Százhalombatta

Százhalombatta is situated at a distance of 25 km from the capital in south-western direction along highway M6 and main route 6. It can be approached by rail, by Volán coach service, passenger ship and by ferry circulating between Tököl and Százhalombatta. The town is one of Hungary’s determining energetic centre. Its today’s feature developed in the second half of the 20th century, when at the end point of the Friendship Oil Pipeline the Duna Oil-Refinery and the Dunamenti Power Plant were built.

The surroundings of the settlement have been inhabited already for almost 4,000 years. In the 7th and 6th century B.C. people belonging to the Hallstatt culture lived here, who buried their leaders in hill tombs. The near hundred hills originate from this period, from which the settlement received its name. Today there is an Archaeological Park in the site of the hill tomb field. The open-air museum presents not only the ancient burial customs, but it welcomes the visitors with authentically reconstructed buildings from the bronze age and iron age, who can also try the ancient handicraft techniques (weaving, spinning, pottery and jewellery preparation).

At the permanent exhibition of the Matrica Museum the archaeological finds of the bronze, iron and Roman age can be seen. The museum received its name from the Roman military camp and fortress that stayed here formerly. The topic of the periodic exhibitions is frequently the contemporary Hungarian fine art. During summer concerts in the museum garden diversify the program offer. The successful Summerfest International Folklore Festival and Folk-Art Fair have been organized in the town since 1997. The cultural manifoldness of the event series lasting almost two weeks and the performance of the folk ensembles of various countries attract many visitors.

Százhalombatta awaits its visitors with various sport and relaxing possibilities. In the Leisure Centre of the City we can swim in 5 open-air pools from May until August. The settlement disposes also of a covered sport hall and swimming pool. Kayak and canoe are for rent, and riding is also possible. In the equestrian club of the Tóth farm, which has been operating for more than 30 years, near fifty horses are staying at the guests’ disposal, who can participate in courses, cross-country riding and mounted tours. In the middle of the 10-hectare farm a pension of museum value, in its neighbourhood show-jumping and dressage test tracks as well as covered riding hall can be found.

Sources: http://www.batta.hu/, http://hu.wikipedia.org/, http://www.vendegvaro.hu/, http://www.lovardakalauz.hu/