Szirmabesenyő is defined by two distinctive themes: Szirmay Castle and its connection to Szinyei Merse Pál. There is also a three-day Botanica Exotica exhibition featuring a wide range of exotic plants. When choosing a holiday rental, consider whether you want to focus on the town itself or include other themes in the wider Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén destination.
Castle architecture and connections to art
Szirmay Castle in Szirmabesenyő is a detached building with partial cellars and four corner towers. The exhibitions “Red Crab on the Garden Bench – Szirmay Castle in Szirmabesenyő, Where Szinyei Merse Pál Also Painted” and a “Castle History Experience Space” point were unveiled at the castle. The exhibition title explicitly links Szinyei Merse Pál with the castle. Architecture and connections to art therefore stand side by side as two distinct themes.
Szinyei Merse Pál in the townscape
A full-length public statue of Szinyei Merse Pál stands in a park beside the Roman Catholic church and Hősök kertje (Heroes’ Garden). According to the municipality, the only public full-length statue of the artist in Hungary is in Szirmabesenyő. The connection to Szinyei is thus linked both to the castle and to a specific place in public space.
The Greek Catholic church is also among the town’s notable landmarks: it celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. Together with the Roman Catholic church beside the monument, it represents two distinct religious connections in the town.
Botanica Exotica at Szirmay Castle
The 14th Botanica Exotica exhibition ran for three days and was held at Szirmay Castle. Plant enthusiasts could see cacti, other exotic plants, succulents, striped grasses, lithops and tillandsias. The different plant groups range from cacti and succulents to other exotic species, adding a botanical highlight alongside the themes of architecture and art. Its three-day duration gives the exhibition its own distinct timeframe.
Other themes in the wider Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén destination
Those looking beyond Szirmabesenyő to the wider Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén destination will find other thematic highlights. The Baradla-Domica cave system is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Caves of the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst. The short cave tour in Aggtelek is one kilometre long, takes 60 minutes and is rated easy. Its length, duration and rating give a clear idea of the scope of the tour.
In Miskolc, the zoo and cultural park has a nature trail with a nine-metre-high lookout tower and a 32-metre-long suspension bridge. Diósgyőr Castle offers a glimpse into cultural history: it flourished under the rule of King Louis the Great in the 14th century and later served as a residence and wedding gift for six queens. The Tokaj wine region adds viticulture to this selection. Its climate, soil quality and slope exposure are suited to growing grapes; the region is legally protected as a wine-growing area.
If caves, nature trails or viticulture are more central to your interests, include the relevant destinations in the wider Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén region in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Emőd, Arnót, Felsőzsolca, Bükkszentkereszt, Mályi, Lillafüred, Sajószentpéter, Sajópálfala.
For the wider travel overview: Miskolc.
