Székesfehérvár History: A Glimpse into Hungary's Storied Past
The city of Székesfehérvár, located in central Hungary, is one of the oldest cities in the country and has a long and storied history. Founded by the Magyars in the 9th century, Székesfehérvár was the first capital of Hungary and served as the seat of power for centuries. Today, the city is a bustling metropolis, but its past is still evident in the many monuments and landmarks that visitors can find throughout the city.
The first mention of Székesfehérvár appears in the 10th century, when it was known as Alba Regia. It was a major settlement for the Magyars, who had just recently settled in the area. The city became the first capital of Hungary in 1000 AD and served as such until the mid-14th century. During this time, Székesfehérvár was a major political and religious center, and the city was often visited by kings and other important figures.
In 1241, the city was sacked by the Mongols and much of it was destroyed. However, the city was quickly rebuilt and continued to serve as the capital of Hungary until the mid-14th century. During this period, Székesfehérvár was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Székesfehérvár in 1291, which saw the Hungarian army defeat the Mongols.
In the 16th century, Székesfehérvár became a major center for the Protestant Reformation and was home to many prominent reformers. During this time, the city was heavily fortified and became a major center of trade and commerce. It was also during this period that the city's famous castle, the Royal Palace, was built.
In the 19th century, Székesfehérvár was a major industrial center and the city was home to many factories. The city was also the site of several important battles during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848.
Today, Székesfehérvár is a bustling city with a population of over 100,000. The city is home to many historic buildings and monuments, including the Royal Palace, the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the Cathedral of St. Ladislaus. The city is also home to many museums, galleries and other cultural institutions, making it a great destination for those interested in the history of Hungary.