In Maklár, two distinct historical themes can be explored: the Tájház and the history of its house, and the former Reformed church, whose history extends to its destruction during the Second World War. The wider Heves travel destination broadens the picture to include landscape, wine and cultural heritage.
Tájház Maklár: house and local collection
The house that now accommodates Tájház Maklár was built in the second half of the 19th century and belonged to the Smid family and their descendants. Residents of Maklár donated the exhibition items, linking the history of the house with a locally sourced collection. In 2017, a “Vizit” room and a kitchen opened as a permanent exhibition, along with a community room. The community room hosts ethnographic lectures, exhibitions and museum education programs. Advance registration is required for visits to Tájház Maklár and for museum education programs. Confirm the details with the operator in advance.
Former Reformed church: construction history and destruction
Maklár’s former Reformed church was built in 1790 on marshy ground in the southern part of the village. In 1852–1853, a tower was added to the church; the congregation also had a bell weighing 223 pounds cast. At 11 p.m. on November 16, 1944, German troops blew up the church during their retreat in the Second World War. Its construction, later addition and destruction form clearly distinct chapters in its history.
Heves: landscape and regional themes
In the wider Heves travel destination, the Hevesi Füves Puszták Landscape Protection Area lies in the southern part of Heves County. It covers 16,114 hectares, was designated in 1993, and reached its present extent following expansions in 2005 and 2008.
Nature trails with a range of natural themes
The 6.5 km Ilona-völgyi Nature Trail along Ilona Stream passes geological features of the Eastern Mátra Mountains and traces of former ore mining. The Pély-Ludas Nature Trail introduces visitors to the grassland habitats of the Hevesi-sík. The habitats covered include saline grasslands, marshes, bodies of water, scrubland, semi-natural wooded areas and forests; the wildlife and the European roller population are also featured. The thematic distinction is clear: geology and traces of mining are the focus of the Ilona-völgyi Nature Trail, while Pély-Ludas focuses on habitats and wildlife.
Wine country and textile heritage
The Szépasszony Valley includes Eger’s largest contiguous area of wine cellars. Wine culture and its associated gastronomy are among its most important tourist attractions. Another cultural theme is Hevesi szőttes, a textile heritage from Heves County associated with Heves, Mátraderecske and Bodony.
The section of the Országos Kéktúra in Heves County includes the ascent of Kékestető, Hungary’s highest point. At Kékestető, visitors can enjoy winter sports during the winter. If you are looking for a hotel in Maklár, you can choose local history as your main focus and view the landscape, wine and cultural heritage themes as the broader context of the wider Heves travel destination.
Discover more destinations: Demjén, Noszvaj, Eger, Egerbakta, Novaj, Kerecsend, Felsőtárkány, Egerszólát
For the wider travel overview: Eger.
