Sátoraljaújhely

For the Romanian village of Uihei, called Újhely in Hungarian, see Șandra.

Sátoraljaújhely
Town
The historical downtown of Sátoraljaújhely
Flag Coat of arms
Sátoraljaújhely Sátoraljaújhely
Coordinates: 48°23′48″N 21°38′59″E
Country	Hungary
County	Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén
District	Sátoraljaújhely
Area
• Total	73.45 km2 (28.36 sq mi)
Population  (2022)
• Total	13,274
• Density	180/km2 (470/sq mi)
Population by ethnicity
• Hungarians	88.6%
• Roma	4.3%
• Slovaks	1.4%
• Germans	1.0%
• Other	4.7%
Population by religion
• Roman Catholic	27.5%
• Reformed	17.8%
• Greek Catholic	10.0%
• Other religion	2.1%
• Non-religious	6.8%
• Undeclared	35.8%
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	3980
Area code	(+36) 47
Website	www.satoraljaujhely.hu

Sátoraljaújhely (German: Neustadt am Zeltberg; Slovak: Nové Mesto pod Šiatrom; Yiddish: איהעל) is a border town located in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, Hungary. It serves as the center of the Sátoraljaújhely District and microregion. The town is renowned for its wine region and, since 2002, has been part of the Tokaj-Hegyalja Historic Wine Region Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sátoraljaújhely is often referred to as the "Capital of Zemplén" due to its history as the former seat of Zemplén County and as the largest settlement in the Hegyalja region. The town was split by the new border established by the Treaty of Trianon, with the ceded suburb now located in Slovakia, known as Slovenské Nové Mesto.

Etymology

The name Sátoraljaújhely is composed of four Hungarian words: "sátor," meaning "tent" but referring to Sátor Hill. The mountain resembles the shape of a tent, which is why it was given this name; "alja," meaning "bottom of something"," indicating the town's position at the base of the hill; "új," meaning "new"; and "hely," meaning "place" or "location." Thus, Sátoraljaújhely translates to "tent's-bottom-new-place" or "New Place at the Bottom of Sátor Hill".

The earliest known name of the town was Sátorelő, where the suffix "-elő" means "in front of," indicating that the name referred to a settlement located at the foot of Sátor Hill. According to a local legend, this original settlement was destroyed during the Mongol invasion of 1241, and the survivors established a new town, which they named Sátoraljaújhely. While it is likely that the Mongol hordes reached the area, there is no evidence to support the destruction of an earlier settlement. Furthermore, the town continued to be referred to as Sátorelő even after the Mongol invasion. The name change to Sátoraljaújhely occurred later, following a charter issued by King Stephen V in 1261, which granted privileges that accelerated the town's development and attracted settlers (latin: hospes). The town is first mentioned as "Sátoralja Újhely" (Saturalia Wyhel) in a charter issued by King Ladislaus IV in 1282. The "Újhely" ("New Place") designation refers to the settlers invited by the king and the recently founded town.

Demographics

According to the 2001 census, Sátoraljaújhely had a population of 18,335. Of these, 93% identified as Hungarian, 6% as Roma, and 1% as Slovak. A small community of ethnic Germans resides in the Károlyfalva district of the town.

In the 2011 census, the town's population was recorded at 15,655. Among them, 88.6% identified as Hungarian, 12.3% as Roma, 1.6% as Slovak, 1.1% as German, with smaller percentages identifying as Romanian, Ukrainian, and other nationalities. Regarding religious affiliation, 32.1% were Roman Catholic, 19.4% Reformed, 11.9% Greek Catholic, while 12.1% declared themselves non-religious (22.5% did not declare a religious affiliation).

As of 2022, the population was 13,274. Of these, 88.6% identified as Hungarian, 4.3% as Roma, 1.4% as Slovak, with smaller percentages identifying as German, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Rusyn, and Romanian. In terms of religious affiliation, 27.5% were Roman Catholic, 17.8% Reformed, 10% Greek Catholic, and 6.8% identified as non-religious (35.8% did not declare a religious affiliation).

The historical population of Sátoraljaújhely reached its peak of 22,936 residents in 1920. Following this, a decline occurred, and by 1949, after World War II, the city's population had dropped to 17,116. From the 1950s, a period of continuous growth began, with the population increasing to 20,928 by 1980. However, by 1990, this number had decreased to 19,105, followed by a continuous and more significant population decline in subsequent years.

Transportation

Road Network

Sátoraljaújhely is situated very close to the Slovak border, with the main road 37 running through the entire length of the town. Road 381 branches off from road 37, leading to settlements on the Hungarian side of the Bodrogköz region, such as Alsóberecki, Karos, and Cigánd. The town's districts of Károlyfalva and Rudabányácska are connected by road 3718, which winds through Kácsárd and around the Magas-hegy via a serpentine route. This route follows the path of the former narrow-gauge railway and reconnects with road 37 in the Torzsás area of the town. Road 3719 leads towards the Hegyköz region, including destinations like Pálháza and Hollóháza. Two border crossings to Slovakia are accessible from Sátoraljaújhely: the Ronyva Bridge along Rákóczi Street, open to pedestrian and passenger vehicle traffic, and a northern border crossing for freight vehicles and trucks.

Bus Transportation

In Sátoraljaújhely, local public transportation is provided by Volánbusz's regional routes. The bus station is located directly next to the railway station, from where long-distance buses depart to destinations such as Miskolc, Nyíregyháza, and Debrecen. The station is also the starting point for several regional routes serving the settlements in the Hegyköz and Bodrogköz regions. Local bus services connect the town's districts of Rudabányácska, Károlyfalva, and Széphalom. On the opposite side of town, near the central cemetery, there is a bus turnaround, which is another key stop for local transportation.

