Jaszbereny Tourist Attractions
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This former small market town on the bank of the River Zagyva, 79km (49mi.) east of Budapest, is the "capital" of the Jászság region, where the Jazygians traditionally settled. This nomadic people, originally from what is now Iran, reached the Carpathian Basin in the 13th C and - like the Cumans from the steppes of southern Russia - were allowed by the King of Hungary to settle in certain areas and retain their tribal structure. In return for this favor they agreed to fight on the side of the Magyars in the event of war. Some of the Jazygians emigrated from the Great Hungarian Plain during the confusion of the Turkish wars; those who did not do so soon lost their special status and mingled with the Hungarian people.The hot spring discovered in 1959 produces 600 liters (130gal.) of water every minute, at a temperature of 45°C (113°F), which flow into a covered pool. The neighboring open-air pool in Hatvani út is also filled with warm water.
Jász Museum
The Classical building is the home of the Jazyg Museum (Jász múzeum), which was founded in 1874 and boasts an extraordinarily rich collection of exhibits. It includes an archaeological department, with finds ranging from ancient times to the Middle Ages, local history items and some beautiful furs made by the Jazygians. The most valuable piece in the collection is a Byzantine ivory horn, known as the "Lehel Horn". According to legend, it is said to have belonged to the Magyar tribal prince Lehel, who was taken prisoner in 955 after being defeated in the battle of Lechfeld. Prior to his execution he asked to be allowed to blow his horn just once more, only to use it to strike down the Hun Emperor Konrad with the words "Thou shalt enter Eternity before me and there be my servant". As he spoke these words a splinter is said to have sprung from the horn. As there is no historical data to support this legend the true origin of the horn remains a mystery.
Kalocsa Franciscan Church
In 1742 the Franciscans, who had succeeded in converting the Jazygs to Christianity, built a Gothic church and monastery in Jászberény. After the Turkish occupation the church was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1723-55, but some Gothic features remain, such as the supporting pillars and an ogival doorway.
Church of the Virgin Mary
The Catholic parish church was built in 1774-82, also on Gothic foundations. The spire of its elegant tower, designed by Andreas Mayerhoffer in 1759, is adorned with a replica of the crown worn by the Hungarian Kings.
