St. George Square | Veszpem

Information

Landmark: St. George Square
City: Veszpem
Country: Hungary
Continent: Europe

St. George Square, Veszpem, Hungary, Europe

St. George Square (Szent György tér) is a historical focal point within the Veszprém Castle District, situated between the Archbishop's Palace and St. Michael’s Cathedral. It is characterized by its concentrated medieval foundations and ecclesiastical importance.

Visual Characteristics

The square is a compact, cobblestoned open space defined by Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Its most significant feature is the archaeological ruin of the St. George Chapel, which is protected by a modern glass and metal structure. The square is bounded by the ornate facade of the Archbishop's Palace to the south and the twin towers of the Cathedral to the north.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Szent György tér, 8200 Veszprém.

Access: Located at the northern end of Vár utca. It is a pedestrian-only zone.

Transit: Requires a 15-minute uphill walk from the lower city (Óváros Square).

Proximity: It serves as the transition point between the main castle thoroughfare and the northern lookout point.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The square is named after the St. George Chapel, the oldest architectural monument in the castle, dating back to the 10th or 11th century. Historically, it was a site of significant religious scholarship; according to tradition, Saint Emeric (Szent Imre), son of King Saint Stephen, took his vow of chastity here. The square sits on the same dolomite ridge that forms the backbone of the Veszprém plateau.

Key Highlights & Activities

St. George Chapel Ruins: Visitors can view the circular ground plan (rotunda) of the early medieval chapel and the 13th-century Gothic remains through the protective enclosure.

Statue of Saint Imre: A bronze monument dedicated to the prince stands within the square, commemorating his historical connection to the site.

Architectural Viewing: The square offers the best vantage point for observing the detailed masonry of the Archbishop’s Palace and the northern facade of the Cathedral.

Infrastructure & Amenities

As it is a small historical square, there are no dedicated restrooms or vendors on the plaza itself. Amenities are located in the adjacent Salesianum Visitor Center or the Tejfalussy House (Museum of Religious Art). 5G signal is strong due to the elevated, open position of the square.

Best Time to Visit

Mornings are ideal to avoid the shadows cast by the high walls of the Cathedral. The square is particularly atmospheric during the Gizella Days in May, when it often hosts small-scale acoustic performances or historical re-enactments.

Facts & Legends

Legend states that the St. George Chapel was the site where the first Hungarian students were taught. In the 20th century, a significant discovery was made during excavations: a red marble threshold and fragments of frescoes that confirmed the chapel's high-status royal and ecclesiastical origins.