Taxi Service

The taxi stand is located in the city center at Táncsics Tér (Táncsics Squere), where individual entrepreneurs provide taxi services.

Cycling Opportunities

A cycling path has been constructed along the route of the former narrow-gauge railway, which was dismantled in the 1980s, extending from the town to Sárospatak and towards the Hegyköz region. This path is part of the EuroVelo 11 international cycling network. Within the town, sections of the route are marked by dedicated bike lanes, while others are indicated by road markings. On several one-way streets, cyclists are allowed to enter in the opposite direction, as indicated by supplementary signs. In 2021, the city completed the installation of a rentable electric bike system in collaboration with the nearby towns of Viničky and Zemplén. As part of this project, multiple charging stations and rental points were established across the region, facilitating the convenient use and rental of electric bikes between Sátoraljaújhely and neighboring Slovakian towns.

Railway

The Sátoraljaújhely Railway Station

Sátoraljaújhely railway station is located at the end of the Hatvan–Miskolc–Szerencs–Sátoraljaújhely railway line, with the building designed by the renowned architect Ferenc Pfaff. The railway line was once a double-track main line, but after World War II, it was reduced to a single track due to political and geographical changes. The Mezőzombor–Sátoraljaújhely section was modernized and electrified between 2016 and 2019, allowing trains to travel to Budapest without a locomotive change. Trains depart almost every hour towards Szerencs during the day, with some continuing directly to Budapest via Miskolc, while others have connections to Budapest at Szerencs. Currently, there is no passenger train service towards Slovenské Nové Mesto; this cross-border track is used exclusively for freight traffic. However, from the town center, it is a 15-minute walk to the Slovenské Nové Mesto railway station on the other side of the border, from where direct trains depart towards Košice and Čierna nad Tisou.

Water Transportation

In terms of transportation, the nearby Bodrog River is significant, classified as a class III waterway. Vessels up to 70 meters in length, 8.2 meters in width, and with a draft of up to 2 meters, carrying a maximum load of 1,000 tons, can navigate the river. Although water transportation has been minimal so far, a passenger ferry operates at Felsőberecki. Recently, however, the region has gained importance due to tourism developments. As part of the government's "holiday boat project," a new marina is being constructed above Felsőberecki, near the confluence of the Ronyva and Bodrog Rivers, along with several other locations along the Bodrog, Upper Tisza, and Lake Tisza. There is also a proposal to make the Ronyva navigable from the Bodrog to the inner part of Sátoraljaújhely, but this remains only a suggestion for now.

Industry

Sátoraljaújhely Tobacco Factory - Built at the end of the 19th century

The political and economic transition had a significant impact on the industrial sector of Sátoraljaújhely, particularly affecting local manufacturing plants and major employers. Following the dissolution of the Comecon (CMEA) and the Soviet bloc, the city's former markets largely disappeared, while new economic opportunities were slow to develop. As a result, several large socialist-era enterprises and cooperatives were either liquidated or closed. Some companies attempted to adapt by adopting new business models, such as establishing joint ventures, while others continued their operations under new names after liquidation or relocated their headquarters to other towns. However, several major employers ceased operations permanently.

In the post-transition period, the economy of Sátoraljaújhely gradually stabilized. New companies established themselves in the city, and existing ones changed ownership. As part of this process, the Sátoraljaújhely Industrial Park was established, which now hosts the city's largest industrial facilities. The industrial park includes companies engaged in machinery manufacturing, surface treatment, food processing, and refractory materials production, among others. The city also hosts a significant tobacco processing plant with a history dating back to the 1890s.

Agriculture

As a result of the Treaty of Trianon, a significant portion of the city’s agricultural lands was ceded. The remaining land parcels were transferred to new owners during the post-transition compensation process, where compensation vouchers were exchanged for ownership. State-owned arable lands, particularly vineyards, were privatized during the privatization of the Tokaj-Hegyalja State Agricultural Wine Combine. In 1993, the Wine Combine was transformed into a business entity under the name Tokaj Kereskedőház Zrt., and its headquarters were moved from Sátoraljaújhely to Tolcsva. The vineyards located in the outskirts of the city are protected under the "Tokaj" Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

Commerce

The structure of commerce in the city underwent significant changes after the political transition. Large shopping centers, international retail chains, and supermarkets established themselves in the outskirts of the town. As a result, the city center partially lost its traditional commercial function. Traditional small retail shops have largely remained on Kazinczy Street and Rákóczi Street, with only a few exceptions. The vegetable market operates on the Market Square three days a week (Tuesday, Friday, Sunday), and an industrial goods market (formerly known as the Comecon market) is located alongside the relief road.

Tourism

Cafés and restaurants on the Széchenyi Square

Tourism in Sátoraljaújhely has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in nature-based and active recreation. The surrounding Zemplén Mountains offer a variety of hiking and cycling routes. Magas-hegy is a popular destination with a lookout tower providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. One of the town's main tourist attractions is the Zemplén Kalandpark (Zemplén Adventure Park), home to Hungary's longest chairlift, as well as a bobsled track and a climbing wall center. A notable feature of the park is the Összetartozás Hídja (Bridge of Unity), a glass and steel suspension bridge, inaugurated in 2024, that connects two mountains and offers scenic views. Sátoraljaújhely is located near the Tokaj wine region, renowned worldwide for its wines. The town and its surroundings regularly host wine cellar events where visitors can explore local wines and wineries. The cultural life of Sátoraljaújhely is vibrant, with regular exhibitions, concerts, and local festivals enriching the community. Accommodations in the area range from guesthouses and hotels to campgrounds and tourist lodges.

