Tata: The City of Waters

Nestled between the Gerecse and Vértes mountains in the heart of Transdanubia, Tata is a city that awaits visitors with a rich historical past, impressive architectural monuments, and a unique natural environment. Often referred to as the “City of Waters,” the settlement has attracted the attention of numerous rulers and noble families throughout the centuries, resulting in its diverse culture and built heritage.

Tata’s history dates back to the Roman era when the settlement was an important commercial and military center known as Brigetio. After the Romans, the city maintained its significance in the Middle Ages and already had town privileges in the 13th century. During the reign of the Árpád dynasty kings, Tata was a royal estate, and in the 14th century, King Sigismund of Luxembourg built a Gothic-style castle here.

During the Turkish occupation, the city changed hands several times and suffered severe damage. In the 18th century, the Esterházy family acquired the castle and the surrounding estates and initiated large-scale construction projects. This was the city’s golden age, with Baroque palaces, churches, and public buildings being erected.

In the 19th century, Tata was an important center of the Reform Era, and several significant events took place in the city. In the 20th century, the city’s industry and trade continued to develop, and Tata became one of the most important economic centers in the region.

Tata offers numerous attractions to visitors. In the heart of the city lies the Old Lake (Öreg-tó), surrounded by the imposing buildings of Tata Castle and the Esterházy Palace. The castle was built in the 14th century and has been rebuilt several times throughout the centuries. Today, the castle houses the Kuny Domokos Museum, which showcases the city’s history and artistic treasures. The Esterházy Palace was built in the 18th century and is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Hungary. The palace now houses the City Library and the City Cultural Center.

In the city center, you’ll find Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere), home to the World War I memorial and the former synagogue building. The synagogue was built in the 19th century and serves as a reminder of the city’s once-flourishing Jewish community. Next to the synagogue is Tanoda Square, where the high school and dormitory buildings stand.

Tata’s old town offers many more attractions. In Kossuth Square, there’s the two-towered, late Baroque Roman Catholic parish church, built in the 18th century based on the plans of Jakab Fellner. The Reformed Church, built at the end of the 18th century, is located on Kocsi Street. On Calvary Hill, you can see the Baroque Calvary chapel and its stations.

Outside the city, on the shores of the Old Lake of Tata, lies the English Garden (Angolkert), built in the 18th century, one of the most beautiful examples of Romantic landscape architecture in Hungary. The garden features numerous special plants and trees, as well as an artificial waterfall and a cave.

Tata’s natural surroundings are also impressive. There are numerous hiking trails around the city, leading into the forests of the Gerecse and Vértes mountains. Near the city, you’ll find the Fényes Nature Trail, which showcases the flora and fauna of the area.

Tata is a city that offers an unforgettable experience for both history and nature lovers. With its rich historical past, impressive architectural monuments, and unique natural environment, Tata is a deservedly popular tourist destination.

More information https://tata.kornyeke.hu/latnivalok-programok