Things to Do in Kaposvar

Named after the famous dramatist- Gergely Csiky, the Gergely Csiky Theatre, opened in 1911, is the first theatre of Hungary. Designed by Ede Magyar the theatre is an architectural marvel and shows distinctive semi-cylindrical sides with rare ferro-concrete roofing. It is the largest theatre in Hungary and the was premiered by the famous operetta ‘The Gypsy Baron’ The theatre showcases innumerable movies, plays and performances to this day and is known to provide a pedestal for many of its actors.

Originally planned for a capacity of 1400 individuals, the theatre capacity was later limited to 860. The surrounding gardens are a relaxing treat to visitors while the innumerable arched windows and elegant design is a must-see for every art lover.

The theatre is as much a part of Hungarian history as its culture and is one of the most visited spots in the city by tourists as well as theatre admirers alike.

One of the most celebrated artists of all times, Jozef Rippl-Ronai is the father of Hungarian art. Born above the famous Gold Lion Pharmacy in Kaposvar in 1861, Rippl Ronai was a pharmacy student by education but later studied painting at the Academy. Later he moved to Paris on grant basis to study painting from Munkacsy a realist painter.

Rippl- Ronai’s intrinsic and creative techniques make him an art-legend. His art is characterised by strong, intense colours which enhance its dramatic appeal. His signature technique of painting- ‘Corn’ style, not only redefined his career but the definition of art all over the world. His era is considered the last era for dramatic portrait art.

Tourists, visitors and art-fans adore the painter’s unusual techniques shown in his work. Artists from all over the world and history-lovers visit the place to enjoy a melange of inspiration and timeless art.

Tourists who visit the museum must also experience Rippl-Ronai’s memorial villa which offers a glimpse in the artist’s life untouched by changing times.

Kaposvar is a city of integrated art and is home to many artists. Rippl-Ronai is one such artist who has further put the city on every artist’s and art-lover’s must-see wish list. In a city intensely subjected to wars and economical mayhems in history, the artist’s contribution is considered as one of the highlights of the era. His rather unusual painting techniques like ‘Corn’ style and using bold colours and textures to showcase 2D drama defines his eccentricity and originality. In his vast career he was also known to design spaces, clothes and was also known to personalise his home with artistic detailings.

After his death in 1927, the artist’s home was converted to a memorial home. The villa maintains all the original furnishing and layout. The museum is therefore popular, not just for Rippl- Ronai’s modernist design tastes but also the sheer ambience of the time gone. The villa is a must-visit for every tourist to experience the original ambience in which the artist created his masterpieces. Tourists who visit the villa also visit the adjacent Rippl-Ronai Museum to see over 90 original paintings of the painter.

Built in 1774, the Golden Lion Pharmacy is known for its Baroque architecture. This style of architecture is characteristic of 16th century Italy. The famous painter Rippl-Ronai was born above this pharmacy. The pharmacy is functional to this day and adds to the artistic ambience of the city.

Situated on the Kossuth square, the Church of our Lady was given the status of the ‘Cathedral’ in 1993.

The cathedral is known for its neo-romanesque architecture. Built between 1737- 1744, the church was later consecrated around 1886. The church has a gothic ambience with a rich history. The famous sculptor Jeno Bory contributed to the church by sculpting St Mary, St Joseph and St Anthony. The oldest statue in the church is of Madonna which dates back to the Baroque era. The St. Stephen Fountain in front of the church is also a contribution by Jeno Bory.

Tourists visit the church to witness the beautiful building and the popular sculpting that is associated with it. You can also attend the weekend masses.

The ruins of Benedictine are the oldest monuments in Kaposvar and date back to 1061. They are located in the village of Benedictine Monastery of Kaposszentjakab (5 kilometers away from the Ripple-Ronai Museum in Kaposvar). The ruins are of an earlier octagonal chapel and monastery. The Hungarian Palatine established a Benedictine Monastery here in the same year, thus commencing the introduction of Benediction in Kaposvar.

The walls and monastery ruins add to the gothic history of Hungary, post St. Stephen reign. Many visitors love to spend an afternoon here to enjoy the contrast of ancient stone-work surrounded with scenic greenery. Picnics here are recommended although the place is surrounded by a number of small hotels.

The highly arched windows and columns are perfect for a photoshoot!

The Miskolc-Tapolca cave bath is one of most popular places for tourists and locals alike. Enjoy the beautiful natural pool with neat pools designed in beautiful limestone caves. The cave consists of Barlangfurdove Lake cutting through hard limestone over thousands of years and is located at a distance of 392 kilometres from the Ripple-Ronai Museum in Kaposvar.

The regular visitors swear by the medicinal properties of the pool and therefore this cave pool is also known as a wellness centre. The caves were considered a thermal wellness-centre dating back to the 13th century. The thermal oozes found in the pool provide a relaxing massage to lift up your spirits.

The area surrounding the cave is pristine and lusciously placed in scenic greenery.

A must visit for families, groups or even solo travellers; the cave pool is considered one of the best places to visit in the City.

The gallery is named after Janos Vaszary- Hungary’s famous painter and graphic artist. Born in 1867, Janos Vaszary is perhaps one of the most intense iconic figures in Hungary- having served as a correspondent on the Serbian front, making his imagery more dramatic. His resting place is Tata, but his name is used for many monuments, streets and institutions throughout the country.

The Vaszary Gallery is popular for showcasing the artist’s paintings along with other artist’s works. The gallery is a permanent residence for the famous, Kaposvar-born photographer-Juan Gyene’s finest work. The gallery also includes contemporary art pieces along with fine art exhibitions. The gallery has a souvenir shop to buy gift for your friends and family.