Attractions

Heroes' Square and St Stephen's Church

Sátoraljaújhely's central square, Kossuth tér, is a defining element of the 19th-century townscape and a significant site in the historic downtown area, known for its wrought-iron balconies. The square is home to the Baroque-style town hall, originally serving as the county hall, which houses archival materials from the 18th and 19th centuries. On the opposite side of the square stands the late Baroque St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, commonly referred to by locals as the "Great Church". This building, one of the town's most important monuments, was constructed on the site of the town's original 13th-century church. Adjacent to the church is Hősök tere (Heroes' Square), which features a memorial to the victims of the 1944 Sátoraljaújhely prison uprising. Nearby, the Baroque-style Waldbott Mansion, though currently not open to the public, remains an architecturally significant site.

Széchenyi Square

Another notable religious and historical landmark is the Pauline-Piarist Church and Monastery complex, originally built in the 13th century. The church, initially owned by the Pauline Order, was later taken over by the Piarists. Nearby is the Rákóczi Chapel, where the hearts of several members of the Rákóczi family are interred. The town is also home to the Holy Trinity Chapel, built in 1710 as a votive chapel following a plague outbreak. Sátoraljaújhely is an important pilgrimage site, especially for the Jewish community, due to the tomb of Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, located in the old Jewish cemetery. This site attracts pilgrims annually, particularly from abroad.

The town’s winemaking traditions are preserved in the Zsólyomka Cellar Row and the Ungvári Cellars, the latter recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another unique feature is the world’s only "Wine Temple" (Bortemplom), which is currently under renovation. Originally a wine trade center with an extensive network of cellars, it remains a testament to the town's rich viticultural history.

The Magyar Kálvária, the 100th National Flag Monument, and the St. Stephen Chapel on Szár-hegy form one of the town's most important memorial sites, commemorating the impact of the Treaty of Trianon, which severely affected the town. The memorial site also includes the Centennial Turul Monument. Nearby, on Várhegy, lie the ruins of Sátoraljaújhely Castle. Although the area is currently undergoing archaeological excavation, the remaining walls reflect the significance of the medieval fortress. Among the town's natural attractions, the Magas-hegy Nature Trail offers visitors an immersive experience in nature, while the Long-erdő (Long Forest) nature reserve serves as a protected habitat for local flora and fauna.

Sports

The mountains of the town

Sátoraljaújhely has a diverse sports scene, with local residents actively participating in various disciplines. The town is home to several gyms offering a range of fitness services and training options for both locals and visitors. Additionally, there is a sports hall and a municipal swimming pool. The town's football team, Sátoraljaújhelyi TKSE, has a long-standing history and remains an integral part of the local sports community. Regular sporting events are organized in the town, such as the Kossuth Staféta running race, which connects Sátoraljaújhely with Sárospatak. The Zemplén Adventure Park offers additional opportunities for sports and recreation, including winter sports. During the winter season, the park features three alpine-quality ski slopes maintained by nine snow cannons and snow groomers. The slopes are serviced by four high-speed lifts, and a ski school is available for beginners, along with equipment rental services. The adventure park also boasts a 2,275-meter-long roller bobsled track, a snow tubing slide, and a 1,000-square-meter ice rink. The town is also home to the youth ice hockey team, the Zempléni Hiúzok (Lynxes of Zemplén). Sátoraljaújhely is also known for producing two notable BMX world champions: Ádám Kun, who won the world title in Cologne in 2002, and Dénes Katona, who became world champion in Prague in 2005. Both athletes have made significant contributions to the sport and have enriched the town's sports history.

Culture

Sátoraljaújhely is a culturally significant town, often referred to as the "capital of Zemplén" and formerly the seat of Zemplén County. The town boasts a rich cultural heritage, with notable figures such as the language reformer Ferenc Kazinczy and the politician Lajos Kossuth having strong connections to the area. It remains one of the cultural centers of the county and is an attractive destination for tourists. The town hosts several cultural institutions, including museums, a theater, and a cinema. The Kazinczy Ferenc Museum offers a variety of collections and exhibitions, including historical, archaeological, and biological displays. The Museum of the Hungarian Language, located in Széphalom, features interactive exhibits that showcase the richness, history, and diversity of the Hungarian language. The Prison Museum, housed in the Sátoraljaújhely Penitentiary and Prison building, provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of the Hungarian penal system. The museum highlights changes in punishment systems, the daily lives of inmates, and the consequences of criminal behavior, and it also offers educational programs and crime prevention lectures. In the realm of theater and cinema, the Latabár Árpád Theater and the Latabár Cinema offer cultural entertainment for both locals and visitors. These venues regularly host theatrical performances, film screenings, and various events. The pedestrian zone and Event Square, featuring an occasional stage and large screen, is a central venue for the city's community and cultural life. Additionally, the Kossuth Lajos Cultural Center plays a significant role in organizing and hosting local cultural programs. The town's largest and most popular event is the Déryné Festival, first organized with the aim of establishing a tradition between July 14 and 18, 2021. This five-day festival features a vibrant array of cultural programs, offering audiences a rich selection of musical performances and high-quality theatrical productions, promising engaging entertainment. The festival has found a true home in Sátoraljaújhely, with nearly 70 free programs held across various locations in the area, attracting thousands of visitors each year. In addition to sold-out theater performances, interactive games, concerts, and dance productions also draw significant interest.

Local Media

In Sátoraljaújhely, Zemplén TV serves the local population as a municipal-owned regional public service television station. The station's broadcasts reach surrounding regions, including Hegyköz, Bodrogköz, Hegyalja, as well as Hungarian-speaking communities in Eastern Slovakia and Transcarpathia. Since 2013, Zemplén TV has broadcast its digital signal on UHF channel 55. Several radio stations are also available in the town and its vicinity, including Szent István Rádió (FM 90.6 MHz), MR1 – Kossuth Rádió (FM 91.9 MHz), Európa Rádió (FM 100.0 MHz), and Zemplén FM (FM 104.9 MHz). Local newspapers include Újhelyi Körkép and Helyi Krónika. Regional press outlets, such as the Észak-Magyarország daily, KULCS magazine, and Nexus Zemplén, also cover local news.

