Sátoraljaújhely

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.

Etymology

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 of something"," indicating the town's position at the base of the hill; "új," meaning "new"; and "hely," meaning "place" or "location." Thus, ''Sátoraljaújhely'' translates to "tent's-bottom-new-place" or "New Place at the Bottom of Sátor Hill".

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 town, 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).

The historical population of Sátoraljaújhely reached its peak of 22,936 residents in 1920. Following this, a decline occurred, and by 1949, after World War II, the town's population had dropped to 17,116. From the 1950s, a period of continuous growth began, with the population increasing to 20,928 by 1980. However, by 1990, this number had decreased to 19,105, followed by a continuous and more significant population decline in subsequent years.

Transportation

Road Network

Sátoraljaújhely is situated very close to the Slovak border, with the main road 37 running through the entire length of the town. Road 381 branches off from road 37, leading to settlements on the Hungarian side of the Bodrogköz region, such as Alsóberecki, Karos, and Cigánd. The town's districts of Károlyfalva and Rudabányácska are connected by road 3718, which winds through Kácsárd and around the Magas-hegy via a serpentine route. This route follows the path of the former narrow-gauge railway and reconnects with road 37 in the Torzsás area of the town. Road 3719 leads towards the Hegyköz region, including destinations like Pálháza and Hollóháza. Two border crossings to Slovakia are accessible from Sátoraljaújhely: the Ronyva Bridge along Rákóczi Street, open to pedestrian and passenger vehicle traffic, and a northern border crossing for freight vehicles and trucks.

Bus Transportation

In Sátoraljaújhely, local public transportation is provided by Volánbusz's regional routes. The bus station is located directly next to the railway station, from where long-distance buses depart to destinations such as Miskolc, Nyíregyháza, and Debrecen. The station is also the starting point for several regional routes serving the settlements in the Hegyköz and Bodrogköz regions. Local bus services connect the town's districts of Rudabányácska, Károlyfalva, and Széphalom. On the opposite side of town, near the central cemetery, there is a bus turnaround, which is another key stop for local transportation.

Taxi Service

The taxi stand is located in the town center at ''Táncsics Tér'' (Táncsics Squere), where individual entrepreneurs provide taxi services.

Cycling Opportunities

A cycling path has been constructed along the route of the former narrow-gauge railway, which was dismantled in the 1980s, extending from the town to Sárospatak and towards the Hegyköz region. This path is part of the EuroVelo 11 international cycling network. Within the town, sections of the route are marked by dedicated bike lanes, while others are indicated by road markings. On several one-way streets, cyclists are allowed to enter in the opposite direction, as indicated by supplementary signs. In 2021, the town completed the installation of a rentable electric bike system in collaboration with the nearby towns of Viničky and Zemplén. As part of this project, multiple charging stations and rental points were established across the region, facilitating the convenient use and rental of electric bikes between Sátoraljaújhely and neighboring Slovakian towns.

Railway

Sátoraljaújhely railway station is located at the end of the Hatvan–Miskolc– Szerencs–Sátoraljaújhely railway line, with the building designed by the renowned architect Ferenc Pfaff. The railway line was once a double-track main line, but after World War II, it was reduced to a single track due to political and geographical changes. The Mezőzombor–Sátoraljaújhely section was modernized and electrified between 2016 and 2019, allowing trains to travel to Budapest without a locomotive change. Trains depart almost every hour towards Szerencs during the day, with some continuing directly to Budapest via Miskolc, while others have connections to Budapest at Szerencs. Currently, there is no passenger train service towards Slovenské Nové Mesto; this cross-border track is used exclusively for freight traffic. However, from the town center, it is a 15-minute walk to the Slovenské Nové Mesto railway station on the other side of the border, from where direct trains depart towards Košice and Čierna nad Tisou.

