Szekszárd

Szekszárd is a city in southern Hungary and the capital of Tolna County. It lies in the Tolna Hills region and serves as the county’s administrative and economic center. The city has a population of about 28,000 to 30,000 residents and acts as a hub for government services, education, and commerce for the surrounding area.

The town’s history stretches back to medieval times. Szekszárd received market privileges in the Middle Ages and grew as a regional center, though it endured periods of hardship during Ottoman rule. It experienced modernization and expansion in the 18th and 19th centuries, with viticulture becoming increasingly important to its economy and identity.

Szekszárd is the heart of the Szekszárd wine region (Szekszárdi borvidék). The area is renowned for red wines, particularly Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), as well as other red varieties such as Kadarka and Kékfrankos, and italso produces a range of white wines. The wine industry shapes the local economy and attracts visitors through cellar tours, tastings, and wine-focused events throughout the year, especially in autumn.

Culturally, Szekszárd preserves historic architecture in its town center, including churches and public buildings, and hosts regional cultural institutions such as museums and venues for performing arts. The city also offers a network of museums, galleries, and outdoor spaces that reflect its heritage and contemporary life.

Szekszárd is connected by road and rail to other Hungarian cities and serves as a gateway to the Tolna wine region. It functions as Tolna County’s administrative center and provides services to residents and nearby communities.