Institutions

The 18th-century Baroque-style Town Hall

Following the political changes after the fall of communism, the administrative system of Sátoraljaújhely underwent significant transformation, with Soviet-style local councils being replaced by local self-government systems. The Municipality of Sátoraljaújhely was established, with a directly elected mayor leading the decision-making body, the municipal council. To fulfill its duties, the municipality has founded several institutions and economic entities that contribute to the city's operation and development. In the realm of centralized state administration, the regional offices of the county government, the police, fire department, judiciary, prosecution service, and healthcare institutions—such as the Erzsébet Hospital of Sátoraljaújhely—continue to play crucial roles in the life of the city. The city's educational system is diverse, featuring institutions operated by the state, religious organizations, and foundations. These include primary schools, art schools, vocational schools, and secondary technical schools, all of which provide education for the youth of Sátoraljaújhely and the surrounding areas.

Notable Figures

See also: Category:People from Sátoraljaújhely

The town of Sátoraljaújhely is the birthplace of numerous individuals who have played significant roles in Hungarian culture, science, and public life. Throughout its history, the town has produced several painters who excelled in decorating churches and public buildings. The literary world has also been enriched by writers and poets from Sátoraljaújhely, some of whom became prominent figures in Hungarian literature. The town’s medical and scientific traditions are notable as well, with several distinguished doctors, pharmacists, and researchers originating from here, contributing to the development of Hungary's healthcare and scientific communities. Additionally, Sátoraljaújhely has a remarkable theatrical tradition, being associated with several renowned actors and directors who left a lasting mark on Hungarian theater. Politically, the town is significant, as it has been home to several public figures and politicians who played important roles in Hungary's historical and political events. These individuals have all contributed to making Sátoraljaújhely a well-known name in Hungarian culture and history.

Ferenc Kazinczy

Ferenc Kazinczy settled in the outskirts of Sátoraljaújhely at the age of 42, on his Bányácska estate, which he renamed Széphalom. Széphalom became one of the centers of Hungarian literature in the early 19th century. Until his death, Kazinczy worked at the archives of Zemplén County. During his years in Széphalom, Kazinczy actively participated in the public life of Sátoraljaújhely and even served as the chief elder of the local Reformed Church community for a time. The town played an important role in preserving the Kazinczy legacy and in the establishment of the Kazinczy cult. The Rákóczi Masonic Lodge, founded in 1881, supported the preservation of Kazinczy's house and garden. In 1902, the Kazinczy Circle was established in Sátoraljaújhely, with members including civil servants, teachers, clergy, doctors, and educated intellectuals.

Lajos Kossuth

Lajos Kossuth attended secondary school at the Piarist gymnasium in Sátoraljaújhely, and after completing his legal studies, he returned to the town in 1820. It was here that he gave his first public speech as a law clerk from the balcony of the County Hall (now the Town Hall). During his lifetime, Lajos Kossuth was held in high esteem in Zemplén County and the town. This respect was evident when, on his birthday in 1892, the county assembly named him an honorary citizen. The town erected a statue in honor of Lajos Kossuth, which was unveiled on May 28, 1911, in the Main Square. On the back of the statue’s pedestal, there is an excerpt from a letter Kossuth wrote from Turin: "… I was born in Monok… but my earliest memories are tied to Újhely, with the sweetness of attachment to my homeland. Újhely was the cradle of my childhood… And I am proud to call myself a Hungarian man of Újhely."

History

Sátoraljaújhely has often played an important role in the region's history: revolts against Habsburg rule began there in the 17th and 18th centuries. After the Revolution of 1848, Sátoraljaújhely developed rapidly owing to its location close to important trade routes leading to Poland, Ruthenia, and Transylvania. The town's light industry led to it becoming the capital of the comitatus (county) of Zemplén in the 17th century.

Sátoraljaújhely has always been an important town in culture. Ferenc Kazinczy, one of the reformers of the Hungarian language, lived here in the 18th century. At the turn of the 20th century the town was home to a small but important Jewish community: some 4,500 of the town's 13,000 residents were Jewish. The community counted among its members Moses Teitelbaum and Michael Heilprin.

Under the Treaty of Trianon, Hungary lost its northern territories. The border was set at the Ronyva stream, splitting the city into two parts. One-fifth of the population and one-fourth of the territory of the town became part of Czechoslovakia. The newly created village got the name of Slovenské Nové Mesto ("Slovak new town") in Slovak; Szlovákújhely ("Slovak new town") or Kisújhely ("Little new town") in Hungarian. Two railway lines and the industrial zone were lost to Hungary. The town's industry was being rebuilt during the interwar period, but the outbreak of World War II disrupted this development. Nazi repression, continuous bombing after 1943, the killing of most of its Jewish population (most were forcibly sent to Auschwitz) and finally the Soviet occupation left the town in a very poor condition.

During the reorganisation of administration in 1950, the former comitatus of Zemplén became part of the united Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, and Sátoraljaújhely lost its county capital status. Sátoraljaújhely was rebuilt again and is today a national ski centre and tourism destination.

