Sátoraljaújhely

For the Romanian village of Uihei, called Újhely in Hungarian, see Șandra.

Sátoraljaújhely
Town
The historical downtown of Sátoraljaújhely
Flag Coat of arms
Sátoraljaújhely Sátoraljaújhely
Coordinates: 48°23′48″N 21°38′59″E
Country	Hungary
County	Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén
District	Sátoraljaújhely
Area
• Total	73.45 km2 (28.36 sq mi)
Population  (2009)
• Total	16,299
• Density	244.99/km2 (634.5/sq mi)
Population by ethnicity
• Hungarians	88.6%
• Gypsies	12.3%
• Slovaks	1.6%
• Germans	1.1%
• Ukrainians	0.2%
• Romanians	0.2%
• Rusyns	0.1%
• Others	0.5%
• Others	11.3%
Population by religion
• Roman Catholic	32.1%
• Calvinists	19.4%
• Greek Catholic	11.9%
• Lutherans	0.2%
• Other	1.8%
• Non-religious	12.1%
• Unknown	22.5%
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	3980
Area code	(+36) 47
Website	www.satoraljaujhely.hu

Sátoraljaújhely (German: Neustadt am Zeltberg; Slovak: Nové Mesto pod Šiatrom; Yiddish: איהעל) is a border town located in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, Hungary. It serves as the center of the Sátoraljaújhely District and microregion. The town is renowned for its wine region and, since 2002, has been part of the Tokaj-Hegyalja Historic Wine Region Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sátoraljaújhely is often referred to as the "Capital of Zemplén" due to its history as the former seat of Zemplén County and as the largest settlement in the Hegyalja region. The town was split by the new border established by the Treaty of Trianon, with the ceded suburb now located in Slovakia, known as Slovenské Nové Mesto.

Etimology

The name Sátoraljaújhely is composed of four Hungarian words: "sátor," meaning "tent" but referring to Sátor Hill. The mountain resembles the shape of a tent, which is why it was given this name; "alja," meaning "bottom"," indicating the town's position at the base of the hill; "új," meaning "new"; and "hely," meaning "place" or "location." Thus, Sátoraljaújhely translates to "New Place at the Bottom of Sátor Hill. ("tent's-bottom-new-place")"

The earliest known name of the town was Sátorelő, where the suffix "-elő" means "in front of," indicating that the name referred to a settlement located at the foot of Sátor Hill. According to a local legend, this original settlement was destroyed during the Mongol invasion of 1241, and the survivors established a new community, which they named Sátoraljaújhely. While it is likely that the Mongol hordes reached the area, there is no evidence to support the destruction of an earlier settlement. Furthermore, the town continued to be referred to as Sátorelő even after the Mongol invasion. The name change to Sátoraljaújhely occurred later, following a charter issued by King Stephen V in 1261, which granted privileges that accelerated the town's development and attracted settlers (latin: hospes). The town is first mentioned as "Sátoralja Újhely" (Saturalia Wyhel) in a charter issued by King Ladislaus IV in 1282. The "Újhely" ("New Place") designation refers to the settlers invited by the king and the recently founded town.

Demographics

According to the 2001 census, Sátoraljaújhely had a population of 18,335. Of these, 93% identified as Hungarian, 6% as Roma, and 1% as Slovak. A small community of ethnic Germans resides in the Károlyfalva district of the town.

In the 2011 census, the town's population was recorded at 15,655. Among them, 88.6% identified as Hungarian, 12.3% as Roma, 1.6% as Slovak, 1.1% as German, with smaller percentages identifying as Romanian, Ukrainian, and other nationalities. Regarding religious affiliation, 32.1% were Roman Catholic, 19.4% Reformed, 11.9% Greek Catholic, while 12.1% declared themselves non-religious (22.5% did not declare a religious affiliation).

As of 2022, the population was 13,274. Of these, 88.6% identified as Hungarian, 4.3% as Roma, 1.4% as Slovak, with smaller percentages identifying as German, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Rusyn, and Romanian. In terms of religious affiliation, 27.5% were Roman Catholic, 17.8% Reformed, 10% Greek Catholic, and 6.8% identified as non-religious (35.8% did not declare a religious affiliation).