Water Transportation

In terms of transportation, the nearby Bodrog River is significant, classified as a class III waterway. Vessels up to 70 meters in length, 8.2 meters in width, and with a draft of up to 2 meters, carrying a maximum load of 1,000 tons, can navigate the river. Although water transportation has been minimal so far, a passenger ferry operates at Felsőberecki. Recently, however, the region has gained importance due to tourism developments. As part of the government's "holiday boat project," a new marina is being constructed above Felsőberecki, near the confluence of the Ronyva and Bodrog Rivers, along with several other locations along the Bodrog, Upper Tisza, and Lake Tisza. There is also a proposal to make the Ronyva navigable from the Bodrog to the inner part of Sátoraljaújhely, but this remains only a suggestion for now.

Industry

The political and economic transition had a significant impact on the industrial sector of Sátoraljaújhely, particularly affecting local manufacturing plants and major employers. Following the dissolution of the Comecon (CMEA) and the Soviet bloc, the town's former markets largely disappeared, while new economic opportunities were slow to develop. As a result, several large socialist-era enterprises and cooperatives were either liquidated or closed. Some companies attempted to adapt by adopting new business models, such as establishing joint ventures, while others continued their operations under new names after liquidation or relocated their headquarters to other towns. However, several major employers ceased operations permanently.

In the post-transition period, the economy of Sátoraljaújhely gradually stabilized. New companies established themselves in the town, and existing ones changed ownership. As part of this process, the Sátoraljaújhely Industrial Park was established, which now hosts the town's largest industrial facilities. The industrial park includes companies engaged in machinery manufacturing, surface treatment, food processing, and refractory materials production, among others. The town also hosts a significant tobacco processing plant with a history dating back to the 1890s.

Agriculture

As a result of the Treaty of Trianon, a significant portion of the town’s agricultural lands was ceded. The remaining land parcels were transferred to new owners during the post-transition compensation process, where compensation vouchers were exchanged for ownership. State-owned arable lands, particularly vineyards, were privatized during the privatization of the Tokaj-Hegyalja State Agricultural Wine Combine. In 1993, the Wine Combine was transformed into a business entity under the name Tokaj Kereskedőház Zrt., and its headquarters were moved from Sátoraljaújhely to Tolcsva. The vineyards located in the outskirts of the town are protected under the "Tokaj" Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

Commerce

The structure of commerce in the town underwent significant changes after the political transition. Large shopping centers, international retail chains, and supermarkets established themselves in the outskirts of the town. As a result, the town center partially lost its traditional commercial function. Traditional small retail shops have largely remained on Kazinczy Street and Rákóczi Street, with only a few exceptions. The vegetable market operates on the Market Square three days a week (Tuesday, Friday, Sunday), and an industrial goods market (formerly known as the Comecon market) is located alongside the relief road.

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 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 Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, located in the old Jewish cemetery. This site attracts pilgrims annually, 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 Church" ''(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.

Culture

Sátoraljaújhely is a culturally significant town, often referred to as the "capital of Zemplén" and formerly the seat of Zemplén County. The town boasts a rich cultural heritage, with notable figures such as the language reformer Ferenc Kazinczy and the politician Lajos Kossuth having strong connections to the area. It remains one of the cultural centers of the county and is an attractive destination for tourists. The town hosts several cultural institutions, including museums, a theater, and a cinema. The Kazinczy Ferenc Museum offers a variety of collections and exhibitions, including historical, archaeological, and biological displays. The Museum of the Hungarian Language, located in Széphalom, features interactive exhibits that showcase the richness, history, and diversity of the Hungarian language. The Prison Museum, housed in the Sátoraljaújhely Penitentiary and Prison building, provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of the Hungarian penal system. The museum highlights changes in punishment systems, the daily lives of inmates, and the consequences of criminal behavior, and it also offers educational programs and crime prevention lectures. In the realm of theater and cinema, the Latabár Árpád Theater and the Latabár Cinema offer cultural entertainment for both locals and visitors. These venues regularly host theatrical performances, film screenings, and various events. The pedestrian zone and Event Square, featuring an occasional stage and large screen, is a central venue for the town's community and cultural life. Additionally, the Kossuth Lajos Cultural Center plays a significant role in organizing and hosting local cultural programs. The town's largest and most popular event is the Déryné Festival, first organized with the aim of establishing a tradition between July 14 and 18, 2021. This five-day festival features a vibrant array of cultural programs, offering audiences a rich selection of musical performances and high-quality theatrical productions, promising engaging entertainment. The festival has found a true home in Sátoraljaújhely, with nearly 70 free programs held across various locations in the area, attracting thousands of visitors each year. In addition to sold-out theater performances, interactive games, concerts, and dance productions also draw significant interest.

