Horváth M. Ferenc (szerk.): Vác The heart of the Danube Bend. A historical guide for residents and globetrotters (Vác, 2009)
Tartalom
218 SIGHTSEEING It is the best-known square in Vác with a complex past: for centuries it was an administrative, economic, ecclesiastical and cultural centre. Its significance was enhanced hy the fact that it was a traffic junction as well. In addition, it was the scene of religious and secular celebrations and commemorations, important events of local life. The elongated triangular shape of the square was formed by the German inhabitants who moved into the town after the Mongol Invasion in the tjth century. Their church stood in the middle with the town hall nearby surrounded by public and private houses all around. Many of the stone houses were two-storey buildings with a cellar underneath. Their owners were tradesmen, craftsmen or were engaged in wine production, and belonged to the leading circles of the town. As early as the Middle Ages Vác had two market days a week held in the Main Square, where goods were sold both from baskets, tables, stalls and FACES OF THE MAIN SQUARE The model of the medieval Vác-German town carts. The place of the market did not change until the rearrangement of the square in 1931. The Turks also used the square as a centre: they surrounded the church with bazaars and shops. The church itself was first used by the Calvinist Reformed, later it was turned into a djami. There was also a public bath and a minaret nearby. Later most of the houses in the Main Square were built upon medieval foundations. Reconstructions were hindered by disasters, epidemics, wars. In rjy the downtown area was destroyed in a conflagration, nothing was left just walls gutted by the fire. The building and development of the town gathered momentum in subsequent decades. The present form of the square took shape after St Michael’s Church had been demolished in the early vj6os. The news of Queen Maria Theresa’s imminent visit accelerated the constructions. Its present image is due to the reconstructions finished in 2006 by the plans ofLásfló Sáros. MARCIUS 15 SQUARE (THE MAIN SQUARE)
