Dugonics tér, nestled right in the heart of Szeged, is one of those rare city squares you stumble on and find yourself wanting to stay longer than you planned. With the gentle hum of trams coasting by and locals meandering through their daily routines, the square buzzes with authentic Southern Hungarian energy. Instead of feeling like a staged postcard scene, it’s more like a living room for the city—a place where students, families, street musicians, and café-goers all convene to be part of Szeged’s story.
What’s particularly fascinating about Dugonics tér is its seamless blend of old and new. Take a seat on one of the benches and you’ll be flanked by a fascinating mix of historic facades, modern shops, and the impressive main building of the University of Szeged. The university is a local institution not just in name: since the early 20th century, when it moved here from Kolozsvár (now Cluj-Napoca) after the Treaty of Trianon, it has defined and uplifted the city’s intellectual scene. Thanks to this, if you visit during term time, the square positively brims with students in constant motion, chatter, and laughter—a reminder of how young and energetic Szeged’s population really is.
But you can’t mention Dugonics tér without talking about its namesake and the reason for the ornate fountain that is its centerpiece. András Dugonics (1740-1818) was a notable Hungarian writer and mathematician—something of a local legend—not least because his roots were deep in the region and his works played a role in shaping modern Hungarian literature. The monument and fountain that dominate the square were inaugurated in 1879, not coincidentally the same year as the catastrophic flood that dramatically altered the city’s fate. As the waters receded and a mammoth rebuilding effort got underway, the people of Szeged chose to dedicate this square to one of their own as a permanent reminder of resilience, intellect, and creativity—all characteristics you sense as you wander here.
The fountain itself draws people in like a magnet, especially on warm afternoons. The soothing sound of water, the shimmer of sunlight off the cascades, and the circular stone steps lure everyone from curious toddlers to retirees with a book in hand. The bronze statue of Dugonics, looking serenely thoughtful, presides over the scene—not far from where the original palace of the university’s predecessor once stood. Urban legends say that if you toss a coin into the water and make a wish, perhaps you’ll return to Szeged for graduation, or for love, or just another sun-drenched chill on the square.
It’s the details around Dugonics tér that make it so immersive. Keep an eye out for the rich Art Nouveau architecture in the yellow-toned Reök Palace down the street, the impressive walkways lined with tiling, and the cheerful cafés and confectioneries. These offer wonderful vantage points for people-watching, a pastime best enjoyed with a coffee or the city’s renowned Szeged-style cakes. If you’re lucky enough to be here during a university graduation ceremony or festival, the square transforms—the usual gentle ambiance shifts to an explosion of color, flowers, and laughter as crowds spill into the open space.
Beyond the square itself, you are mere steps from Szeged’s other delights: the Synagogue, the riverside and Tisza embankment, and theatrical venues. But Dugonics tér, in its unhurried charm, remains a crossroads for all of these—a perfect place to start or end your exploration. Instead of grand monuments or endless museums, what awaits is the simple magic of daily life observed in a beautiful, story-filled setting. So if you’re the sort of traveler who treasures lingering in a place and letting it reveal itself at its own pace, you’ll find that Dugonics tér is just what Szeged intends to offer: a true taste of Hungary’s laid-back, cultured, and vibrant south.
