Introduction

Foreword

The heritage guide of Tündérmező (Fairyfield) draws attention not only to the apparent values of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, but also to the latent ones.

The treasure of our historical heritage is immense with rich culture and distinctive values. The scenes of formative historical events keep the past alive. The local monuments of ecclesiastical, noble and folk architecture are of outstanding significance in the Hungarian art and cultural history. This heritage features Romanesque and Gothic churches saved uniquely in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Satu Mare and transcarpathia Counties.

A number of giants of literature lived and worked here, inspired by the landscape. Our culture, social and economic life is affected and enriched by the nearness of the three neighbours beyond the borderlines. The Ukrainian, Romanian and Slovak cross-border relationships have been strengthened in lively co-operation.

One of our common grounds is tourism, the development of which is underpinned by the unique geographical gifts: the variety of the landscape, the romantic winding of rivers, and the immensely rich wildlife with plenty of special game. The acacia tree blossoming in the spring is an unforgettable experience, just like the autumn colours of the forests. The local people hold on to their traditions and share them with the visitors proudly and hospitably. Not only at the gastronomy festivals and on the community days devoted to cottage industry or jam making competitions, but also in the neat, traditional style guest houses, of which there are more and more in the little villages.

We can see the direction in the future, the task of which is to safeguard the cultural heritage of the county and promote it as tourist attractions. There are a number of positive initiatives, successful monument restoration projects, and tourism programmes underscoring the results achieved so far. Our aim is that the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Local Government act in partnership with the Council of Szatmár County and the Association of the Hungarian Entrepreneurs in Subcarpathia to develop the heritage tourism of the region and promote its values.

Oszkár Seszták

president of

Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Council