A comprehensive, sustainable tourism development project is getting underway in Bény as part of the „Region of the Three Rivers” (#connect) tourism action plan, implemented under the Interreg VI–A Hungary–Slovakia Programme. The aim of the project entitled „Infrastructural Developments for Cultural Tourism” (#connect4) aims to create a unified, competitive destination in the Lower Ipoly, Garam and Börzsöny regions, highlighting the region’s lesser-known, hidden cultural treasures.

The implementation of the action plan is ensured by four sector-specific tourism projects and one supporting marketing project, coordinated by Pontibus ETT and Ister-Granum ETT. The village of Bény is one of the most important cultural cornerstones and jewels of this large-scale collaboration. The investment taking place in the village will directly contribute to ensuring that the area’s unique traditions take their rightful place on the region’s tourism map.

The region’s rich cultural heritage is the primary driving force behind local tourism. Bény is one of the most fascinating settlements in the Carpathian Basin, with a living historical past, and has preserved its monuments of European significance in a density that is considered a rarity. Among the village’s proudest assets is Central Europe’s largest and, to this day, clearly identifiable 8th-century Avar earthwork fort, whose triple line of defences encircles the heart of the settlement. Within the protection of these ramparts stand two architectural masterpieces: the 10th-century Rotunda of the Twelve Apostles, which houses unique fragments of frescoes, and the 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey church. The array of historical monuments is enriched by the miraculous spring at the Kutacska pilgrimage site, which rises from the border, whilst the village continues to proudly preserve the unique folk costume and cultural traditions of the „short-skirted villages”.

To ensure that these unique treasures are made accessible in line with today’s expectations and provide an unforgettable experience, the modern Bényi Premonstratensian Church Visitor Centre is being established in the current village museum building. The new tourist centre will welcome visitors with a comfortable reception and screening area, a gift shop and new toilet facilities. The interactive, experiential exhibition housed here will not only reveal the settlement’s thousand-year history and the secrets of the Avar ramparts, but will also introduce visitors to the daily life and spirituality of the Premonstratensian monastic order, which has shaped life in Bény for centuries.

At the visitor centre and the historic monuments, modern digital solutions will help visitors explore the past. The rotunda’s damaged or lost medieval frescoes will be brought back to life through virtual reconstruction, whilst in the Premonstratensian church, information panels will facilitate a self-guided, informative tour, and a spectacular promotional film will round off the visit.

The development of Bény is not taking place in isolation; it forms an integral part of a wider regional cooperation initiative. The #connect4 project is launching infrastructure investments at five locations, including the modernisation of open-air stages at three other key sites. In Lábatlan, the supporting infrastructure for the waterside stage is being upgraded and the auditorium is being expanded. In Esztergom, the stage, auditorium and the changing rooms and toilet facilities for performers at the Várszínház – which has been in continuous operation for 36 years – are being refurbished. In Érsekújvár, the park surrounding the Fogd Bastion is being revitalised with the construction of a new open-air stage, along with the development of the auditorium and support facilities. In Zselíz, in addition to the theatre developments, the interior of the approximately 250-year-old Sacher House is being completely refurbished to create a modern tourist centre featuring an interactive exhibition, a show-and-tell confectionery workshop and a gift shop.

The modernisation of open-air stages will also give new impetus to event tourism, the long-term aim of which is to create a shared, destination-wide events calendar and to launch close, forward-looking cooperation between cultural organisations in the border region.

Thanks to the village of Bény’s excellent location and transport links, it is easily accessible from the major cities of both Slovakia and Hungary. We warmly welcome all interested visitors, families and travellers to come and experience for themselves Bény’s unrivalled, mystical atmosphere and hospitality!

The project is being implemented with co-financing from the European Union. The European Regional Development Fund is providing 1,004,961.01, of which the amount of EU funding allocated to the Local Council of Bény is 236,080.00 EUR.

The Local Council of Bény is responsible for the quality of this press release (in terms of both content and language). Where necessary, any requested changes or clarifications to the text will be made by the council’s contact person:

Anita Herbácskó
Bény Local Council
Email: obecbina@obecbina.sk
tel: +421 918 786 355
Further information: www.obecbina.sk/hu/