Nestled in a valley between the Gerecse and Vertes mountains, Tatabanya serves as the capital of Komarom-Esztergom County. Coal was discovered in the area in the 18th century and the industrial city of Tatabanya was officially established in 1947 with the merging of four villages. Today, Tatabanya is an important transport hub between Budapest and Vienna.
Things to do in Tatabánya
One of Tatabanya’s most important cultural attractions is the Jászai Mari Theater, which is named after the beloved Hungarian actress. It was originally constructed in the early 20th century for the coal miners working in the area and has since been expanded with the addition of a ballet hall, a studio theatre and a chamber music venue.
Rising atop Gerecse Mountain is the Turul Monument, a magnificent bronze statue of a mythological bird of prey. It is believed to be the largest bird statue in Central Europe and was once an important totem of the medieval clans that occupied the region. Featuring a wing span of nearly 15 metres, the Tatabanya Turul is depicted holding Grand Prince Arpad’s sword and wearing the Holy Crown of Hungary.
Nearby is the Szelim Cave, a natural karst formation that has been used by humans as a place of shelter for thousands of years. The remains of hearths, carvings and animal bones have been discovered during excavations, together with Palaeolithic artefacts and stone tools. From the cave, there are sweeping views across Tatabanya and it serves as the starting point for several hikes through the Gerecse Mountains.
Getting around Tatabánya
Tatabanya is around 45 minutes’ drive from the centre of Budapest and an hour from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Tatabanya railway station and buses travel through the city.