Tésa

Tésa is an ancient Hungarian settlement: it is situated in the valley of the Ipoly River, at the north-western foot of the Börzsöny, directly on the Slovakian border, in a picturesque natural area. One of the main attractions for tourists visiting the village is the tranquillity of the settlement and the magnificent views. Two of the most notable buildings in Tésa are the Roman Catholic Church and the Foglár Castle, where Mór Jókai and Sándor Petõfi were guests. The Baroque church building is decorated with painted sculptures, a richly carved pulpit, an alabaster relief and a fine organ. The former Foglár manor house is also a Baroque building, but is now privately owned and renovation began in 2017. Unfortunately, the history of the hamlet is not a happy one. Settled on its present site after the retreat of the Turks, this one-road settlement in a narrow valley was owned by several noble families over the centuries. After Trianon, with the River Ipoly becoming a national border, cultural, economic and human ties were severed, and no major developments or industrial facilities were built. But the village’s leaders and inhabitants are determined to turn this disadvantage to their advantage: the unspoilt, natural environment is perhaps now a truly attractive and unique destination for people…