dobálja

Dobálja is a village in Tolna County, Hungary, situated in the central part of the country. It lies approximately 15 kilometres north of the county seat, Szekszárd, and is part of the Tolna District. The village covers an area of about 11.5 square kilometres and sits at an elevation of roughly 120 metres above sea level. The postal code for Dobálja is 7378 and the area code is (+36) 74.

The population of Dobálja has remained relatively small, with 423 residents recorded in the 2011 national census. Recent estimates suggest a modest decline, reflecting broader demographic trends in rural Hungary, where younger inhabitants migrate to larger urban centres. The village is primarily residential, with a community that relies on agriculture, small-scale industry, and local services.

Historical records indicate that Dobálja was first mentioned in the 13th century under a different name. Over the centuries it has been part of various feudal estates, and its development was closely linked with the agricultural output of the surrounding plains. During the Ottoman occupation, the village suffered significant depopulation, but recovered in the subsequent Habsburg period. In the 19th century, a small railway spur was established, linking Dobálja to the national rail network and facilitating trade of local produce. The rail line was dismantled in the mid-20th century as road transport became predominant.

Culturally, Dobálja retains traditional Hungarian rural customs, with annual celebrations such as the harvest festival (Szüret) that brings together local families and visitors. The village is also known for its 18th‑century Roman Catholic church, which remains an active place of worship and a point of interest for architectural studies. The surrounding landscape features typical Great Hungarian Plain vegetation, with cultivated fields of wheat and corn interspersed with patches of oak and willow.

Dobálja’s administrative status places it under the jurisdiction of the local municipal council, which reports to the Tolna County authorities. While maintaining its rural character, the community participates in regional development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, preserving cultural heritage, and sustaining the local economy through balanced agricultural practices and modest tourism.