When we took the car in to get the winter tires put on, we did something we have never done before - taken a walk through Szendrő. In the process, we were reminded of at least two sights of cultural-historical importance that we had not been to yet - the Csáky Manor and the Pedellus or Americans House. It was my understanding that an exhibition on the history of education was housed in the building, but it has been moved to a location near the old movie theatre (something we did not know about either) up a side street from the Vas Bolt. Instead, we discovered a gem - a huge (by local standards) lending library. One full side of the magnificent former manor has housed a library (including dvds) since 1990. I have recently come to the realisation that without my former stock of books from my used book store, my English book supply is quickly dwindling and I will soon have to make the plunge and just read Hungarian books. I took it as a good sign that the librarian was registering a new book on mushrooms as we entered. It was also a good omen that our acquaintance Paszti, owner of the local pastry shop (Tel:06/48/460-092) was there making use of the Internet connection.

The late-Baroque-style manor itself was built in 1694 by Count István Csáky, Royal and Imperial Privy Councillor as well as Chief Justice and Chamberlain. Architect Antal Szkalnitzky was also responsible for the Budapest Zoo, Academy of Sciences, National Theatre and Oktogon in Budapest. The edifice incorporates the remains of a wall from a former manor on the site. Significant changes were made during the second half of the 19^th century, but evidence of the Baroque style is still visible in the surviving triumphal gate, arched porch, window grills, and triple-vaulted cellar.

The librarian took us on a tour, and I immediately started recommending books to Kata I spied on the shelves. When left on our own, Kata raided the new arrivals and I went straight to the mushroom reference guides and cookbooks. I borrowed several vegetarian cookbooks, a book on canning and drying food, and a book on organic gardening. We also grabbed the film Cathedral based on Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth and starring Donald Sutherland filmed in Hungary a few years ago; as well as the first 2 DVDs from a large set of History Channel films. There is also an interlibrary loan system we are sure to make use of in the future. There is a River Cottage vegetarian cookbook we would not mind getting our hands on. The other side of the manor is used for cultural events and summer camps.

Address: 3752 Szendrő, Fő út 18.

M-Th: 8:00-16:00, F: 8:00-13:00
May 1 - August 31.
M-Th: 8:00-16:00, F: 8:00-13:00
Sat: 10:00-12:00

For more information:
Please contact the Csáky Manor for guided tours.

Tel: 48/460-395
Email: kozmuvelodes@szendro.hu
Web: www.szendro.hu

Zsuzsa, who took us through the Indigo House last year and also makes a variety of delicious vinegars was also in the library by chance and was able to take us down the road to the Pedellus or Americans House. From the beginning of the 20^th century, but in particular between the two world wars, great numbers of Hungarians emigrated to America. The exhibition is dedicated to those emigrants. The museum was renovated with funds from History Valley Project. One room is dedicated to the emigrants' life before they left for America, while the other room is dedicated to their lives when they returned. In the middle is an exhibition of old kitchen implements inside a walk-in open chimney fireplace. There is a beautiful photo album-music box on display, several pieces of furniture, clothing, and other objects. In a separate section in the former stables is a room without much information of on display, but is nicely done up to resemble the deck of an emigrant transport ship.

Addess: Szendrő, Fő út 7.

Open Hours:
M-Th: 8:00-16:00
F: 8:00-13:00

Tickets:
Adult: 600 Ft
Students, Senior Citizens, Teachers: 400 Huf/person
For more information:

Tel.: 48/460-395
www.szendro.hu