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). 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 town'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 town. The town'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.

Notable Figures

The town of Sátoraljaújhely is the birthplace of numerous individuals who have played significant roles in Hungarian culture, science, and public life. Throughout its history, the town has produced several painters who excelled in decorating churches and public buildings. The literary world has also been enriched by writers and poets from Sátoraljaújhely, some of whom became prominent figures in Hungarian literature. The town’s medical and scientific traditions are notable as well, with several distinguished doctors, pharmacists, and researchers originating from here, contributing to the development of Hungary's healthcare and scientific communities. Additionally, Sátoraljaújhely has a remarkable theatrical tradition, being associated with several renowned actors and directors who left a lasting mark on Hungarian theater. Politically, the town is significant, as it has been home to several public figures and politicians who played important roles in Hungary's historical and political events. These individuals have all contributed to making Sátoraljaújhely a well-known name in Hungarian culture and history.

Lajos KossuthLajos Kossuth attended secondary school at the Piarist gymnasium in Sátoraljaújhely, and after completing his legal studies, he returned to the town in 1820. It was here that he gave his first public speech as a law clerk from the balcony of the County Hall (now the Town Hall). During his lifetime, Lajos Kossuth was held in high esteem in Zemplén County and the town. This respect was evident when, on his birthday in 1892, the county assembly named him an honorary citizen. The town erected a statue in honor of Lajos Kossuth, which was unveiled on May 28, 1911, in the Main Square. On the back of the statue’s pedestal, there is an excerpt from a letter Kossuth wrote from Turin: ''"… I was born in Monok… but my earliest memories are tied to Újhely, with the sweetness of attachment to my homeland. Újhely was the cradle of my childhood… And I am proud to call myself a Hungarian man of Újhely."''

Ferenc Kazinczy

Ferenc Kazinczy settled in the outskirts of Sátoraljaújhely at the age of 42, on his Bányácska estate, which he renamed Széphalom. Széphalom became one of the centers of Hungarian literature in the early 19th century. Until his death, Kazinczy worked at the archives of Zemplén County. During his years in Széphalom, Kazinczy actively participated in the public life of Sátoraljaújhely and even served as the chief elder of the local Reformed Church community for a time. The town played an important role in preserving the Kazinczy legacy and in the establishment of the Kazinczy cult. The Rákóczi Masonic Lodge, founded in 1881, supported the preservation of Kazinczy's house and garden. In 1902, the Kazinczy Circle was established in Sátoraljaújhely, with members including civil servants, teachers, clergy, doctors, and educated intellectuals.

History

Before the Hungarian Conquest

Prehistoric Age

Evidence of human activity in the Zemplén Mountains dates back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Tools made from local materials such as obsidian, jasper, clay, and quartzite confirm that various prehistoric cultures lived in this region. Eastern Hungary, including the area around Sátoraljaújhely, was home to hunter-gatherer groups from the late Paleolithic Gravettian culture. In 2002, remains of a Neolithic settlement were uncovered at Bibérc-tanya, located southwest of today’s Sátoraljaújhely. These finds included pottery fragments and obsidian flakes. Further evidence of early human settlement was discovered in the 1870s along the banks of the Ronyva Creek, in the northern part of the town. This site was inhabited by a community 4,000–5,000 years ago that practiced farming and animal husbandry. The people lived in clay-plastered, partially underground houses, raised cattle, sheep, and pigs, kept dogs, and grew grains. Their tools, crafted primarily from stone, were shaped through polishing and knapping. The painted ceramics and clay figurines discovered in the Sátoraljaújhely area, which may have depicted deities, hold exceptional cultural significance for the region.