Before the Hungarian Conquest

Prehistoric Age

Evidence of human activity in the Zemplén Mountains dates back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Tools made from local materials such as obsidian, jasper, clay, and quartzite confirm that various prehistoric cultures lived in this region. Eastern Hungary, including the area around Sátoraljaújhely, was home to hunter-gatherer groups from the late Paleolithic Gravettian culture. In 2002, remains of a Neolithic settlement were uncovered at Bibérc-tanya, located southwest of today’s Sátoraljaújhely. These finds included pottery fragments and obsidian flakes. Further evidence of early human settlement was discovered in the 1870s along the banks of the Ronyva Creek, in the northern part of the town. This site was inhabited by a community 4,000–5,000 years ago that practiced farming and animal husbandry. The people lived in clay-plastered, partially underground houses, raised cattle, sheep, and pigs, kept dogs, and grew grains. Their tools, crafted primarily from stone, were shaped through polishing and knapping. The painted ceramics and clay figurines discovered in the Sátoraljaújhely area, which may have depicted deities, hold exceptional cultural significance for the region.

Antiquity

In the Bükk Mountains, large earth forts and fortified settlements were established, while a significant power center emerged in the Upper Tisza region. The discovery of several cemeteries in the Bodrogköz region suggests that the territory was densely inhabited. For two millennia, from the early 3rd millennium BCE to the transition between the 2nd and 1st millennia BCE, the Carpathian Basin was dominated by peoples who crafted bronze tools and weapons. Approximately 3–4 kilometers south of the present-day city, the Bibérc sand dune was inhabited for millennia by a settled community. In 2002, remnants of a settlement belonging to the Bronze Age Ottomány culture were discovered in this area, though no detailed excavations have been conducted. The Várhegy area was also inhabited during this period, yielding Bronze Age ceramic finds. In the 7th–5th centuries BCE, Transylvania and the Great Hungarian Plain were dominated by the Scythians, an Iranian-origin horse-riding pastoralist people. The region of present-day Sátoraljaújhely was situated on the frontier of their empire. In the 3rd century BCE, Celtic tribes settled in the area around present-day town. Their nearest center and fortified settlement were built on the banks of the Bodrog river, near the village of Zemplén. At that time, the region was inhabited by the Anartes tribe, while to their west lay the territory of the Cotini. In the 2nd century CE, an important trade route was established from Aquincum, the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia, passing through Hatvan and leading toward the area of present-day Miskolc, then further northeast along the Bodrog River. Evidence of these intense trade connections includes Roman coins found on the slopes of Vár-hegy in Sátoraljaújhely. Among these were coins minted by Roman emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. Additional coins linked to military activity were discovered on Sátor-hegy. By the late 4th century, East Germanic tribes such as the Vandals and Gepids, fleeing the advancing Huns, settled in the Zemplén region. At the turn of the century, the Huns themselves arrived in the area. The Huns' dominance lasted for about 150 years, but after the death of Attila, their empire rapidly collapsed. Following the demise of the Huns, the Gepids established an independent kingdom that lasted for about a century and included the territory of present-day Sátoraljaújhely.

Early Middle Ages

The Lombards, who controlled Transdanubia, formed an alliance with the Avars, based along the Lower Danube, and together they overthrew the Kingdom of the Gepids. At this time, the area of present-day Sátoraljaújhely came under Lombard rule in 557. However, their dominion was short-lived; due to the growing threat posed by the Avars, the Lombards left the Carpathian Basin and migrated to Northern Italy in 568. After their departure, the Carpathian Basin fell under the control of the Avars, leading to the establishment of the Avar Khaganate in 568. The Avar rule lasted until the early 9th century and encompassed the territory of modern Sátoraljaújhely. During this period, Slavic communities began settling in the area, as evidenced by the remains of several settlements linked to them. Whether the Avars survived to witness the arrival of the Hungarians remains a topic of debate among historians. In 1899 an excavation east of the Roman Catholic parish church in Sátoraljaújhely uncovered a grave containing human and horse bones, likely dating back to the Avar period. This type of horse burial was characteristic of the steppe peoples, supporting the idea that Avars once inhabited the region. Nearby, in the vicinity of Alsóberecki, remains of a 9th-century Avar settlement were also discovered in the late 19th century. Traces of a late Avar-era settlement, potentially Slavic or Avar, were unearthed in 2014 in an area known as Ortói-dűlő, further confirming the historical significance of the region prior to the Hungarian conquest.

From the Hungarian Conquest to the Battle of Mohács (895–1526)

Unknown Centuries (9th–12th Centuries)

No written records exist regarding the settlement of Sátoraljaújhely prior to 1261. Anonymus mentions the surrounding area in his Gesta Hungarorum, but only refers to the hill or group of hills called Sátorhalma (today known as Sátor-hegy) and the Ronyva stream and Bodrog Rivers, without mentioning any settlement. According to the work, this region was granted to Ketel by Grand Prince Árpád:

"The envoys of Duke Árpád, Oundu, father of Ethe, Ketel, father of Oluptulma, and Turzol, the Cuman warrior, whose line perished with him, coming to the River Bodrog, swam across at that place where a little river, running by Saturholmu, flows into the Bodrog. And thus having crossed the Bodrog river, when they rejoicing crossed the aforesaid little river, then by the swell of the waters and with his horse blundering, Ketel sank into the water, and with his companions’ help narrowly escaped death. Then that river was jokingly called by Ketel’s companions Ketelpotaca. And afterwards Duke Árpád gave by his grace to Ketel the whole land with its inhabitants from Satorholmu to the Tulsuoa river, and he gave not just this but more besides because, after Duke Árpád had conquered the whole land of Pannonia, he gave to Ketel for his most faithful service a great land beside the Danube where the Vág river flows."

— Anonymus, notary of King Béla III, The Gesta Hungarorum

The discovery of significant leader graves from the period of the Hungarian Conquest in the surrounding area—such as in the nearby Karos cemetery—suggests that this region likely served as an early residence for the ruling elite.

