Leányfalu’s Local and Literary History Exhibition

153. Móricz Zsigmond Road, Leányfalu

 

The first written record of Leányfalu dates back to 1407, however, during the Ottoman occupation the settlement was destroyed and later vineyards were set up. Inhabitants returned to the village only from the 18th century. The Danube plays a very important role from a historical point of view in Leányfalu along with gardening and vinegard management.

 

            Since the mid-19th century the village has been an important resort area for theatrical and literary celebrities from Budapest. Pál Gyulai, a scholar of literature, and many actors from the National Theatre were among the first to live here for shorter or longer periods. Most notably Zsigmond Móricz and Ferenc Karinthy bought plots for themselves and also actors, opera singers and stage managers come here for rest and relaxation. This atmosphere made Leányfalu fashionable for other intellectuals and prominent citizens from Budapest.

 

            During World War II many people, like writer Sándor Márai, escaped to Leányfalu from the devastating siege of Budapest. After the war the rich life that characterized the settlement in the first half of the century slowed down, and in this refuge László Ravasz, protestant bishop, and István Bibó, former political prisoner, philosopher and sociologist, were able to find peace.

            The descendants of Pál Gyulai, Zsigmond Móricz and László Ravasz still live in Leányfalu on the family land, in the old houses, and in many cases often still surrounded by their ancestors’ possessions. This gives the settlement and the local government a task to keep in mind, to care and also to present this heritage.

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For more information about the museum and it's programs, please check out their website: www.leanyfalumuzeum.hu

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