The village of Szabadkígyós is one of the most outstanding settlements in Hungary in terms of built and natural values. It lies in the embrace of the Körös-Maros National Park – the Siki plain – 10 km from Békéscsaba and 15 km from Gyula. One of the most beautiful castles in the country, the Wenckheim Castle, is located here, to which the Wenckheim Major is organically connected. The Major was the living space of the service staff, so the visitor can get to know the life of the servants and the rural lords who hold management positions. The Majorság was founded by Count Antal József Wenckheim, and Mór Jókai modeled his famous novel character on him: he was A Hungarian Nabob. Count József Antal Wenckheim built his castle in 1810. This “Old Castle” was built based on the plans of the manorial architect Antal Ziegler, from where the count managed his farm on nearly 60,000 acres. Countess Krisztina Wenckheim was born here, and with her husband, Count Frigyes Wenckheim, she built one of the most beautiful and modern castles in Hungary based on the designs of Miklós Ybl. Among the manorial buildings, one of the most well-preserved houses is the “Intézői lak”, which over time was the residence of the count’s stewards. Here, visitors to Majorság can learn about the life of the manor, the history of Kígyós from the beginning to the present day. Four rooms can be viewed in the building, and by walking through the period interiors, we can absorb the atmosphere of rural bourgeois life. The special interest of the house is that the world-famous neurologist Kálmán Pándy, the namesake of the hospital in Gyula, was born here.

Wenckheim Room:

This living room pays tribute to the Wenckheim family. Several paintings of the family are on display, and here you can see a period replica of the ceremonial dress of the “Hungarian Nabob” and the ball dress of the young Countess Krisztina. The clothes were made by two artists of the Hudák Kéziszövő Workshop in Csorvás, Józsefné Hudák and Mariann Hudák.

Kálmán Pándy memorial room:

The bourgeois interior presents a scientist’s study. Here you can see the relics of Kálmán Pándy, the original diploma of the world-famous neurologist and original family photos from the time. Medical encyclopedias and old books can be seen in the bookcase, and contemporary newspapers can also be browsed here.

Wenckheim hunting room:

Count László Wenckheim’s hunting exhibition from Wenckheim Safaris in Argentina can be seen in the room. The family brought home the family relics from Argentina for the exhibition. The room is also decorated with beautiful trophies, and there is a model of the Major. On the model, József Ferenc and Sissy’s visit to Majorság in 1857 comes to life.

History room:

In this room, you can get to know the history of Kígyós-Oldkígyós-Szabadkigyós, with the story of Kígyós in the center, which is organically connected with the history of the Wenckheim family. We also get a picture of the origins of the family, life in Major, and the economy. Visitors can learn about the past and present of Kýgyós here.

Manager’s terrace:

After viewing the rooms, you can sit out on the terrace, where you can fill up with the Majori atmosphere and the smell of the wilderness.

Cellar:

Finally, we can see the cellar where the crops were stored. Here, amateur creators and artists living in the settlement get the opportunity to present themselves in the framework of temporary exhibitions. The renovated basement area is also suitable for holding friendly and family events.