Tourism

Tourism in Sátoraljaújhely has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in nature-based and active recreation. The surrounding Zemplén Mountains offer a variety of hiking and cycling routes. Magas-hegy is a popular destination with a lookout tower providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. One of the town's main tourist attractions is the Zemplén Kalandpark (Zemplén Adventure Park), home to Hungary's longest chairlift, as well as a bobsled track and a climbing wall center. A notable feature of the park is the Összetartozás Hídja (Bridge of Unity), a glass and steel suspension bridge, inaugurated in 2024, that connects two mountains and offers scenic views Sátoraljaújhely is also located near the Tokaj wine region, renowned worldwide for its wines. The town and its surroundings regularly host wine cellar events where visitors can explore local wines and wineries. The cultural life of Sátoraljaújhely is vibrant, with regular exhibitions, concerts, and local festivals enriching the community. Accommodations in the area range from guesthouses and hotels to campgrounds and tourist lodges.

Attractions

Sátoraljaújhely's central square, Kossuth tér, is a defining element of the 19th-century townscape and a significant site in the historic downtown area, known for its wrought-iron balconies. The square is home to the Baroque-style town hall, originally serving as the county hall, which houses archival materials from the 18th and 19th centuries. On the opposite side of the square stands the late Baroque St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, commonly referred to by locals as the "Great Church". This building, one of the town's most important monuments, was constructed on the site of the town's original 13th-century church. Adjacent to the church is Hősök tere (Heroes' Square), which features a memorial to the victims of the 1944 Sátoraljaújhely prison uprising. Nearby, the Baroque-style Waldbott Mansion, though currently not open to the public, remains an architecturally significant site.

Another notable religious and historical landmark is the Pauline-Piarist Church and Monastery complex, originally built in the 13th century. The church, initially owned by the Pauline Order, was later taken over by the Piarists. Nearby is the Rákóczi Chapel, where the hearts of several members of the Rákóczi family are interred. The town is also home to the Holy Trinity Chapel, built in 1710 as a votive chapel following a plague outbreak. Sátoraljaújhely is an important pilgrimage site, especially for the Jewish community, due to the tomb of Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, located in the old Jewish cemetery. This site attracts pilgrims, particularly from abroad.

The town’s winemaking traditions are preserved in the Zsólyomka Cellar Row and the Ungvári Cellars, the latter recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another unique feature is the world’s only "Wine Temple" (Bortemplom), which is currently under renovation. Originally a wine trade center with an extensive network of cellars, it remains a testament to the town's rich viticultural history.

The Magyar Kálvária, the 100th National Flag Monument, and the St. Stephen Chapel on Szár-hegy form one of the town's most important memorial sites, commemorating the impact of the Treaty of Trianon, which severely affected the town. The memorial site also includes the Centennial Turul Monument. Nearby, on Várhegy, lie the ruins of Sátoraljaújhely Castle. Although the area is currently undergoing archaeological excavation, the remaining walls reflect the significance of the medieval fortress. Among the town's natural attractions, the Magas-hegy Nature Trail offers visitors an immersive experience in nature, while the Long-erdő (Long Forest) nature reserve serves as a protected habitat for local flora and fauna.

Sports

Sátoraljaújhely has a diverse sports scene, with local residents actively participating in various disciplines. The town is home to several gyms offering a range of fitness services and training options for both locals and visitors. Additionally, there is a sports hall and a municipal swimming pool. The town's football team, Sátoraljaújhelyi TKSE, has a long-standing history and remains an integral part of the local sports community. Regular sporting events are organized in the town, such as the Kossuth Staféta running race, which connects Sátoraljaújhely with Sárospatak. The Zemplén Adventure Park offers additional opportunities for sports and recreation, including winter sports. During the winter season, the park features three alpine-quality ski slopes maintained by nine snow cannons and snow groomers. The slopes are serviced by four high-speed lifts, and a ski school is available for beginners, along with equipment rental services. The adventure park also boasts a 2,275-meter-long roller bobsled track, a snow tubing slide, and a 1,000-square-meter ice rink. The town is also home to the youth ice hockey team, the Zempléni Hiúzok (Lynxes of Zemplén). Sátoraljaújhely is also known for producing two notable BMX world champions: Ádám Kun, who won the world title in Cologne in 2002, and Dénes Katona, who became world champion in Prague in 2005. Both athletes have made significant contributions to the sport and have enriched the town's sports history.

