Philip, the Stork - Stork Nests

A few years ago, the main street of the village was still marred by overhead cables, which posed a constant threat to the region’s birds. Due to its proximity to the Bodrog, Bodrogkeresztúr is a popular habitat for storks. However, the death of Philip, who lived in the village for 12 years, in 2018, brought significant attention to the problem of overhead cables.

More information

The famous stork from Keresztúr hatched in North-eastern Spain, and in 2003, an Italian ornithologist ringed him as a chick in the Ebro River valley. He was named after the then Spanish crown prince, now king. Interestingly, while his Western European counterparts usually reach Africa by flying over the Strait of Gibraltar, Hungarian storks leave Europe in autumn via the Bosphorus. Despite being Spanish, Philip settled on the banks of the Bodrog and never left again. According to locals, Philip, sensing the arrival of storks in spring, would choose the most beautiful nest and wait as a strong male for a female to land beside him. He had his pick of empty nests, living near the ferry for two years, nesting on the local school chimney for six years, then moving to a utility pole opposite the mayor’s office, and later finding a new home in front of a private house. Over twelve summers, he raised a total of 34 chicks but wasn’t fond of commitment – he consistently chose unringed female storks. The locals grew so fond of the loyal stork that they even organised a running race in his honour. His accident in 2018 deeply affected the entire local community for this reason.

The Calvinist Church The Louis seize style church was built in the late 18th century. At that time, the present Felső street was the main street of the village, and according to Joseph II's decrees, Protestants were only allowed to build the church 30 metres further down the street, with its back to the main street. History has served justice to the Reformed community in such a way that the lower street, closer to the river Bodrog, became the main route for the wine merchants, and eventually the lower street, going by the river, took over the role of the main street.

3916 Bodrogkeresztúr

Former Synagogue According to the census of 1723-24, there were already 7 Jewish families living in Bodrogkeresztúr, and their number increased steadily during the 18th century. The strengthening of the community and the religious life is shown by the fact that the first rabbi of the Jewish community of Pest, Israel Wahrmann, was the rabbi of Bodrogkeresztúr prior to 1765, and there are records from the same year that the Bodrogkeresztúr fair was visited by Jewish merchants from Pest county. A few decades later, in 1786, 256 Jewish inhabitants were recorded in the settlement, in 65 households.

3916 Bodrogkeresztúr, Kossuth utca 30

The Rabbinic House The rabbi died in April 1925, and on the day of his funeral 12,000 train tickets were sold at the Bodrogkeresztúr train station. On the anniversary of his death, hundreds of pilgrims came to Bodrogkeresztúr in the following years - and today pilgrims come not only on the anniversary, but at any time of the year.

3916 Bodrogkeresztúr, Kossuth utca 67

Places
Berzi Birtok - Nana's apartman

Mád Rákóczi utca 14

View Place
Places
The Treasure Trove of Bodrogkeresztúr

Keresztúr was inhabited already in prehistoric times. This is evidenced by the discovery of the two great artefact assemblages discovered.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 85

View Place
Places
Keresztúri Treasury

The settlement was inhabited even in prehistoric times. This is evidenced by the discovery of two sensational collections of artefacts. In the spring of 1918, workers found gold jewellery at the foot of Dereszla Hill, which archaeologists later determined to date back to around 1200 BC.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 85

View Place
Places
Keresztúri Guesthouse

Ideal for both longer and shorter stays for families, small business groups, friend groups. The guesthouse can be reached through a calm, quiet inner garden, and it is guaranteed to be safe, child friendly, and accessible.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 85

View Place
Places
Keresztúri Guesthouse

Perfect for families, small business groups, or friends for both short and long stays. Located in a quiet, peaceful inner courtyard, it is safe, child-friendly, and accessible.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 85

View Place
Places
Fülöp the Stork Camp and Event House

The Fülöp the Stork Camp and Event House welcomes guests with 10 comfortable, fully equipped private apartments, communal spaces, and the option to rent water sports equipment.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 66

View Place
Places
Fülöp the Stork Camp and Event House

Fülöp the Stork Camp and Event House welcomes guests with 10 comfortable, fully equipped standalone apartments, communal spaces, and the option to rent water sports equipment.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 66

View Place
Places
The Bodrog river

It is obvious that the Bodrog river always had special significance in the lives of the people who live along its banks. Fearing flooding, the former centre of Bodrogkeresztúr was built well above the river level, and the present main road was only built in the 19th century. At the same time, in the autumn season the river provided the moisture needed to create aszú in the wine making process and supplied part of the food needed for subsistence throughout the year.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 16

View Place
Places
World War I Memorial

The monument is a memorial of the heroes of the First World War.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 21

