The renewed Veszprém Castle District is open through the holidays with guided walks, free exhibitions, and a Baroque gateway at the Biró–Giczey House welcoming visitors. December brings a special rhythm: closed December 22–26; open December 27–30 from 10:00–18:00; and on December 31 from 10:00–15:00. Outside the festive days, regular hours apply: Monday closed; Tuesday–Friday 17:00–19:00; Saturday–Sunday 10:00–18:00.
The Castle District Lives in Winter
Advent walks, award-winning exhibitions, and a holiday schedule make winter in the quarter feel intimate. Soft light washes the Baroque façades, silence settles over Holy Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér), and bell chimes roll through the winding streets. The Veszprém Archiepiscopal Tourism Center opens doors to the palace, chapels, and exhibitions for those who want more than a stroll along Castle Street (Vár utca). The Biró–Giczey House serves as the Baroque gateway: guided castle walks start here, the gift shop is here, and all exhibitions are free—including Thistle and Lily – The Flowers of the Magdalens (Bogáncs és liliom – Magdolnák virágai), crowned Exhibition of the Year 2025.
Guided Castle Walks
On weekends, the city’s favorite program departs at 11:30, 14:00, and 16:00, unlocking spaces not accessible on your own:
– Archbishop’s Palace (Érseki Palota): Baroque interiors, renewed spaces, and rare artworks.
– Gizella Chapel (Gizella Kápolna): one of the oldest, quietest sacred sites, where surviving fresco fragments summon a medieval mood.
– St. Michael’s Cathedral (Szent Mihály Főszékesegyház) and crypt: a defining landmark pairing the basilica’s past with authentic medieval details of the undercroft.
– St. George’s Chapel (Szent György-kápolna): an ancient sanctuary in the castle’s heart, visitable only with a guide.
Walks start at the Biró–Giczey House; check the events calendar for updates.
Exhibitions at the Biró–Giczey House
All exhibitions are free during opening hours.
– Thistle and Lily – The Flowers of the Magdalens (Bogáncs és liliom – Magdolnák virágai): the 2025 award-winner presents Mary Magdalene through artifacts, engravings, and contemporary reflections, accompanied by the thoughts of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi.
– Pantry Exhibition – details from the Cathedral’s past (Kamrakiállítás): Baroque objects, liturgical pieces, and 100-year-old photographs.
– My Head Is No Chapter – interactive (Nem káptalan a fejem): meet the canons and learn how the Veszprém chapter worked—clear, playful, engaging.
– Archaeology exhibition: the castle hill’s evolving settlement history and finds, displayed with striking installations.
Holiday Hours and Themed Routes
December 29 and 30: guided walks at 11:30, 14:00, and 16:00. December 31: 11:30 and 14:00 only. Themed tours:
– The Walk of Light and Reverence (A fény és áhítat sétája): Archbishop’s Palace + Gizella Chapel at 11:30 and 16:00 (Dec 29–30), and 11:30 (Dec 31).
– A Thousand Years’ Path (Ezer év útja): Cathedral + crypt + St. George’s Chapel at 14:00 daily.
Departures: in front of the Biró–Giczey House. Tickets and info: Gift Shop. Group size: max. 25 people. Exhibitions remain free. Location: Veszprém.
Gift Shop and Practical Info
Gift Shop (Biró–Giczey House): Saturday–Sunday 10:00–18:00. Exhibitions: Monday closed; Tuesday–Friday 17:00–19:00; Saturday–Sunday 10:00–18:00. Plan for the holiday closures December 22–26, then enjoy extended hours before New Year’s Eve.