Antiquity

In the Bükk Mountains, large earth forts and fortified settlements were established, while a significant power center emerged in the Upper Tisza region. The discovery of several cemeteries in the Bodrogköz region suggests that the territory was densely inhabited. For two millennia, from the early 3rd millennium BCE to the transition between the 2nd and 1st millennia BCE, the Carpathian Basin was dominated by peoples who crafted bronze tools and weapons. Approximately 3–4 kilometers south of the present-day town, the Bibérc sand dune was inhabited for millennia by a settled community. In 2002, remnants of a settlement belonging to the Bronze Age Ottomány culture were discovered in this area, though no detailed excavations have been conducted. The Várhegy area was also inhabited during this period, yielding Bronze Age ceramic finds. In the 7th–5th centuries BCE, Transylvania and the Great Hungarian Plain were dominated by the Scythians, an Iranian-origin horse-riding pastoralist people. The region of present-day Sátoraljaújhely was situated on the frontier of their empire. In the 3rd century BCE, Celtic tribes settled in the area around present-day town. Their nearest center and fortified settlement were built on the banks of the Bodrog river, near the village of Zemplén. At that time, the region was inhabited by the Anartes tribe, while to their west lay the territory of the Cotini. In the 2nd century CE, an important trade route was established from Aquincum, the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia, passing through Hatvan and leading toward the area of present-day Miskolc, then further northeast along the Bodrog River. Evidence of these intense trade connections includes Roman coins found on the slopes of Várhegy in Sátoraljaújhely. Among these were coins minted by Roman emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. Additional coins linked to military activity were discovered on Sátor-hegy. By the late 4th century, East Germanic tribes such as the Vandals and Gepids, fleeing the advancing Huns, settled in the Zemplén region. At the turn of the century, the Huns themselves arrived in the area. The Huns' dominance lasted for about 150 years, but after the death of Attila, their empire rapidly collapsed. Following the demise of the Huns, the Gepids established an independent kingdom that lasted for about a century and included the territory of present-day Sátoraljaújhely.

Early Middle Ages

The Lombards, who controlled Transdanubia, formed an alliance with the Avars, based along the Lower Danube, and together they overthrew the Kingdom of the Gepids. At this time, the area of present-day Sátoraljaújhely came under Lombard rule in 557. However, their dominion was short-lived; due to the growing threat posed by the Avars, the Lombards left the Carpathian Basin and migrated to Northern Italy in 568. After their departure, the Carpathian Basin fell under the control of the Avars, leading to the establishment of the Avar Khaganate in 568. The Avar rule lasted until the early 9th century and encompassed the territory of modern Sátoraljaújhely. During this period, Slavic communities began settling in the area, as evidenced by the remains of several settlements linked to them. Whether the Avars survived to witness the arrival of the Hungarians remains a topic of debate among historians. In 1899 an excavation east of the Roman Catholic parish church in Sátoraljaújhely uncovered a grave containing human and horse bones, likely dating back to the Avar period. This type of horse burial was characteristic of the steppe peoples, supporting the idea that Avars once inhabited the region. Nearby, in the vicinity of Alsóberecki, remains of a 9th-century Avar settlement were also discovered in the late 19th century. Traces of a late Avar-era settlement, potentially Slavic or Avar, were unearthed in 2014 in an area known as Ortói-dűlő, further confirming the historical significance of the region prior to the Hungarian conquest.

From the Hungarian Conquest to the Battle of Mohács (895–1526)

Unknown Centuries (9th–12th Centuries)

No written records exist regarding the settlement of Sátoraljaújhely prior to 1261. Anonymus mentions the surrounding area in his ''Gesta Hungarorum'', but only refers to the hill or group of hills called Sátorhalma (today known as Sátor-hegy) and the Ronyva stream and Bodrog river, without mentioning any settlement. According to the work, this region was granted to Ketel by Grand Prince Árpád:

The discovery of significant leader graves from the period of the Hungarian Conquest in the surrounding area—such as in the nearby Karos cemetery—suggests that this region likely served as an early residence for the ruling elite.

