National
Development Agency

In spite of how there are currently dozens of historical monuments and attractions in Nyírbátor and Máriapócs, the majority of these are in an extremely rundown state and lack suitable infrastructure. The number of tourists visiting these sites has declined to such an extent that they are beginning to lose their appeal as religious and tourist destinations. It is not possible to, for example, organise major cultural or religious events on account of the lack of availability of service facilities. A thermal pool has nevertheless been operating in Nyírbátor for several decades; however, it is not as popular as it could be due to the outdated services it offers. The way in which tourists only spend a few days in these settlements is also a problem.

The aim of the project called Faith and Health implemented within the framework of the New Hungary Development Plan (NHDP) involves renewing historical and religious monuments by the end of 2010 and improving the region’s tourism appeal as an outcome of these developments to attract an even higher number of tourists to these two disadvantaged settlements.   

The restoration and tourism development of the Basilica in Máriapócs and its environs has largely been completed within the framework of this priority project; the renewal of the building’s internal architecture has been fully carried out. Building work is still in progress outside the Basilica, which is nevertheless expected to be fully handed over and opened by the end of 2010. Developments carried out at the Thermal Bath and Swimming Pool in Nyírbátor have been completed, and the renewed swimming pool will be open in April. An indoor thermal bath offering high standard services and open all year round has been created. Besides the new swimming pools, 2 saunas, an infra-sauna, salt chamber and steam chamber will now also be available for swimming enthusiasts; in addition, a special medical therapy section has also been set up. 

Carrying out tourism developments at the Báthori Mansion Estate, namely, organising an exhibition where historic objects will also be on display by setting up an interactive tourist information system is also an integral part of this project. Thanks to this system, visitors will be able to become acquainted with the Báthori family, as well as the history and legends of the estate. This development has also largely been completed.

The foundation stone of project components underpinning the restoration of the Protestant Church in Nyírbátor, the restoration of the Minorite Roman Catholic Church in Nyírbátor and the Local History Promenade in Nyírbátor has just been ceremoniously laid. These churches will be renewed and developed in terms of tourism pursuant to authorisation issued by the National Office of Cultural Heritage and after all necessary research tying in with the building and its architectural history has been carried out. Archaeological and restoration work is essentially undertaken as a part of the development of these buildings and their environs.

The 450-metre-long promenade will link these historical sites, along which small ponds and drinking fountains will also be placed. Consequently, it will still be possible to separately visit the tourist attractions created within the framework of this priority project, or take part in a guided tour visiting every site.

The development of historical monuments and tourist attractions, as well as the diverse range of cultural programmes offered will consequently increase the number of visitors to this disadvantaged micro-region, as well as the number of guest nights. This project, which is expected to be completed by December 2010, contributes to strengthening the micro-region and region’s economy and indirectly promotes the influx of working capital, as well as further investments in the region.