The Founding of the City (1261)

The early history of Sátoraljaújhely is uncertain, and the circumstances of its founding remain unclear. No authentic written records from the 11th–12th centuries directly reference the area of present-day Sátoraljaújhely; such records only appear in greater numbers from the 14th century onward. Additionally, no archaeological excavations of the city's core or surrounding areas have been conducted, further complicating efforts to reconstruct its early history. The official founding year of Sátoraljaújhely is considered to be 1261, when Prince Stephen (later King Stephen V) granted privileges to the inhabitants of the settlement then known as Sátorelő. As a prince, Stephen sought to advance the development of villages and towns within his domain. In 1261, he granted Sátorelő the status of a town and the accompanying privileges, including economic, administrative, and trade rights, which significantly encouraged settlement and urban development. It is unclear whether buildings already existed on the territory of the modern city before the granting of privileges, or if construction began only afterward. While it is possible that some structures were present, the privileges attracted settlers (hospites), leading later documents to describe the settlement as if it were a newly founded town. For this reason, some historians, such as István Tringli, regard the charter of privileges as an act of foundation. Following the royal settlement effort, the town's name also changed. A charter issued by King Ladislaus IV in 1282 referred to the settlement as "Sátoralja Újhely" (Saturalia Wyhel). The ethnic background of the settlers is subject to speculation. As with nearby settlements such as Bodrogolaszi, the settlers may have included Walloons or Germans from Western Europe, though no evidence supports this. The earliest recorded personal names from the town do not indicate Walloon or German origins. If such ethnic groups were present, they likely assimilated quickly into the Hungarian population. Given that serfs were still free to move in the 13th century, it is more plausible that the settlers were primarily local people – Hungarians, or Slavs.

The Content of the Charter of Privileges

The 1261 charter of privileges for Sátoraljaújhely established numerous rights and obligations for the town's residents. According to the charter, the inhabitants were required to pay land rent on St. Stephen's Day, equivalent to the value of two pondus (4.87 grams) of silver. In judicial matters, the Count of Sárospatak had no authority over them; minor cases were adjudicated by their own judge, while major cases fell under the king’s jurisdiction. The residents were granted free fishing rights on the Bodrog River, which had previously been reserved for the lord of Sárospatak. Regarding inheritance rights, settlers without heirs could freely dispose of their property. Additionally, they were allowed to hold toll-free markets on Mondays, and free individuals could settle in the town without restrictions. The residents had the right to elect a new judge annually and to freely choose their priest. They also enjoyed customs exemptions across the surrounding seven counties and, in times of danger, could seek refuge in the fortress on Sátor-hegy, where the Castellan (fortress commander) held judicial authority over them. Furthermore, they were allowed to send envoys directly to the king.

Alongside these privileges, the residents also had obligations. They were required to pay tithes, as did the hospites of Patak. If they failed to build on their plots within a year, they risked losing them. The community was collectively responsible for maintaining the cistern's water supply in the fortress and was required to participate in local judicial processes. They were obligated to perform military service for the defense of the town and fortress and were also required to host the king if he visited.

Royal Estate and Internal Conflicts (13th Century)

In the second half of the 13th century, Sátoraljaújhely's economic significance grew steadily, particularly due to viticulture and winemaking, which became the town's primary source of income. While the first charter of privileges did not mention viticulture, numerous references to it appear in records from the 14th century. The fortress was likely built initially for defense against the Mongols, although the first major military conflict affecting the area occurred in 1264. That year, a civil war broke out between King Béla IV and his son, Prince Stephen, resulting in significant battles in the surrounding region. In 1281 or 1282, another conflict reached the area when Finta, a member of the clan of Aba, rebelled against King Ladislaus IV. The king spent a month in the castle of Sátoraljaújhely during the uprising. Later, in 1285, the Mongols invaded Hungary again, causing devastation in the region. However, it is unclear whether Sátoraljaújhely was directly affected by this event. Throughout this period, Sátoraljaújhely remained part of the Patak Forest Lordship, which was under the direct control of the Árpád dynasty.

The Era of the Provincial Lords (14th Century)

The extinction of the Árpád dynasty in 1301 significantly impacted the history of Sátoraljaújhely. In 1312, intense battles unfolded in the region when the sons of Amadeus Aba rebelled against King Charles I, launching attacks on the Patak Forest Lordship and the king’s supporters. The rebellion was crushed by the king on June 15 at the Battle of Rozgony. A few years later, in late 1314 or early 1315, the king faced another rebellion. The sons of Palatine Stephen from the clan Ákos, supported by the forces of Matthew III Csák, burned Sárospatak. At the end of 1316, Peter, son of Petenye and lord of Zemplén, also rebelled against the king, although little is known about the events of this uprising. The conflicts between 1312 and 1316 likely affected Sátoraljaújhely, though there is no direct evidence in contemporary sources. Under the Árpád dynasty, the Patak Forest Lordship—and with it Sátoraljaújhely—remained under royal authority. However, during the reign of Charles I, the town was granted away twice: first during the conflicts of the 1310s, and again around 1327. As a result, according to the Hungarian medieval legal norms, the town's charter of privileges became invalid, as the rights it conferred could only be exercised under direct royal rule.

