Miskolc History, Hungary
A city found in North-East Hungary, Miskolc is known as a place with deep industrial history. It is the third biggest city in Hungary with a number of residents amounting to 180,000. Also, Miskolc is the capital and regional center of Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen county and Northern Hungary. Learn more facts about this city through Miskolc History.
Miskolc History – Pre-Historic Period and Early History
Based on archaeological findings, the area where Miskolc is located has been occupied since the Prehistoric Era. Artifacts, which date back from the Paleolithic Era, found in the area confirm human presence for more than 70,000 years.
The first identified settlers of Miskolc were from one of the Celt tribes known as Cotinus. During the late 9th century, specifically after the “Conquest”, the place was inhabited by the Hungarians. The town’s name was taken from the Miskolc kinfolk and the first time the town was mentioned by this name was around 1210.
Miskolc History – Middle Ages to the 17th Century
In 1365, Miskolc received the market town status from King Louis I. Apart from this, the King also ordered the castle located in the nearby town to be converted to a Gothic fortress. With all the expansions being done in Miskolc, it had grown to be a major city throughout The Middle Ages.
It was not until the Ottoman occupation that the city’s development became stagnant. Miskolc was burned down by the Turks in 1544 and in 1687 it had to pay extreme taxes.
Before the end of the 1600s, Miskolc had become a significant location for wine-growing. This placed the city in the map gaining a large population and the establishment of 13 guilds.
Miskolc History – 18th and 19th Century
When the War of Independence broke, the Hungarian leader Prince Francis II made Miskolc his headquarters. Because of this, in 1707, the opponent ransacked and burned the city. Four years after the incident, Miskolc suffered from a cholera epidemic, which hit half of the city’s population.
Miskolc did not waver from these misfortunes. It was able to pull through and move towards the development of the city. During the 18th and 19th centuries, buildings and businesses were put up in Miskolc making it more prosperous than ever.
Miskolc History – 20th Century
The First World War did not greatly affect Miskolc. Business continued as usual for the city though cholera epidemics continued to strike the city. It had become the only regional center of Northern Hungary during the 1930s and 1940s. Although Miskolc was affected during the last year of World War II, it was quick to get back on its feet and expand as an industrial city. By the end of the 20th century, Miskolc, apart from being an industrial center, aimed to be a cultural center as well. At present, many investors and tourists go to the city to experience its wealth and culture.
Just by reading these facts in Miskolc History, one will highly appreciate its humble beginnings. If you are looking for more facts on the European continent besides that of Hungary, read through Osijek Travel Guide and Timisoara Travel Guide.
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- Winter trip to Miskolc
review by zdanko posted more then 30 days ago
This was a really snowy morning in Miskolc:) Sadly, I haven't took a picture of our car... it's natural color is red but this morning it all turned into white. Just over one night about 10 centimeters of snow had fallen. It was very beautiful and everything lloked so calm. :) In this morning we...
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