Gyula - Ferenc Erkel Birthplace

(Local Name: Erkel Emlékház) The neo-classical house, built in 1795, is where Ferenc Erkel (1810-93) was born; he was the founder of the Hungarian National Opera and composer of the National Anthem. An exhibition portrays his life and work. On the wall of the house facing Dürer Albert utca there is a plaque pointing out that Albert Dürer was Hungarian by birth. The Ajtóssy family from the nearby village of Ajtós-falva ("Doormaker Village") lived here. Antal Ajtóssy later became a goldsmith, emigrated to the Netherlands and in 1455 went to Nuremberg in Germany where he took the name of "Türer". His son was the brilliant painter and engraver Albrecht Dürer. In Kossuth utca 17, near the castle, is the Dürer Room (Dürer terem), in which temporary exhibitions are held of work by contemporary artists.