The Beginning of the Perényi and Pálóci Families' Rule (15th Century)

In 1390, Nicholas Perényi, Ban of Severin, requested the Patak lordship from King Sigismund. While the king issued a charter granting the estate, Perényi did not gain ownership because Queen Mary, who held the estate, refused to consent to the donation. However, in 1392, King Sigismund exchanged the estate with Perényi, granting him Sárospatak and its dependencies. This donation did not entirely remove the estate from royal jurisdiction, as the king retained the right to reclaim it or grant it to another vassal. Ownership often remained temporary, especially if the noble family holding it died out or fell out of royal favor. Following Nicholas Perényi’s death in 1428 without heirs, Sátoraljaújhely and the Patak Forest Lordship reverted to the crown. In 1429, King Sigismund granted the Patak lordship to the Pálóci brothers: George, Archbishop of Esztergom; Mátyus, judge royal; and Emeric. Under the Pálóci family's rule, the estate expanded for the first time in decades when, in 1450, they purchased the neighboring settlement of Szépbánya, also known as Bányácska, now Rudabányácska. In 1453, after King Ladislaus V ascended the Hungarian throne and sought to stabilize the post-civil war situation, he confirmed the Pálóci family in their estates, including the Patak lordship. Between 1490 and 1492, during John I Albert of Poland's attempt to claim the Hungarian throne, the Pálóci family used the fortress at Sátoraljaújhely to block the prince’s Hungarian supporters from reaching his camp. In response, Polish forces briefly captured the fortress and the towns of Sárospatak and likely Sátoraljaújhely. In 1514, several residents of the town joined the Dozsa Rebellion, during which the mob looted the two local monasteries, seized their estates, and destroyed their charters. Despite occasional divisions of the estate among family members or its temporary mortgaging, the Pálóci family remained in possession of the Patak lordship until 1526.

From the Battle of Mohács to the Rákóczi War of Independence (1526–1711)

In 1508, the Perényi family acquired the castle of Siklós in southern Hungary, which they chose as their primary residence. However, due to the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, they decided to relocate their seat to northeastern Hungary, selecting Sárospatak as their new center. It is important to note that this decision did not result in an immediate relocation, as Sátoraljaújhely remained under the ownership of the Pálóci family until 1526. After the Battle of Mohács, in which Antal Pálóci perished without a male heir, his estates were seized by Peter Perényi, the Count of Temes. Peter, a relative of Antal Pálóci’s mother, took advantage of the post-battle chaos and occupied the Patak lordship. While his actions were legally questionable, his possession was later confirmed by both John Zápolya and Ferdinand I in exchange for political support. During their relocation, the Perényi family brought a significant number of Slavonian (referred to as tót in contemporary sources) and Hungarian nobles and serfs, who primarily settled in Sárospatak and Sátoraljaújhely. In return for their services, these settlers were exempted from feudal obligations. The Perényi family controlled the lordship for two generations, introducing numerous significant changes that had long-term effects on the town's development. In 1526, Peter Perényi aligned with King Ferdinand I, leading John Zápolya to declare the Perényi estates as royal property, though he was unable to seize them. At this time, King John regarded Sátoraljaújhely as his own town. In February 1528, after retreating from central Hungary, John Zápolya personally besieged the fortress and resided in the Pauline monastery during the siege. The fortress, defended by its captain Simon de Athina, eventually surrendered, but Ferdinand’s forces recaptured it in the summer of 1528. In September, Athina retook the fortress, which became one of the few strongholds loyal to Szapolyai in the following months. In the spring of 1529, Peter Perényi besieged the fortress with his own forces and installed a new captain. The repeated sieges caused destruction to the surrounding areas, as King John’s supporters continued to raid the lordship. To avoid leaving an indefensible fortress near his newly built Sárospatak Castle, Peter Perényi chose not to rebuild the fortress at Sátoraljaújhely. By 1538, the fortress was already in ruins, and no efforts were made to restore it. The conflicts surrounding the fortress likely had a detrimental impact on the town's development. Following the destruction of the fortress, the Perényi family focused on fortifying Sárospatak, surrounding it with walls and building a new residence there. In the 1530s, the ideas of the Reformation began to spread in Sátoraljaújhely, supported by Peter Perényi. The dissolution of Catholic ecclesiastical institutions started during this period. In the 1540s, under the direction of Gabriel Perényi, the lord of the town, the reform of the town and the entire lordship continued. By 1548, a Protestant pastor was already serving in Sátoraljaújhely. As the Perényi family adhered to Lutheranism, the local congregation followed the same confession until 1567. After this, although no formal change occurred, the town and surrounding region gradually transitioned to the Calvinism. In 1563, Gabriel Perényi, Peter’s son, made an agreement with Maximilian II regarding the future of his estates. He agreed that if he died without a male heir, the Patak lordship would revert to the crown according to legal inheritance laws. In 1566, Sultan Suleiman I launched a campaign against Hungary, assisted by John Sigismund, Prince of Transylvania. John Sigismund’s task was to tie down royal troops in eastern Hungary while the main Ottoman army fought in Transdanubia. A Crimean Tatar contingent accompanying John Sigismund likely invaded the Patak lordship through the Bózsva Valley, causing widespread devastation. Sátoraljaújhely suffered perhaps its greatest wartime destruction in history during this invasion. The Crimean Tatars burned 86% of the town’s buildings, including the Augustinian monastery, and captured many residents as slaves. The Augustinian monastery had already been dissolved or abandoned by this time, and when the Tatars burned it, the building stood empty. Its properties had already been confiscated by the lordship, and the monastery gradually faded from public memory. The Pauline monastery had a different fate. It survived the early decades of the Reformation, partly because it operated as an independent estate and was not fully controlled by the surrounding Protestant lords. However, monastic life eventually ceased as the town’s residents converted to Protestantism, and the lack of donations led to the monastery's dissolution. Gabriel Perényi confiscated the monastery’s gold and silver liturgical items and vestments, along with its estates. In 1559, he returned these items in exchange for the Paulines dropping their legal claims. In 1567, Gabriel Perényi died, marking the end of the wealthiest branch of the Perényi family. After his death, the Patak lordship reverted to the crown, and its administration was taken over by the royal treasury.