View Place
Places
The viewpoint

If you walk up to the viewpoint above the village, you can not only enjoy the spectacular view, but also get a sense of the mystical nature that the people of the area attributed to their natural environment for centuries. The local tales – told by the admiring and humble people - present a world where people do not dominate nature, but submit to its laws, and in return, nature gives them all the good things they can imagine.
Bodrogkeresztúr

View Place
Places
The Calvinist Church

The Louis seize style church was built in the late 18th century. At that time, the present Felső street was the main street of the village, and according to Joseph II's decrees, Protestants were only allowed to build the church 30 metres further down the street, with its back to the main street. History has served justice to the Reformed community in such a way that the lower street, closer to the river Bodrog, became the main route for the wine merchants, and eventually the lower street, going by the river, took over the role of the main street.
Bodrogkeresztúr

View Place
Places
Former Synagogue

According to the census of 1723-24, there were already 7 Jewish families living in Bodrogkeresztúr, and their number increased steadily during the 18th century. The strengthening of the community and the religious life is shown by the fact that the first rabbi of the Jewish community of Pest, Israel Wahrmann, was the rabbi of Bodrogkeresztúr prior to 1765, and there are records from the same year that the Bodrogkeresztúr fair was visited by Jewish merchants from Pest county. A few decades later, in 1786, 256 Jewish inhabitants were recorded in the settlement, in 65 households.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 30

View Place
Places
The Rabbinic House

The rabbi died in April 1925, and on the day of his funeral 12,000 train tickets were sold at the Bodrogkeresztúr train station. On the anniversary of his death, hundreds of pilgrims came to Bodrogkeresztúr in the following years - and today pilgrims come not only on the anniversary, but at any time of the year.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 67

View Place
Places
The Griffin Well

Since 2010, the artwork of Sándor Gyula Makoldi, a resident of Bodrogkeresztúr and creator of several public square sculptures, provided water to tired hikers in the heart of the village. An important motif of the Hungarian Conquest chieftain graves found in the Bodrogköz region is the griffin bird, a mythical creature known from the White Horse’s son tale, a powerful and fearsome force that can lift you to heights you cannot otherwise reach. That's why the statue is designed in a way so that people can sit on its back while it gives thirsty people the gift of life-giving water from its own body.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 73

View Place
Places
The statue of the Hungarian prince Ferenc Rákóczi II.

In 1648 Ferdinand III donated Bodrogkeresztúr to György Rákóczi. Half a century later, in 1699, Ferenc Rákóczi II and Julianna Rákóczi agreed on the allocation of the estates, as part of which Julianna Rákóczi became the owner of the properties in the village. At the same time, the Rákóczi War of Independence determined the fate of the whole Tokaj-Hegyalja region - thanks to this, a life-size bust of Rákóczi, cast in bronze by sculptor Géza Balogh based on a painting by Ádám Mányoki is now featured in the centre of the village.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 79

View Place
Places
Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross dates back to the 13th century.
Bodrogkeresztúr Iskola köz 11

View Place
Places
Village Hall

The current Village Hall used to be the property of the Hohenlohe princes that was purchased by the municipal management in 1929.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 85

View Place
Places
Greek Catholic Church

The Greek Catholic parish of Bodrogkeresztúr was founded in 1766.
Bodrogkeresztúr Iskola köz 19

View Place
Places
The former Széchenyi-Wolkenstein Castle

Oszvald Wolkeinstein, a descendant of Julianna Rákóczi, built the mansion at the foot of the Dereszla hill in the last quarter of the 19th century.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kastély köz 18

View Place
Places
Csicsörke Manufactory

Confitures, jams, syrups and other specialities, made of locally grown fruits, following family recipes, without preservatives.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 114

View Place
Places
The Acetania Vinegar Museum

The word vinegar does not always conjure up images of premium gastronomic value. It more reminds us of the cleaning techniques of our grandmothers, or the taste of bean soup with vinegar added.
Bodrogkeresztúr Tarcali utca 22

View Place
Places
The Rákóczi House

The building block with 4 living rooms, served as a residence for the Rákóczi family mainly during the grape harvests. The Baroque house was built in the 17th century but was somewhat rebuilt a century later and can still be viewed in this form. The house is the oldest non-church building in the village and still bears a Latin inscription on its walls: "Peace be within your fortress walls, and quietness in your palaces”.
Bodrogkeresztúr

View Place
Places
Viewpoint

Those who hike up to the viewpoint above the village can not only enjoy the unparalleled view but also sense some of the mysticism that has shaped the locals’ relationship with their surroundings for centuries. With admiration, yet also humility: the local tales depict a world where people do not dominate nature but instead submit to its unique laws, and in return, nature rewards them with every conceivable blessing.
Bodrogkeresztúr

View Place
Places
Greek Catholic Church

The Greek Catholic Parish of Bodrogkeresztúr was founded in 1766.
Bodrogkeresztúr Iskola köz 19

