From Brick to Church – A Selection of Medieval Heritage from Zala County is an interactive exhibition presenting the medieval finds uncovered during the archaeological excavations on the basement level of the Mindszentyneum. It also features the first written document mentioning Egerszeg, as well as religious relics and remarkable treasures from Zala County.
From Brick to Church
The exhibition’s main objective is to present the brick kilns discovered during the archaeological excavations carried out prior to the construction of the Mindszentyneum. These medieval brick-burning kilns played a significant role in the architectural history of Zalaegerszeg.
The kilns are displayed at their original excavation site. Their history is closely connected to the former Castle of Egerszeg, traces of which were also uncovered by archaeologists during the excavations.
A Future Built on the Past
Based on the research results of these historically significant archaeological features, an animated film brings the past to life before visitors’ eyes. The heyday of the brick kilns on display dates back to the major construction projects of the 14th and 15th centuries. Their eventual abandonment was partly caused by the wooden palisade wall of the Castle of Egerszeg, built during the Ottoman period, when its line of timber posts and surrounding moat cut through one of the kilns.
Can you find the fragment of the 1247 charter on display in which the name Egerszeg was mentioned for the very first time?
Treasures of Zala County
The exhibition also tells the stories of other treasures, buildings, and fascinating sites discovered throughout Zala County, primarily those connected to religious history, offering visitors a glimpse into the medieval world. The presentation of the county’s monastic and military religious orders is largely based on the results of recent archaeological research, and the exhibition is continuously updated with new discoveries from ongoing excavations.
Did you know that a complete set of medieval book fittings was discovered during the excavation of the church and monastery at Türje?
Places Worth Exploring
If you would like to learn more about the origins and discovery sites of the relics featured in the exhibition, be sure to visit some of these fascinating locations after your tour:
- Archaeological Excavations: Excavations are currently ongoing in Vállus, where visitors can occasionally take part in special archaeological programmes.
- Franciscan Church of Keszthely: The Franciscan church and monastery still stand on Keszthely’s Main Square. While the church has largely preserved its original medieval form, the monastery building has undergone significant alterations. The Gothic wall paintings uncovered in the sanctuary represent the largest surviving medieval mural surface in present-day Hungary.
- Premonstratensian Abbey Church of Türje: One of Hungary’s earliest and best-preserved Premonstratensian abbey churches stands atop a hill in the centre of the village of Türje, northwest of Zalaegerszeg.
- Zalavár Historical Memorial Park: Located on Vársziget (Castle Island) near Zalavár, on the shores of Lake Kis-Balaton, the park preserves unique Late Carolingian remains alongside numerous historical and natural treasures.
An Interactive Exhibition
The exhibition has been designed to engage visitors of all ages through interactive experiences. Alongside traditional displays, it incorporates modern technology as well as hands-on and flip-through elements to encourage active exploration.
What kind of medieval illuminator would you be? Test your artistic skills by creating your own decorative initial!
Learning Through Play
A wide variety of interactive activities awaits visitors throughout the exhibition, making learning both enjoyable and engaging. Here are just a few examples:
- Religious Orders and Coats of Arms: Turn the interactive panels to discover the heraldry and clothing of different religious orders.
- Digital Medieval County Map: Explore the monastic heritage sites of Zala County using the interactive touchscreen map.
- The Legend of Saint Ursula: Read the legend of Saint Ursula and examine the 14th-century pilgrim badge discovered at Csatár using a magnifying glass.
- Brick Making: Try the interactive wall game and see if you can remember all the steps of medieval brick production.
Our Favourites
Curator Lívia Simmer’s Favourite:
Did you know that in 2020 the two brick kilns were carefully lifted using a special conservation technique, transported to storage under heritage protection permits, and then returned to their original location in October 2021?
“This is not only the largest catalogued archaeological artefact in our collection, but it is also the one connected to my greatest personal experiences as an archaeologist. Excavating the kiln hidden beside the water-filled moat of the Castle of Egerszeg was already a major challenge. During the years-long, nationally unique process of rescuing and reconstructing it, I had the privilege of working with determined, enthusiastic and dedicated people who taught me that selfless teamwork can make even our greatest dreams possible.”
Curator Hajnal Praznovszky’s Favourite: The Stories
“I am grateful to have been an active participant in creating this relatively small yet remarkably informative exhibition. The stories told by the archaeological finds were a constant source of inspiration. We aimed to share as many of them as possible in a way that offers something fascinating for visitors of every age.”