Transitional Period (1567–1608)

After the Battle of Mohács, the Dobó family of Ruská laid claim to the Pálóci estates but was unable to acquire them from the Perényi family. Following the death of the last member of the Perényi family in 1567, the town reverted to royal ownership and was managed as a treasury estate. This development reopened opportunities for the Dobó family. In 1573, King Maximilian pawned the lordship to István Dobó's widow and his son, Ferenc Dobó. After Ferenc Dobó's death in 1602, the inheritance of the estate became entangled in a complex legal process. Initially, the royal treasury confiscated the estate, but after a year-long dispute, Ferenc Dobó’s widow, Zsófia Perényi, was granted possession. During the Bocskai Uprising, which began in 1604, the region saw repeated military campaigns by both royal forces and Bocskai’s hajdú troops, causing extensive devastation. In 1605, the armies of Giorgio Basta, the royal general, ravaged the town, followed by Bocskai’s hajdú troops in 1606 and 1607. Basta's forces even burned the buildings in the vineyard areas, inflicting significant damage. After 1608, the estate passed to Borbála Zeleméri and later to her daughter, Zsuzsanna Lorántffy, through whom it came into the possession of George Rákóczi I. The Dobó family and their heirs, as well as the Rákóczi family, followed the Reformed faith, and until the 1670s, the majority of the town’s population adhered to the same. The Reformation left a significant mark on the intellectual character of the town, shaping its cultural and religious life.

Jewish history

Abandoned Jewish synagogue and cemetery

Historically, Újhely (Sátoraljaújhely) belonged to the county of Zemplén. Documents show that in 1734 Jews were living at Sátoraljaújhely and that they were allowed to acquire real estate. It is evident that the community was then increasing; for 10 years later the Jews possessed a school which in 1829 received a bequest of 260,000 florins from Martin Raphael Kästenbaum, and which was thenceforth known by his name.

The oldest tombstone bears date of 1760, although the ḥebra ḳaddisha, with which was connected to a hospital, was not established until 1772, its founder being an itinerant rabbi named Naphtali Hirsch. The first ḥebrabook has a drawing on its title-page representing the last rites.

A synagogue was built at Sátoraljaújhely in 1790; and when it was demolished in 1887, to be replaced by a new house of worship, it was found to have 8 subterranean chambers, which probably served as safe hiding rooms from local antisemitic pogroms. The oldest document of the community is dated 1831, during the rabbinate of Moses Teitelbaum, of whom the story is told that Lajos Kossuth, afterward leader of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, when suffering from an infantile sickness, was brought to him, and that the rabbi blessed the child and, referring to the word "ḳosheṭ" in Psalm lx. 6 (A. V. 4), prophesied his future greatness. Teitelbaum died in 1841, and was succeeded by his grandson Yekusiel Yehuda Teitelbaum, who in about year 1848 went to Gorlice.

Jeremiah Löw was then appointed rabbi of Ujhely. Löw, who was one of the leaders of the Orthodox party, was succeeded by the chief rabbi, Koloman Weisz, and the preacher Isidor Goldberger. Michael Heilprin, who acted as secretary to Minister Bertalan Szemere in 1848, was, prior to the Revolution, a teacher in the Jewish school of Ujhely.

The Jews of the city in 1905 numbered 4,500 out of a total population of 13,000.

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Hungary

Sátoraljaújhely is twinned with:

• Krosno, Poland (2006)
• Opole Lubelskie, Poland (2003)
• Sărățeni, Romania
• Sindos, Greece (2000)
• Waadhoeke, Netherlands (1991)

See also

• Satmar, Ujhel-Siget Hasidic dynasties
• History of the Jews in Hungary

See also: újhely

Sources

• Csorba, Csaba; Fehér, József; Hőgye, István; Kováts, Dániel (1986). Sátoraljaújhely 1261–1986 (in Hungarian). Sátoraljaújhely: Sátoraljaújhely Város Tanácsa. ISBN 963-03-2634-5.
• Csorba, Csaba (1986). Sátoraljaújhely város kiváltságlevele 1261 [The Charter of Privileges of the Town of Sátoraljaújhely 1261] (in Hungarian). Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén Megyei Levéltár. ISBN 963-01-7564-9.
• Csorba, Csaba (2011). Sátoraljaújhely városkönyve - 750 év krónikája [The Town Book of Sátoraljaújhely - Chronicle of 750 Years] (in Hungarian). Sátoraljaújhely Város Önkormányzata. ISBN 978-963-88003-67.
• Tringli, István (2011). Magyar Várostörténeti Atlasz 2 [Hungarian Atlas of Historic Towns 2] (in Hungarian). Sátoraljaújhely: MTA Történettudományi Intézete. ISBN 978-963-9627-44-4.
• Mihalovicsné Lengyel, Alojzia (2011). "Sátoraljaújhely a századfordulók értékeinek vonzásában" [Sátoraljaújhely in the Attraction of the Values of the Turn of the Centuries]. Zempléni Múzsa (in Hungarian). 11 (3). Sárospatak: Zempléni Múzsa Társadalomtudományi és Kulturális Alapítvány: 27–36. ISSN 1587-1762.
• Mihalovicsné Lengyel, Alojzia (2012). "Sátoraljaújhely 750 esztendejének krónikája" [The Chronicle of Sátoraljaújhely's 750 Years]. Zempléni Múzsa (in Hungarian). 12 (3). Sárospatak: Zempléni Múzsa Társadalomtudományi és Kulturális Alapítvány: 97–100. ISSN 1587-1762.
• Csorba, Csaba (2017). „Szerettem volna, ha nem kísért a múlt” - Sátoraljaújhely zsidóságának története ["I Wished the Past Wouldn’t Haunt Me" - The History of the Jewish Community of Sátoraljaújhely] (in Hungarian). Sátoraljaújhely: Zempléni Regionális Vállalkozásfejlesztési Alapítvány. ISBN 978-963-128-90-84.

External links

• Official website in Hungarian