Hungarians associate KECSKEMET with barackpálinka (the local apricot brandy) and the composer Zoltan Kodály (who was born in what is now the train station), but its cultural significance doesn't end there. The town centre boasts some of the finest architecture on the Plain, while its film studio 'and festivals impart a metropolitan pizzazz. Given this sophistication, you would never imagine that its name derives from the Hungarian word for "goat" (kecske).
The Town
Although nothing remains of medieval Kecskemét, its size can be judged from the ring boulevard, which follows the old moat. Unlike most towns in the region, it was spared devastation by the Turks, as the Sultan took a liking to it. Waves of refugees settled here, and Kecskemét became the third largest town in Hungary. This fortunate history, underpinned by agricultural wealth, explains its air of confidence and the flamboyant, eclectic architecture, skilfully integrated with modern buildings by József Kerény.
SEE KECSKEMÉT HOTELS ON THE MAP!
3-star hotel in Kecskemét, 80 kms from Budapest.Number of rooms: 25
4-star hotel in Kecskemét, 80 kms from Budapest.Number of rooms: 111
4-star hotel in Kecskemét, 80 kms from Budapest.Number of rooms: 54
3-star hotel in Kecskemét, 80 kms from Budapest.Number of rooms: 21