King Matthias was once one of Europe's most powerful figures, and he made Buda and Visegrád, Hungary's former royal seat, into cities of culture, said Veszprém bishop Gyula Márfi at a presentation of the region's programmes during Renaissance Year 2008. He noted that King Matthias's library boasted some 3,000 volumes, an "unimaginably large collection" at the time.
András Horváth, who chairs the Central Transdanubia Region Tourism Council, said cities in the "king's region" would not compete, but work together to attract tourists for the special Renaissance Year celebrations.
János Debreczenyi, the mayor of Debrecen - the favourite home of Gizella, King Matthias's queen - said the city would hold its annual Gizella Days celebration on May 9-12. It will also organize a Renaissance days celebration around Pentecost.
István Varga Aradi, a programme organiser from Tata, said the city's Kuny Domokos museum would open an exhibition entitled Matthias's Country during the first week of June. Renaissance literary and music evenings are also planned.
Pál Károly, mayor of Várpalota, where King Matthias came to hunt, said the city would organize a festival celebrating King Matthias in August. Food and wine will be among the highlights of the festival.
Source: Múlt-kor / Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
