Just about an hour from Budapest lies a city that was once the heart of the Hungarian Kingdom. For centuries, this was where Hungarian kings were crowned and buried, where crucial decisions of the realm were made, and where one of the largest basilicas of medieval Europe once stood.
Today, Székesfehérvár is a charming baroque town filled with elegant squares, historic churches, and hidden details that are easy to miss without a guide.
But the true highlight of this journey is Bory Castle — quite possibly the most romantic castle in Hungary.
It was built by architect and sculptor Jenő Bory, almost entirely with his own hands, over the course of 40 years. The castle was his lifelong tribute to his wife Ilona, his muse and great love. Towers, sculptures, terraces, courtyards, and galleries create a magical place where architecture, art, and a love story come together.
During our visit we will:- stroll through the historic center of this former royal capital
- see the ruins of the royal basilica, where Hungarian kings were crowned
- step inside the Black Eagle Pharmacy, the oldest surviving pharmacy in the city
- watch the famous musical clock, which tells scenes from Hungarian history every hour
- discover a hidden gem — the beautiful rococo wood-carved furniture in the sacristy of the Cistercian church
- explore Bory Castle, one of the most unusual and touching castles in Europe