A small town located north of Budapest, along the picturesque banks of the Danube.
Szentendre, which in English means “Saint Andrew,” may not be the perfect destination for a long vacation, but it is an excellent spot for a weekend getaway or an overnight stay on the way to Southern Europe. It’s like the Hungarian version of Kazimierz Dolny or Sandomierz.
The town is charming, uncrowded, and peaceful, so you don’t need to worry too much about parking, paying fees, or waking up to find a wheel clamp on your car—as might happen in nearby Budapest.
And if you’re a culinary purist who refuses to eat pizza or kebabs while in Hungary but see pljeskavica on a restaurant menu, relax. Serbs have lived in Szentendre since the 14th century. The first Serbian refugees arrived on the Danube after the Battle of Kosovo, and more followed after the fall of Belgrade. By the 18th century, 90% of the town’s population consisted of Slavs from the Western Balkans, so pljeskavica is very much a local delicacy.
Szentendre is famous for its beautiful architecture, especially Baroque and Art Nouveau, and its center is home to many charming churches and historic buildings, such as the Museum of Microtechnology and the Ethnographic Museum.
The town is also well known for its numerous art galleries and handicraft shops offering traditional folk art, ceramics, and jewelry. Szentendre is equally renowned for its many festivals and cultural events, including the summer music festival.
One of Szentendre’s main attractions is the HÉV narrow-gauge railway, which connects the town with Budapest and offers stunning views of the Danube and the surrounding landscapes. Nearby, you will also find many scenic cycling and hiking trails, perfect for exploring the area.
Old Town in Szentendre
Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Szentendre
Also known as the Castle Church.
The building on top of Várdomb Hill in Szentendre is the oldest in the town, originally dedicated to St. Andrew. The nave with the chancel and sacristy was built between 1241 and 1283. It was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 14th century, when the tower was added and the church received its present layout.
FĆ tĂ©r â Main Square in Szentendre
A square with Baroque buildings and a plague cross from 1763. It was erected as the town’s way of giving thanks for being spared from the plague epidemic that passed by Szentendre in 1763.
Church of the Annunciation in Szentendre
The foundations for the present-day church, built on the site of an older wooden temple, were laid in 1752. From the late 19th century, when many Serbs returned to their homeland, regular religious services ceased. Today, the church mainly serves as a museum, under the care of the vicar of the bishop’s cathedral.