Art lovers and students in general enjoy the variety of art showcased here. The gallery is popular not just in Hungary but internationally.

Lake Deseda is one of the most visited natural spots in Kaposvar. It was constructed by raising a dam in 1975 for industrial utilisation but is now considered a recreational retreat.

Known for its lush green surrounding, it is a hotspot for trekking, bicycling, fishing and boating. The lake has trekking and biking trails and also offers boats for hire. The lake is home to fishes like carp, bream, walleye, pike and catfish along with sunfish, river goby etc. The lake caters to nature-lovers, sports-lovers as well as leisure tourists. It covers a length of 8 kilometres and is often considered more of day trip by tourists considering all the activities you can do here.

Located to the north of Kaposvar, Lake Desseda is located on a 16 minutes’ drive from the Ripple-Ronai Museum.

The Somogy County museum is located approximately 50 kilometres south of Lake Balaton. Formerly known as the ‘City Hall’, the Somogy County Museum is an amalgamation of ethnic artefacts marking the history of Somogy County along with an exuberant collection of 20th century Hungarian art donated by Odon- brother of famous Hungarian painter Jozsef Rippl-Ronai. The museum houses permanent exhibitions as well as temporary exhibitions.

Rural Folk Art consisting of wooden carved objects mainly used by peasants and shepherds are the main attraction of the museum. The traditions of the outlawed ‘Betyar’ presented here are a treat to every culture explorer. Archaeological Relicts from the Somogy County are displayed which consist of artefacts from Stone Age to the middle ages.

The Ripple-Ronai Odon 20th Century Fine Art exhibition which is a ‘must-see’ for every visitor, justifies the art-pulse of Hungary. A great place to become one with the history of the city, the museum caters to everybody’s interest.

Presently, the museum’s official name is ‘Rippl- Rónai Town Museum with County’s Right’.

The dark sky park in Zselic area (On the outskirts of Kaposvar, Hungary) has obtained the title of ‘International Dark Sky Park’ due to its well-maintained dark parks in the Zselic reserves. The whole park is considered a dark sky park and is spread around 9000 hectors of land. One of the most magnificient sights awaits its visitors- offering a rare view of the engulfing Milky Way, the Zodiacal Light and other splendid phenomenas which can be seen with the naked-eye.

The Milky way M33 and M31 are seen almost throughout the year while the zodiacal light is best seen in spring and autumn. The whole park is considered a star park and is spread around 6000 hectres of land. The area is also known for a soulful walk through nature’s heart. Since a major part of the park is woodland area, this spot is one of the most appreciated, maintained and preserved spots in Zselic. To maintain the dark sky park, many precautions are taken by the conservation authorities including shielded path way light for the main area along with its surrounding areas. This enables the use of lights without disturbing the sky quality.The Traffic is micro controlled in this area to avoid pollution which can affect the sky quality. Preservation of the general flora and fauna is also a priority in this area.

Visitors must know that in this Natural Dark Zone, you cannot carry strong lights of any kinds as it is often recommended to trail in the dark with only a small source of light along with GBS systems. For guests at Hotel Kardosfa, night tours are arranged especially for their guests on registration.

A must-see for ever tourist, this international dark sky park promises to offer the best star gaze in the world.

Named after the famous poet Daniel Berzsenyi, the park was developed between 1927 and 1929. The poet was perhaps one of the most contradictory personalities in the history of Hungary. He was a farmer by profession but wished to live in close proximity to Hungarian Literature. This contradiction often added to his bitterness which was reflected in his work.

The park bears a monument for the famous poet as well as for the Hungarian mayor Ishtvan Nemeth. The memorial called ‘Angel of Freedom’ present in the park represents the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian revolution.

Located between the St. Imre street and Kossuth Lajos street in Nikla (45 kms North of Kaposvar), the park is visited for its pristine greenery and for observing some of the most rare species of plants in the world.

Considered more of a day trip for visitors staying in Kaposvar, tourists often find the place best for relaxing around picnics with friends and families. A must-visit for lazy afternoons and evenings, the park is a treat for every busy traveller.

Central Kaposvar is a prominent tourist centre. The circle lines all the shops, eateries, cafes, restaurants and hotels. The church and town hall at the circle are tourist favourites all day long. A beautiful place to take a walk, at night the church, town hall and fountains are lit up offering an intimate ambience to all its inhabitants. After shopping for Hungarian souvenirs, tourists are often seen relaxing over a cup of coffee, taking in all that the city has to offer. 

It is recommended for tourists to stay at or near the central city as it is located right at the heart of the city and has an easy access to all the star attractions.

Some prefer bicycling in and around the circle to get more acquainted to Kaposvar’s culture, locals and history.

Pogo centre is Kaposvar’s most famous entertainment centre. The rock Bar here is a favourite with the locals and tourists alike and is known for it good music, cheap beer and authentic Hungarian food. Located near Viragfurdo (Thermal Pool), the centre is a must-visit for tourists who want to enjoy Kaposvar’s night life.

The centre is a hub for live concerts and has a devoted base of music-lovers. During daytime, visitors are seen relaxing over good food and beer.

Located 10 minutes away from the Rippl-Ronai Memorial, the Somogy Sports Museum showcases relics, trophies, sport equipment etc. of some of the best Hungarian sportsmen. Kaposvar is home to Olympians and is known as the ‘Sports Capital’ of Hungary.

Established in 1996, the museum exhibits medals, cups, trophies, sportswear along with historic documents and photos which interest sport-lovers.