"Tapolca is rich in natural assets. Among its particularly interesting sites are a cave-lake system that may be navigated by small boats and the basalt columns of St George Hill (Szent György-hegy). Also well known for its wine trade, the town has become the cultural centre of the region.The name of the settlement is of Slavic origin; the word means warm water (toplica). There was a military road passing through the area during Roman times and sections of its remains may still be found throughout the settlement.
Between the 14th and the 16th centuries Tapolca was the centre of the region. In additition to being the place of the noble county assembly, in ecclesiastic terms it was also the seat of the decanate.
In the 18th and 19th centuries the town was one of the largest centres of the Balaton region wine commerce. In 1966 it officially regained city status as the cultural and economic centre of the region. Masters of virtually all arts and crafts may be found in or around Tapolca.
The neighbouring district of Diszel was joined to Tapolca in 1977. Diszel is famous today for its First Hungarian Scenic Collection (Első Magyar Látványtár), an exhibition space for contemporary artists.
Among the natural assets in the area the nearly 4-kilometre long cave-lake stands out. Another attractive sight are the basalt columns lining the side of the 415-metre St George Hill, reminders of former volcanic activity. Old wine cellars are tucked into the side of the hill.
How to get there:
By railway, Tapolca is served from Budapest, from Székesfehérvár, and from Keszthely. By bus, Tapolca is served from Keszthely or Veszprém bus terminal. By car, take Route 71 along the shore of the Balaton, then turn off toward Tapolca after Révfülöp or Badacsonytomaj. Coming from Veszprém one may take the road through Nagyvázsony to get here."
Source:
hungarystartshere.com
25.07.2007