Sárospatak is located in the beautiful Tokaj wine region on the bank of the Bodrog River close to the Slovakian border. It's a charming small town (population ≈15,000) with a vibrant history and an exceptional devotion to education and the arts. In the Middle Ages, the Kings of the House of Árpád had their rural estate here, and in 1207, St. Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew II was born in Sárospatak. During the Renaissance and Reformation, Sárospatak flourished. Péter Perényi founded the town's first Protestant college and its castle in the 1530's. Soon, academics from throughout central Europe traveled to the town, giving it the nicknames “the Athens of the River Bodrog” and later “The Hungarian Cambridge.” The Rákóczi family came into possession of the town's castle in 1614, and Sárospatak prospered until the Rákóczi's fell after the failure of Francis Rákóczi II's 1703-1711 uprising against Hapsburg rule of Hungary.

 

From this rich past, Sárospatak has retained a unique character and architectural heritage, including, the castle and its surroundings, the several historical churches (Protestant and Catholic), and the Reformed College campus. From modern times, Sárospatak boasts two key works of Hungarian organic architect Imre Makovecz, the Cultural Center and the Secondary School. These sites and others provide excellent facilities for our festival. Sárospatak also provides an intimate, peaceful setting that will encourage the spiritual nature of our Institute. The town is accessible from Budapest by bus or train. Travel directions will be sent with the acceptance letter or can be found on our website. For those international participants younger than 18 years of age, special arrangements will be made to meet them at the airport, bus or train stations in Budapest and special supervision will be given during the Institute. Any questions from parents are welcome.

See also a Hungarian short film about the city of Sárosaptak: 

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