The Founding of the town (1261)

The early history of Sátoraljaújhely is uncertain, and the circumstances of its founding remain unclear. No authentic written records from the 11th–12th centuries directly reference the area of present-day Sátoraljaújhely; such records only appear in greater numbers from the 14th century onward. Additionally, no archaeological excavations of the town's core or surrounding areas have been conducted, further complicating efforts to reconstruct its early history. The official founding year of Sátoraljaújhely is considered to be 1261, when Prince Stephen (later King Stephen V) granted privileges to the inhabitants of the settlement then known as Sátorelő. As a prince, Stephen sought to advance the development of villages and towns within his domain. In 1261, he granted Sátorelő the status of a town and the accompanying privileges, including economic, administrative, and trade rights, which significantly encouraged settlement and urban development. It is unclear whether buildings already existed on the territory of the modern town before the granting of privileges, or if construction began only afterward. While it is possible that some structures were present, the privileges attracted settlers (''hospites''), leading later documents to describe the settlement as if it were a newly founded town. For this reason, some historians, such as István Tringli, regard the charter of privileges as an act of foundation. Following the royal settlement effort, the town's name also changed. A charter issued by King Ladislaus IV in 1282 referred to the settlement as "Sátoralja Újhely" (''Saturalia Wyhel''). The ethnic background of the settlers is subject to speculation. As with nearby settlements such as Bodrogolaszi, Olaszliszka or Tállya, the settlers may have included Walloons or Germans from Western Europe, though no evidence supports this. From 1307, records mention several citizens of Sátoraljaújhely by name. Many of the names documented from the early 14th century are Latinized versions of given names, which do not provide clear clues about the individuals’ ethnic backgrounds. However, these names align with the naming customs typical of medieval Hungary. They do not specifically point to Walloon or German origins, and their bearers could have been Hungarian, Slavic (including Slovaks or Poles), German, or Walloon. Over time, most family names recorded in the area took on a Hungarian form, indicating that a significant portion of the population was likely Hungarian from the town's establishment onward. Among the names from the early 14th century, two suggest a possible Slavic background: Sidlik and Ivan Tót, both of whom may have been Slovak. The occasional appearance of non-Hungarian names implies some diversity, but evidence suggests that Hungarians formed the majority of the population well into the late Middle Ages. This is further supported by a 1475 document listing several men from Sátoraljaújhely, most of whom bore Hungarian names.

= The Content of the Charter of Privileges

=
The 1261 charter of privileges for Sátoraljaújhely established numerous rights and obligations for the town's residents. According to the charter, the inhabitants were required to pay land tax on St. Stephen's Day, equivalent to the value of two ''pondus'' (4.87 grams) of silver. In judicial matters, the Count of Sárospatak had no authority over them; minor cases were adjudicated by their own judge, while major cases fell under the king’s jurisdiction. The residents were granted free fishing rights on the River Bodrog, which had previously been reserved for the lord of Sárospatak. Regarding inheritance rights, settlers without heirs could freely dispose of their property. Additionally, they were allowed to hold toll-free markets on Mondays, and free individuals could settle in the town without restrictions. The residents had the right to elect a new judge annually and to freely choose their priest. They also enjoyed customs exemptions across the surrounding seven counties and, in times of danger, could seek refuge in the fortress on Sátor-hegy, where the Castellan (fortress commander) held judicial authority over them. Furthermore, they were allowed to send envoys directly to the king.

Alongside these privileges, the residents also had obligations. They were required to pay tithes, as did the ''hospites'' of Sárospatak. If they failed to build on their plots within a year, they risked losing them. The community was collectively responsible for maintaining the cistern's water supply in the fortress and was required to participate in local judicial processes. They were obligated to perform military service for the defense of the town and fortress and were also required to host the king if he visited.