View Place
Places
Acetánia

Acetánia was envisioned by the members of the Wine and Fruit Vinegar Producers' Association. They aim to challenge the stereotypes surrounding vinegar and showcase the depth of flavour hidden in this tangy liquid.
Bodrogkeresztúr Tarcali utca 22

View Place
Places
Reformed Church

The church, built in the late 18th century in a neoclassical style, was initially constructed without a tower, as Protestants were prohibited from building church towers at the time. The tower's construction only began in 1803 under the guidance of Ferencz Ignác, a master builder from Tokaj. During this period, the current Upper Street was still the main street of the settlement, and according to Joseph II's decree, Protestants were only allowed to build the church with its back to the main street, 30 metres further down.
Bodrogkeresztúr

View Place
Places
Town Hall

The current town hall building was once owned by the Hohenlohe princes, and it was purchased by the settlement's leadership in 1929 from the Kláber company. Part of the purchase price for the building was covered by the sale of the former town hall, which was then handed over to the post office.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 85

View Place
Places
Bodrog

It is evident that the Bodrog has always shaped the lives of those living along its banks. Fearing floods, the former centre of Bodrogkeresztúr was situated well above the river level, and the main road we see today only began to be developed in the 19th century. At the same time, the river provided the mist necessary for the development of aszú grapes in autumn and a portion of the food needed for survival throughout the year.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 16

View Place
Places
Rabbi's House

The rabbi passed away in April 1925, and on the day of his funeral, 12,000 train tickets were sold at the Keresztúr station. In the years following his death, hundreds of pilgrims visited Bodrogkeresztúr on the anniversary of his passing – and today, pilgrims come not only for the anniversary but throughout the year.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 67

View Place
Places
Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross traces its origins back to the 13th century.
Bodrogkeresztúr Iskola köz 11

View Place
Places
Csicsörke Workshop

Jams, specialities, and syrups made from locally grown fruit, following unique recipes, without preservatives.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 114

View Place
Places
Statue of Ferenc Rákóczi II

In 1648, Ferdinand III gifted Bodrogkeresztúr to György Rákóczi. Half a century later, in 1699, Ferenc Rákóczi II and Julianna Rákóczi agreed on the division of estates, as a result of which Julianna Rákóczi became the owner of the settlement's lands. The Rákóczi War of Independence also shaped the fate of the entire Tokaj-Hegyalja region – this is why the life-sized bronze bust of Rákóczi, cast by sculptor Géza Balogh based on a painting by Ádám Mányoki, can be admired in the centre of the settlement.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 79

View Place
Places
Former Synagogue

According to a census from 1723-24, there were already 7 Jewish families living in Bodrogkeresztúr at that time, and their numbers steadily increased throughout the 18th century. The strengthening of the community and religious life is evidenced by the fact that the first rabbi of the Pest Israelite congregation, Israel Wahrmann, served as a rabbi in Bodrogkeresztúr before 1765. Data from the same year also indicates that Jewish merchants from Pest County visited the market in Keresztúr. A few decades later, in 1786, 256 Jewish residents were recorded in the settlement, living in 65 households.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 30

View Place
Places
Griff Drinking Fountain

Created by Sándor Gyula Makoldi, a local resident and the artist behind several public works in Bodrogkeresztúr, this fountain has been quenching the thirst of weary hikers in the heart of the town since 2010. The griffin, a mythical creature known from the tale of the Son of the White Horse, is a powerful and awe-inspiring symbol found in one of the key motifs of the Conquest-era chieftain graves discovered in the Bodrogköz region. It represents a force capable of lifting us to heights otherwise unreachable. The statue was designed to allow people to sit on its back while it offers life-giving water flowing from its own body to refresh the thirsty.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 73

View Place
Places
World War I Memorial

At 9 p.m. on 31 July 1914, terrible news shook the residents of the settlement. Like a foreboding trumpet, the sound of the drum spread under the cover of night, and the village crier of the time, Károly Rozgonyi, shouted hoarsely through the village: “War has broken out!”.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 21

View Place
Places
Rákóczi House

The single-block building with four living rooms primarily served as a residence for the family during the grape harvest. The Baroque house was built in the 17th century but was slightly remodelled a century later, and it can still be admired in this form today. The house is notable for being the oldest non-religious building in the settlement, and a Latin inscription can still be read on its wall: "Peace be within your walls, tranquillity within your palaces."
Bodrogkeresztúr

View Place
Places
Philip, the Stork - Stork Nests

A few years ago, the main street of the village was still marred by overhead cables, which posed a constant threat to the region’s birds. Due to its proximity to the Bodrog, Bodrogkeresztúr is a popular habitat for storks. However, the death of Philip, who lived in the village for 12 years, in 2018, brought significant attention to the problem of overhead cables.
Bodrogkeresztúr Kossuth utca 16

View Place