
Kapuvár - Palace from above
Kapuvár is a small but
ancient town of some 11,000 inhabitants in Győr-Moson-Sopron county
, Hungary
.The
town is known for its thermal water which some believe has
hydrotherapeutic properties. It is served by
highway 85, and has a train station. It borders the Fertő-Hanság
National Park, 15 km from the border station of Pomogy. The
settlement was fortified as early as the 11th century and was the
estate owned by the Nádasdy family in the 16th century. St. Ann's
church contains an ancient cemetery that is still being used. A
baroque castle, The Esterházy Castle of Fertőd is situated only 20
kilometers from Kapuvár. Called “the Hungarian Versailles”, it was
the site of famous performances and concerts, due to the work of
Joseph Haydn. Franz Schubert taught music there, performed
concerts, and wrote some of his most famous duets and trios there.
A museum in one of the most beautiful baroque buildings, the House
of Music, welcomes visitors.
The wines of the Sopron wine region are available here, and
wine-tastings and wine-tours are popular. Local gastronomic
specialties include "clasp-knife platter of Kapuvár," rolled meat
of Hany Istók, slaughterman liver, foreleg ham of Kapuvár, rolled
meat of Hanság, fritter-like pastry, rolled crepes filled with
preserves, and "pretzel of Rábaköz." There is one fine-dining
restaurant in the village, and a few small cafes. A ceramics
gallery sells unique Kapuvar creations in porcelain. Horse-riding
tourism has significantly developed in recent years. A pleasant
collection of small, pretty houses with colorful flower gardens
reflects the tranquillity of the surrounding rural area. The
village was left largely untouched by Russian influences.
A three-day cultural programme (Days of Kapuvár) is held on Ann´s
day in July every year, with performances of music, art and folk
groups. The Community Centre of Rábaköz holds theatre performances,
concerts, folk dance programmes, and sponsors festivals of brass
and reed bands, literary evenings, exhibitions and fairs.
References