Royal Estate and Internal Conflicts (13th Century)

In the second half of the 13th century, Sátoraljaújhely's economic significance grew steadily, particularly due to viticulture and winemaking, which became the town's primary source of income. While the first charter of privileges did not mention viticulture, numerous references to it appear in records from the 14th century. The fortress was likely built initially for defense against the Mongols, although the first major military conflict affecting the area occurred in 1264. That year, a civil war broke out between King Béla IV and his son, Prince Stephen, resulting in significant battles in the surrounding region. In 1281 or 1282, another conflict reached the area when Finta, a member of the clan of Aba, rebelled against King Ladislaus IV. The king spent a month in the castle of Sátoraljaújhely during the uprising. Later, in 1285, the Mongols invaded Hungary again, causing devastation in the region. However, it is unclear whether Sátoraljaújhely was directly affected by this event. Throughout this period, Sátoraljaújhely remained part of the Patak Forest Lordship, which was under the direct control of the Árpád dynasty.

The Era of the Provincial Lords (14th Century)

The extinction of the Árpád dynasty in 1301 significantly impacted the history of Sátoraljaújhely. In 1312, intense battles unfolded in the region when the sons of Amadeus Aba rebelled against King Charles I, launching attacks on the Patak Forest Lordship and the king’s supporters. The rebellion was crushed by the king on June 15 at the Battle of Rozgony. A few years later, in late 1314 or early 1315, the king faced another rebellion. The sons of Palatine Stephen from the clan Ákos, supported by the forces of Matthew III Csák, burned Sárospatak. At the end of 1316, Peter, son of Petenye and lord of Zemplén, also rebelled against the king, although little is known about the events of this uprising. The conflicts between 1312 and 1316 likely affected Sátoraljaújhely, though there is no direct evidence in contemporary sources. Under the Árpád dynasty, the Patak Forest Lordship—and with it Sátoraljaújhely—remained under royal authority. However, during the reign of Charles I, the town was granted away twice: first during the conflicts of the 1310s, and again around 1327. As a result, according to the Hungarian medieval legal norms, the town's charter of privileges became invalid, as the rights it conferred could only be exercised under direct royal rule.

The Beginning of the Perényi and Pálóci Families' Rule (15th Century)

In 1390, Nicholas Perényi, Ban of Severin, requested the Patak lordship from King Sigismund. While the king issued a charter granting the estate, Perényi did not gain ownership because Queen Mary, who held the estate, refused to consent to the donation. However, in 1392, King Sigismund exchanged the estate with Perényi, granting him Sárospatak and its dependencies. This donation did not entirely remove the estate from royal jurisdiction, as the king retained the right to reclaim it or grant it to another vassal. Ownership often remained temporary, especially if the noble family holding it died out or fell out of royal favor. Following Nicholas Perényi’s death in 1428 without heirs, Sátoraljaújhely and the Patak Forest Lordship reverted to the crown. In 1429, King Sigismund granted the Patak lordship to the Pálóci brothers: George, Archbishop of Esztergom; Mátyus, judge royal; and Emeric. Under the Pálóci family's rule, the estate expanded for the first time in decades when, in 1450, they purchased the neighboring settlement of Szépbánya, also known as Bányácska, now Rudabányácska. In 1453, after King Ladislaus V ascended the Hungarian throne and sought to stabilize the post-civil war situation, he confirmed the Pálóci family in their estates, including the Patak lordship. Between 1490 and 1492, during John I Albert of Poland's attempt to claim the Hungarian throne, the Pálóci family used the fortress at Sátoraljaújhely to block the prince’s Hungarian supporters from reaching his camp. In response, Polish forces briefly captured the fortress and the towns of Sárospatak and likely Sátoraljaújhely. In 1514, several residents of the town joined the Dozsa Rebellion, during which the mob looted the two local monasteries, seized their estates, and destroyed their charters. Despite occasional divisions of the estate among family members or its temporary mortgaging, the Pálóci family remained in possession of the Patak lordship until 1526.

