reconstruction of an Árpád-era village, built to mark the millennium, also shows the settlement layout discovered during local excavations.
At the Kiskunhalas Lace House and Lace Museum, visitors can learn about the history of Halas lace, which began in 1902, admire lacework dating back centuries, and watch the lace-making process. The Boróka nature trail in Bugac offers a different focus: it is 1,100 meters long and features information boards and interactive stations such as a forest xylophone and a play telescope. These examples in the wider destination of Bács-Kiskun offer additional cultural and nature-related themes alongside the local history of Szalkszentmárton.
Discover more destinations: Apostag, Szabadszallas, Tass.
View the wider travel guide: Kunszentmiklósi.
