Veszprém’s castle district is getting a fresh makeover, and 2026 is packed with tours, exhibits, concerts, festivals, and more. Kick off your visit with themed guided walks that unlock the area’s thousand-year history and unique vibe. Weekends feature these popular time slots at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., starting from the Biró–Giczey House. These walks open doors to spots you can’t access on your own: the Archbishop’s Palace with its Baroque interiors, revamped spaces, and standout artifacts; Gizella Chapel, the district’s oldest and quietest sacred spot with surviving medieval fresco fragments; St. Michael’s Cathedral and its crypt, which depict Veszprém’s epic past; and St. George’s Chapel, an ancient site right in the heart of the castle, accessible only on these tours. Check the event calendar for exact times and changes.
Free Exhibits at Biró–Giczey House
Pop in anytime during opening hours for these free exhibits. “Bogáncs és liliom – Magdolnák virágai” (Thistle and Lily – Magdalene’s Flowers), the 2025 Exhibit of the Year winner, explores Mary Magdalene through artifacts, engravings, contemporary reflections, and thoughts from Blessed Bódi Mary Magdalene. The “Kamrakiállítás” (Chamber Exhibit) reveals secrets from the cathedral’s past with Baroque items, liturgical pieces, and over-100-year-old photos. “Nem káptalan a fejem” (Not a Chapter on My Head) is a fun, interactive exhibit explaining canons and how Veszprém’s chapter operated in an accessible way. The archaeological exhibit features dazzling installations tracing the castle hill’s settlement changes and unearthed finds across centuries.
April 2026 Highlights
April 14: World Librarians’ Day guided tour of the Koller Library. April 15: Martin Baker and Tamás Kéméndi organ concert at St. Michael’s Cathedral, 7:30 p.m. (Philharmony Organ Subscription). April 17: “Mindszentyvel – Hazatérés” (With Mindszenty – Homecoming) – free guided walk from the Courthouse to Vár Prison Visitor Center, marking Bishop József Mindszenty’s return from Arrow Cross captivity, led by Fr. Balázs Csernai; register for the first 20 spots, 3:20 p.m. April 18: Specialist tour for World Heritage Day with Veronika Nagy and Gábor G.-Kovács. April 18-19: Guided castle walks at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. April 19: St. Michael’s Children’s Choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. Mass at the cathedral, followed by a short anniversary concert for their third year. April 25: Guided walk at 4 p.m.; 7 p.m. Castle Hill Organ Evenings I with Tamás Kosóczki. April 26: Guided walks at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
More April 2026 Picks
April 13: Health Day. April 14: French Club; Story Tuesday at Dózsa City Branch Library. April 15-19: 9th Lélektől Lélekig Színház Gyógyító Ereje Fesztivál (From Soul to Soul Theater Healing Power Festival). April 16: HÁY JÁNOS – Narniától húsvétig; “AZ ÉV FOTÓI 2025” (Photos of the Year 2025) exhibit opening by Bakony Photo Club. April 17: “A talajtól a terített asztalig” (From Soil to the Set Table) talk by chemist János Csicsor. April 18: St. George’s Day craft activities. April 21: Quiz Night at American Corner, Eötvös Károly Library. April 22: Card Club for all ages; Book Title Activity game night (ages 18-99); Dorottya Galambosi’s “De tudod, jövök hozzád!” (But You Know, I’m Coming to You!) launch. April 23: Offbeat literature classes with Zoltán M. Kácsor. April 24: Music history talks by Dr. Tünde Mózes-Szitha on György Kurtág’s publisher; American Vibes at Eötvös Károly Library; Silent Book Club Veszprém. April 25-26: Architecture Festival and Night. April 27: “A ChatGPT biztosan a barátom?” (Is ChatGPT Definitely My Friend?) talk on AI by Melinda Klausz. April 29: Dog therapy for the tiniest tots at Eötvös Károly Library.
May to September 2026 Lineup
May 4-10: Gizella Days. May 24: IV. Veszprém Triathlon Festival. May 30: VIII. Veszprém Defense Day. July 10-19: Rozé, Rizling és Jazz Fesztivál (Rosé, Riesling & Jazz Festival). July 15: Juanes concert, VeszprémFest 2026 ($51+); VeszprémFest overall ($5-$75). July 16: Beth Hart, VeszprémFest. July 17: Kraftwerk, VeszprémFest ($51-$70). July 18: Pink Martini, VeszprémFest ($51). July 23-25: Veszprém Street Music Festival. August 3-9: Auer Festival. August 13-19: 30th Cell-Cup Veszprém International Handball Festival. September 5: X. Tacsi Taxi Veszprém.
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs!