From the Battle of Mohács to the Rákóczi War of Independence (1526–1711)

In 1508, the Perényi family acquired the castle of Siklós in southern Hungary, which they chose as their primary residence. However, due to the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, they decided to relocate their seat to northeastern Hungary, selecting Sárospatak as their new center. It is important to note that this decision did not result in an immediate relocation, as Sátoraljaújhely remained under the ownership of the Pálóci family until 1526. After the Battle of Mohács, in which Antal Pálóci perished without a male heir, his estates were seized by Peter Perényi, the Count of Temes. Peter, a relative of Antal Pálóci’s mother, took advantage of the post-battle chaos and occupied the Patak lordship. While his actions were legally questionable, his possession was later confirmed by both John Zápolya and Ferdinand I in exchange for political support. During their relocation, the Perényi family brought a significant number of Slavonian (referred to as ''tót'' in contemporary sources) and Hungarian nobles and serfs, who primarily settled in Sárospatak and Sátoraljaújhely. In return for their services, these settlers were exempted from feudal obligations. The Perényi family controlled the lordship for two generations, introducing numerous significant changes that had long-term effects on the town's development. In 1526, Peter Perényi aligned with King Ferdinand I, leading John Zápolya to declare the Perényi estates as royal property, though he was unable to seize them. At this time, King John regarded Sátoraljaújhely as his own town. In February 1528, after retreating from central Hungary, John Zápolya personally besieged the fortress and resided in the Pauline monastery during the siege. The fortress, defended by its captain Simon de Athina, eventually surrendered, but Ferdinand’s forces recaptured it in the summer of 1528. In September, Athina retook the fortress, which became one of the few strongholds loyal to Szapolyai in the following months. In the spring of 1529, Peter Perényi besieged the fortress with his own forces and installed a new captain. The repeated sieges caused destruction to the surrounding areas, as King John’s supporters continued to raid the lordship. To avoid leaving an indefensible fortress near his newly built Sárospatak Castle, Peter Perényi chose not to rebuild the fortress at Sátoraljaújhely. By 1538, the fortress was already in ruins, and no efforts were made to restore it. The conflicts surrounding the fortress likely had a detrimental impact on the town's development. Following the destruction of the fortress, the Perényi family focused on fortifying Sárospatak, surrounding it with walls and building a new residence there. In the 1530s, the ideas of the Reformation began to spread in Sátoraljaújhely, supported by Peter Perényi. The dissolution of Catholic ecclesiastical institutions started during this period. In the 1540s, under the direction of Gabriel Perényi, the lord of the town, the reform of the town and the entire lordship continued. By 1548, a Protestant pastor was already serving in Sátoraljaújhely. As the Perényi family adhered to Lutheranism, the local congregation followed the same confession until 1567. After this, although no formal change occurred, the town and surrounding region gradually transitioned to the Calvinism. In 1563, Gabriel Perényi, Peter’s son, made an agreement with Maximilian II regarding the future of his estates. He agreed that if he died without a male heir, the Patak lordship would revert to the crown according to legal inheritance laws. In 1566, Sultan Suleiman I launched a campaign against Hungary, assisted by John Sigismund, Prince of Transylvania. John Sigismund’s task was to tie down royal troops in eastern Hungary while the main Ottoman army fought in Transdanubia. A Crimean Tatar contingent accompanying John Sigismund likely invaded the Patak lordship through the Bózsva Valley, causing widespread devastation. Sátoraljaújhely suffered perhaps its greatest wartime destruction in history during this invasion. The Crimean Tatars burned 86% of the town’s buildings, including the Augustinian monastery, and captured many residents as slaves. The Augustinian monastery had already been dissolved or abandoned by this time, and when the Tatars burned it, the building stood empty. Its properties had already been confiscated by the lordship, and the monastery gradually faded from public memory. The Pauline monastery had a different fate. It survived the early decades of the Reformation, partly because it operated as an independent estate and was not fully controlled by the surrounding Protestant lords. However, monastic life eventually ceased as the town’s residents converted to Protestantism, and the lack of donations led to the monastery's dissolution. Gabriel Perényi confiscated the monastery’s gold and silver liturgical items and vestments, along with its estates. In 1559, he returned these items in exchange for the Paulines dropping their legal claims. In 1567, Gabriel Perényi died, marking the end of the wealthiest branch of the Perényi family. After his death, the Patak lordship reverted to the crown, and its administration was taken over by the royal treasury.

