Gyula (HU)

I had no time to write about my experiences in a splendid little town called Gyula a few weeks ago, but I sum it up now.

It might sound strange at my age, but I like to be on holidays with my parents. In the past years we have one or two long weekends what we spend together – they do travel a lot in Hungary and most surely visit the best Hungarian spas!

My memory of Gyula and its fort was quite ruinous and dated from my teenage years, but now I found that the fort is turned into an open air summer theatre in the yard, the exhibition is interesting and the whole building is renovated – really well-done! We even had the special opportunity to see young bowmen shooting their fire arrows off the walls as an attraction on the Night of the Museums. And as a literary plus there was old-time story-telling at the entrance – a piquant story about the young Matthias King! – underlined by some also piquant drawings projected to the medieval walls. http://www.corvinmuzeum.hu/fooldal.html

But besides the summer festivals, Gyula is famous for its spa – a medical and wellness centre for those wishing to heal and relax! I just loved it as it had an Olympic size swimming pool on open air too and I could do my laps while sunbathing a bit, and of course my father loved the places as he could enjoy the thermal water. A water that looks yellowish brown, comes at different temperature and does not smell! (It is good for all sorts of medical treatments.) There is a swimming pool (although small in size) filled with this water for colder days. The entire complex is nicely organised and there are facilities for all demands. Old trees guard you against the UV rays and if you want to have a splash, along you slide!

Oh! I should not forget to mention the delicious draft beer sold at a cooling temperature ;)

The city itself offers some sightseeing and outings; the inner city is newly renovated and turned into a pedestrian area – Kőmíves cukrászda (confectionary) offers you yummy hand-made ice-cream and desserts! Or along the stream you can enjoy a meal and some wine. The medieval Fort that formed part of our history or the famous Hungarian composer Ferenc Erkel – father of the Hungarian grand opera and composer of our national anthem was born here – who has a memorial house : attract many visitors.

Another positive surprise was that the spa and the town seems to be bi- or tri-lingual (at least the restaurants for sure), as the Romanian and the Serb borders are close, and many visit Gyula.

www.gyula.hu