Local Media

In Sátoraljaújhely, Zemplén TV serves the local population as a municipal-owned regional public service television station. The station's broadcasts reach surrounding regions, including Hegyköz, Bodrogköz, Hegyalja, as well as Hungarian-speaking communities in Eastern Slovakia and Transcarpathia. Since 2013, Zemplén TV has broadcast its digital signal on UHF channel 55. Several radio stations are also available in the town and its vicinity, including Szent István Rádió (FM 90.6 MHz), MR1 – Kossuth Rádió (FM 91.9 MHz), Európa Rádió (FM 100.0 MHz), and Zemplén FM (FM 104.9 MHz). Additionally, the town is home to RádióKul, a web radio operated by the Kossuth Lajos Cultural Center. Local newspapers include Újhelyi Körkép and Helyi Krónika. Regional press outlets, such as the Észak-Magyarország daily, KULCS magazine, and Nexus Zemplén, also cover local news.

Institutions

Following the political changes after the fall of communism, the administrative system of Sátoraljaújhely underwent significant transformation, with Soviet-style local councils being replaced by local self-government systems. The Municipality of Sátoraljaújhely was established, with a directly elected mayor leading the decision-making body, the municipal council. To fulfill its duties, the municipality has founded several institutions and economic entities that contribute to the city's operation and development. In the realm of centralized state administration, the regional offices of the county government, the police, fire department, judiciary, prosecution service, and healthcare institutions—such as the Erzsébet Hospital of Sátoraljaújhely—continue to play crucial roles in the life of the city. The city's educational system is diverse, featuring institutions operated by the state, religious organizations, and foundations. These include primary schools, art schools, vocational schools, and secondary technical schools, all of which provide education for the youth of Sátoraljaújhely and the surrounding areas.

History

Sátor-alja (meaning "under the tent", referring to the tent-shaped mountain nearby) was a settlement from the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin until it was destroyed during the First Mongol invasion of Hungary. It was rebuilt in the 13th century, although there was disagreement among the citizens concerning the name: some wanted to keep the original name, and some wanted to rename it új hely ("new place"). Sátoraljaújhely was granted town status in 1261 by King Stephen V, and a castle was also built around that time.

Sátoraljaújhely has often played an important role in the region's history: revolts against Habsburg rule began there in the 17th and 18th centuries. After the Revolution of 1848, Sátoraljaújhely developed rapidly owing to its location close to important trade routes leading to Poland, Ruthenia, and Transylvania. The town's light industry led to it becoming the capital of the comitatus (county) of Zemplén in the 17th century.

Sátoraljaújhely has always been an important town in culture. Ferenc Kazinczy, one of the reformers of the Hungarian language, lived here in the 18th century. At the turn of the 20th century the town was home to a small but important Jewish community: some 4,500 of the town's 13,000 residents were Jewish. The community counted among its members Moses Teitelbaum and Michael Heilprin.

Under the Treaty of Trianon, Hungary lost its northern territories. The border was set at the Ronyva stream, splitting the city into two parts. One-fifth of the population and one-fourth of the territory of the town became part of Czechoslovakia. The newly created village got the name of Slovenské Nové Mesto ("Slovak new town") in Slovak; Szlovákújhely ("Slovak new town") or Kisújhely ("Little new town") in Hungarian. Two railway lines and the industrial zone were lost to Hungary. The town's industry was being rebuilt during the interwar period, but the outbreak of World War II disrupted this development. Nazi repression, continuous bombing after 1943, the killing of most of its Jewish population (most were forcibly sent to Auschwitz) and finally the Soviet occupation left the town in a very poor condition.

During the reorganisation of administration in 1950, the former comitatus of Zemplén became part of the united Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, and Sátoraljaújhely lost its county capital status.

