This Hungarian town's baroque main square comes alive with local markets and cafes. Nearby Zselic Nature Reserve has marked trails, while ancient Roman ruins dot the region.
Nagykanizsa lies in southwestern Hungary, where trade routes have crossed since medieval times. Walk through the baroque Inkey chapel to see its curved stonework, spot the original shop sign on the Iron Man house's facade, or explore Turkish war artifacts at the Thury György Museum. Take a boat out on Lake Csónakázó or stroll through the tree-lined paths of Károlyi Park.
Getting to Nagykanizsa
Nagykanizsa sits at the intersection of five major routes, connecting Vienna, Budapest, and the Adriatic coast. The railway station connects to Vienna, Budapest, and Rijeka with multiple daily departures. You'll find the city 15 kilometers from the Croatian border, making it a practical stop when traveling through the region. Lake Balaton is a 45-minute drive or one-hour train ride away.
Parks and Recreation
Walk under the shade trees of Károlyi Park and City Park, which form the central green spaces of Nagykanizsa. The parks' walking paths and benches date from a 1962 renovation. At Lake Csónakázó, you can rent rowboats and paddle boats from March through October. A 2-kilometer path circles the lake, with exercise stations placed along the shore. You'll find picnic tables and children's playgrounds in the surrounding area, which stay busy with families on weekends.
Architecture and Main Squares
The city center spans three connected squares - Kossuth, Eötvös, and Erzsébet. Look for the Iron Man house, marked by its distinctive ironmonger's shop sign still visible on the facade. The 18th-century Inkey chapel shows off baroque stonework with its curved lines and detailed carvings. As you walk through these squares, you'll see buildings ranging from medieval stone foundations to baroque churches and 19th-century commercial buildings.
Historical Sites
The medieval fortress of Nagykanizsa held off multiple Turkish sieges between 1532 and 1600. The Turks controlled the fortress from 1600 to 1690, influencing local architecture during their rule. The current parish church, built in 1760, incorporates stones from a Turkish mosque and minaret that once occupied the site. Visit the Thury György Museum to see weapons, armor, and everyday items from the Turkish-Hungarian wars, along with exhibits about György Thury, the fortress's 16th-century captain.
