Kőszeg KRAFT Restoration
KRAFT Buildings in Kőszeg: Revitalizing Cultural Heritage for a Sustainable Future The “Creative City – Sustainable Region” (KRAFT) program in Kőszeg, Hungary, is an innovative initiative that revitalizes urban and rural areas by harnessing creative social energies and leveraging local values for a sustainable future. At the heart of this concept lies Kőszeg, a town […]
Local Heritage
The Festetics-Chernel Palace
A Storied Legacy of Elegance and Scientific Advancement The Festetics Palace holds a rich history that intertwines elegance, scientific pursuits, and notable figures. Originally composed of two smaller houses owned by the Nádasdy family, it was transformed into a magnificent late Baroque-Rococo style building in 1766 by József Kelcz, a prominent lawyer. In 1802, Count […]
Sgraffito House
A Renaissance Jewel with a Rich History The Sgraffito House, a renowned landmark in Kőszeg’s city centre, stands as a testament to Renaissance architectural splendor. Originally constructed in the 16th century, this distinguished building underwent significant transformations over the years. A second floor was added in the 1560s, while the ground floor served as shops […]
Szemző House
Art Nouveau Architectural Gem The Szemző House, an exquisite example of Art Nouveau architecture, was constructed in the early 1910s by lawyer Sándor Szemző. Born into an Israelite family in 1876, Szemző practiced law in Budapest before settling in Kőszeg, where he established his office and served as a city councilor. During World War I, […]
Europe House
A Tapestry of History and Intrigue The Europe House, formerly known as the Svetics House and later as the Sigray House, is steeped in history and adorned with Renaissance and Baroque elements dating back to the 17th century. It has witnessed remarkable events, including the story of James Sigray, the “republican count” and director of […]
Zwinger Tower
A Medieval Fortress at 16 Chernel Street Built in the 14th century, this historic tower served as a corner bastion of the city wall during times of war, safeguarding the city’s defenses. As part of a medieval castle complex, the Old Tower held a strategic role as the innermost core, providing a last line of […]
Benedict Hotel
A Tranquil Retreat in a Historic Benedictine Convent The newly renovated Benedict Hotel is nestled within the former Benedictine Convent & School in Kőszeg. Originally constructed between 1677 and 1680, this heritage building has been transformed into a lavish hotel, offering a unique accommodation experience. Owned by the Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey. The hotel provides a […]
Synagogue
The synagogue was built in romantic style in 1856 with the support of Fülöp Schey. Following World War II, the abandoned building gradually decayed. By 2016, the building has become the property of the Hungarian State. The architectural planning of the renovation started at the end of 2017 and was finally completed in 2021 within […]
Pannon House of Arts and Literature
Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration at iASK Step into a world where art, music, literature, and academia converge at the Pannon House of Art and Literature, a dynamic branch of iASK (Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg). Serving as a vibrant hub for artists, writers, musicians, scientists, and professionals in the social sciences and humanities, this unique center […]
Talking Houses
Unveiling the Hidden Stories of Kőszeg’s Architectural Heritage The Talking Houses Project in Kőszeg, Hungary is dedicated to preserving the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of this historic town. This urban research initiative was inspired by the visionary concept of Elemér Hankiss, breathes life into the architectural treasures of Kőszeg. Over the past five years, […]
Sounding City
Unique Artistic Project by Zoltán Mizsei Sounding City offers a unique soundscape of Kőszeg, an extraordinary artistic project led by Zoltán Mizsei, a musician and iASK researcher. Mizsei has composed music specifically for public spaces in the city, including fountains and churches, crafting a unique sound map that brings the city to life. The harmonious […]
