Mátrafüred

Mátrafüred is an outer part of Gyöngyös in Heves county, Hungary. It is situated in Mátra mountain range. It has a population of 981.

History

A fortress was built around 1000. It was destroyed in the Mongol Invasion and was rebuilt in the 14th century. It used to be the most powerful fortess in Mátra, but was destroyed by hussite forces around 1450. The village itself (then called Bene) was first mentioned in 1301. The village church was built in 1767, and a stone cross was erected in 1833. There were baize manufactures near Bene, but they could not compete with larger factories, so Bene was depopulated in the second half of the 19th century. Around 1887 look-out towers and tourist houses were built nearby. People started to move to the town, which was renamed Mátrafüred in 1893. In the 1920s several villas were built. Railways near Mátrafüred were restored and new tracks were built. In 1976, a large and comfortable hotel was opened. In a referendum held in 2005, the people of Mátrafüred voted to split from Gyöngyös, but it didn't happen yet.

The tiny town hall of Mátrafüred, with the coat of arms of Gyöngyös shown.

Tourism

It is the centre of tourism in Mátra. There are several hotels and bungalows. Sights include:

• Sástó - A lake
• Kozmáry look-out tower
• Palóc Folk Art Museum
• Baroque church

Kozmáry look-out tower

Coordinates: 47°49′48″N 19°58′48″E / 47.83°N 19.98°E / 47.83; 19.98