Sátoraljaújhely was rebuilt again and is today a national ski centre and tourism destination.

Jewish history

Abandoned Jewish synagogue and cemetery

Historically, Újhely (Sátoraljaújhely) belonged to the county of Zemplén. Documents show that in 1734 Jews were living at Sátoraljaújhely and that they were allowed to acquire real estate. It is evident that the community was then increasing; for 10 years later the Jews possessed a school which in 1829 received a bequest of 260,000 florins from Martin Raphael Kästenbaum, and which was thenceforth known by his name.

The oldest tombstone bears date of 1760, although the ḥebra ḳaddisha, with which was connected to a hospital, was not established until 1772, its founder being an itinerant rabbi named Naphtali Hirsch. The first ḥebrabook has a drawing on its title-page representing the last rites.

A synagogue was built at Sátoraljaújhely in 1790; and when it was demolished in 1887, to be replaced by a new house of worship, it was found to have 8 subterranean chambers, which probably served as safe hiding rooms from local antisemitic pogroms. The oldest document of the community is dated 1831, during the rabbinate of Moses Teitelbaum, of whom the story is told that Lajos Kossuth, afterward leader of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, when suffering from an infantile sickness, was brought to him, and that the rabbi blessed the child and, referring to the word "ḳosheṭ" in Psalm lx. 6 (A. V. 4), prophesied his future greatness. Teitelbaum died in 1841, and was succeeded by his grandson Yekusiel Yehuda Teitelbaum, who in about year 1848 went to Gorlice.

Jeremiah Löw was then appointed rabbi of Ujhely. Löw, who was one of the leaders of the Orthodox party, was succeeded by the chief rabbi, Koloman Weisz, and the preacher Isidor Goldberger. Michael Heilprin, who acted as secretary to Minister Bertalan Szemere in 1848, was, prior to the Revolution, a teacher in the Jewish school of Ujhely.

The Jews of the city in 1905 numbered 4,500 out of a total population of 13,000.

Tourist sights

• Historical downtown (with an atmosphere of 19th-century towns)
• Main Church and Comitatus Fountain at the town square
• Wine Church, the only known church in Hungary not owned by any denomination, as it was used to store wine in past centuries.
• Ferenc Kazinczy Mausoleum
• Ferenc Kazinczy Museum
• Waldbott-villa
• Baroque town hall, a Renaissance building of the former Zemplén comitatus where Ferenc Kazinczy worked.
• Former Financial Palace, a mark of the town's great economic importance in the 19th and the early 20th century.
• Abandoned synagogue cemetery - Sátoraljaújhely was once home to Hungary's second-largest Jewish community.
• Tomb of Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum
• Chairlift

Notable people

See also: Category:People from Sátoraljaújhely

• Gyula Andrássy, prime minister
• Lillian Cahn, co-founder of Coach, Inc. and Coach handbag designer
• Ferenc Kazinczy, writer
• Lajos Kossuth, governor
• Angelo Heilprin, naturalist
• Moshe Teitelbaum, famous rebbe
• Yekusiel Yehuda Teitelbaum (I), rebbe
• Katalin Vad, pornographic actress
• Benjamin Wolf Löw, rabbi
• Lou Lenart, American-Israeli fighter pilot, film producer, and basketball team manager
• rebbes of the Ujhel-Siget, Ujhel (Teitelbaum family of Galician origin)

Nationalities

• Hungarian 90.91%
• Romani 6.37%
• Slovak 1.21%
• German 0.96%
• Other 0.55%

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Hungary

Sátoraljaújhely is twinned with:

• Krosno, Poland (2006)
• Opole Lubelskie, Poland (2003)
• Sărățeni, Romania
• Sindos, Greece (2000)
• Waadhoeke, Netherlands (1991)

See also

• Satmar, Ujhel-Siget Hasidic dynasties
• History of the Jews in Hungary

See also: újhely

References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Singer, Isidore; et al., eds. (1901–1906). The Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: Funk & Wagnalls. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help) ([1]) (by Gotthard Deutsch, Ludwig Venetianer)

External links

• Official website in Hungarian