The History of Tállya

Since 2002, Tokaj-Hegyalja—and within it, Tállya—has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage as a cultural landscape. Our village lies at the geometric centre of Europe and, as part of the Tokaj wine region renowned for centuries, it offers visitors truly unforgettable experiences.

Walking through the historic buildings that frame the main square, one might not imagine that beneath the ground lies a vast network of cellars with many stories to tell. Once, these underground passages not only served as secret communication routes but also provided shelter in times of danger. Some accounts even claim that the subterranean corridor stretching from Boldogkőváralja to Sárospatak Castle via Tállya was so wide that messenger soldiers could travel through it by horse-drawn carriage. Supporting this legend, there are still underground branches today large enough for a truck to turn around in.

Our Reformed church is Baroque in style, while the Catholic church is built on medieval foundations. Of particular significance is the modest Lutheran church at the foot of the belfry, where—according to oral tradition—Lajos Kossuth was baptised. This historic event is still commemorated by the baptismal font, preserved in its original state.

Continuing along the wooden statues that depict the stages of grape processing, visitors arrive at the phoenix bird symbolising the geographic centre of Europe, and beneath a weeping willow, the renowned rock and mineral exhibition. This unique collection, created by György Encsy, showcases the wonders of nature preserved in stone—offering a glimpse into the ancient history of the Zemplén Mountains through its plants and wildlife.

The Legend of Tokaj

Long ago, when gods and mythical giants were still at war, their terrible battles shook the earth. In their final strike, the gods defeated the giants, tearing away their mighty humps and casting them to the edge of the Hungarian plain.

Thus the Tokaj Hill was formed, and soon fairies made it their home. Yet the fiery, smoke-breathing mountain brought sorrow and hardship to its inhabitants—especially to the young fairy lovers. One fairy youth perished in the crater, and though his beloved searched tirelessly, she never found him again.

In her grief, she shed endless tears, soaking the hillside until her sorrowful drops were absorbed by the vines. Legend says this is why Tokaj wines are so golden and sweet.

So goes the tale—but the true fame of the land and its wine came centuries later, at the Council of Trent, when in 1562 György Draskovics served Tállya wine to Pope Pius IV during a meal.

The Holy Father, in delight, exclaimed:

,,…patrem sanctum talia vina decent”

or:

“Tállya wine befits the Pope’s table!”

Trifecta Manor

3907 Tállya, Rákóczi út 25-27

Phone: +36 30 887 4021

E-mail: recepcio@trifecta.hu