Zsolnay

Zholnai is an ancient factory in an Ancient Furnace. The city is located in the south-west of Hungary, 200 kilometers from Budapest. Despite its small size, it has many historical and cultural attractions. In 2010, Pecs was recognized as the European Capital of Culture. One of the reasons for this recognition was the renovation of dilapidated buildings in Zholnai, which became the basis of the museum quarter of the same name.

Museum of Porcelain

This is the main object for which tourists tend to visit the famous quarter. Here they can learn about the history of the Zholnai porcelain and ceramic factory. The ancient manufactory is almost 160 years old, so visitors will see many masterpieces of ceramics and porcelain, some of which were awarded a gold medal at the Paris World Industrial Exhibition in 1878.

The main area of the old factory acts as a cultural center. The quarter is located on 12 hectares and receives tens of thousands of tourists, each of whom takes away a lot of positive emotions and impressions. All decorative items and tableware are displayed in chronological order, visitors can clearly see how the style and quality of the products have changed over time.

The Porcelain Museum was established in 1928 to mark the 100th anniversary of Vilmash Zholnai, one of the founders of the industrial dynasty. The museum lived and developed, and after the end of World War II it was nationalized by the Hungarian government. The museum's exposition and storerooms contain a variety of ceramic products, sketches and plans for their production, awards, and a personal archive of letters and photographs of the family.

Memorial Room

It was opened in 1990, and has been of particular interest to tourists ever since. The room is furnished with authentic family-owned furniture. It exhibits paintings, photographs, drawings and jewelry related to the creation of the factory and the lives of members of the famous family.

Fountain

Speaking of the Zholnai family, it is impossible not to mention the fountain donated to the city by Miklos, who has managed the plant since 1900. In addition to the city coat of arms, the fountain has the coat of arms of the Zholnai family, and a commemorative inscription with a wish for the well-being of the residents of Pech is stamped around the circle. The fountain is decorated with bulls' heads, as well as eosin glaze. The fountain is considered one of the symbols of ancient Pecha.

What else to see

For those who are tired of ceramic masterpieces, it may be interesting to visit a puppet theater. Classical music lovers should definitely visit the museum, created in honor of the great Hungarian musician and composer Franz Liszt. Star lovers can admire the sky at the local planetarium, etc.

Factory history

It began in 1853 with the creation of a small manufactory, which employed several workers. After 20 years, the products of the Zholnai factory were recognized at the World Exhibition in Vienna. And in 1878, the director of the factory, Vilmos Zholnai, received the cross of the French Legion of Honor for his invention in the field of ceramics processing.

Many of the decorative items were unique, as they were based on historical styles, and fossil materials were used as decorative elements.