Transitional Period (1567–1608)

After the Battle of Mohács, the Dobó family of Ruská laid claim to the Pálóci estates but was unable to acquire them from the Perényi family. Following the death of the last member of the Perényi family in 1567, the town reverted to royal ownership and was managed as a treasury estate. This development reopened opportunities for the Dobó family. In 1573, King Maximilian pawned the lordship to István Dobó's widow and his son, Ferenc Dobó. After Ferenc Dobó's death in 1602, the inheritance of the estate became entangled in a complex legal process. Initially, the royal treasury confiscated the estate, but after a year-long dispute, Ferenc Dobó’s widow, Zsófia Perényi, was granted possession. During the Bocskai Uprising, which began in 1604, the region saw repeated military campaigns by both royal forces and Bocskai’s hajdú troops, causing extensive devastation. In 1605, the armies of Giorgio Basta, the royal general, ravaged the town, followed by Bocskai’s hajdú troops in 1606 and 1607. Basta's forces even burned the buildings in the vineyard areas, inflicting significant damage. After 1608, the estate passed to Borbála Zeleméri and later to her daughter, Zsuzsanna Lorántffy, through whom it came into the possession of George Rákóczi I. The Dobó family and their heirs, as well as the Rákóczi family, followed the Reformed faith, and until the 1670s, the majority of the town’s population adhered to the same. The Reformation left a significant mark on the intellectual character of the town, shaping its cultural and religious life.

The Era of the Rákóczi Family (17th Century)

In 1630, King Ferdinand II renounced the right of pledge over the Patak estate and transferred it to George I Rákóczi and his wife with hereditary rights. That same year, George I Rákóczi became the Prince of Transylvania, and several members of the Rákóczi family later held this position. Although they ruled independently as princes in Transylvania, their Patak estate belonged to the territory of Royal Hungary. Like other nobles, they held these lands by royal grace, even when in conflict with the Habsburg monarch. In 1644, Nikolaus Esterházy, a royal general fighting against George I Rákóczi, devastated the Patak estate, including the Rákóczi Castle of Borša and the town of Sátoraljaújhely, which he plundered. In 1648, George I Rákóczi passed away, leaving the Patak estate to his widow, Zsuzsanna Lorántffy, and their son, George II Rákóczi. During the Rákóczi era, the nobility in Sátoraljaújhely grew; by 1648, the town had 26 privileged noble houses. The Hartai family owned the largest estate, created by merging four plots into a small domain referred to as Hartai Manor. In 1654, Zsuzsanna Lorántffy built a manor house, likely on the site of a former Augustinian monastery. However, the manor's prosperity was short-lived, as later owners of the Patak estate did not reside there, leaving the manor to decay as a partially abandoned economic building on the outskirts of town. George II Rákóczi died in 1660, and his estates were inherited by his widow, Sophia Báthory, and their son, the young Francis I Rákóczi. After her husband's death, Zsófia Báthory returned to Catholicism, converting herself and her son, thereby aligning the previously Protestant-supporting Rákóczi family with Catholicism. This marked the beginning of the Counter-Reformation in Sátoraljaújhely. On her estates, including Sátoraljaújhely, Báthory revoked the income of the Reformed Church and initiated the transfer of churches to Catholics. The Austro-Turkish War of 1663–1664 brought further hardships to the region. Francis I Rákóczi joined the Wesselényi magnate conspiracy against King Leopold I, which was uncovered in 1670. Although Rákóczi was pardoned, the Sárospatak castle was occupied by royal troops, and several nobles from Sátoraljaújhely lost their estates. Many of these predominantly Protestant nobles fled to Transylvania, where they organized armed forces. These exiled nobles later became known as the Kuruc, who launched attacks on the Patak estate occupied by royal troops in 1672 and 1678. The Kuruc attacks ended in 1682 when Francis I Rákóczi's widow, Ilona Zrínyi, married Emeric Thököly, the leader of the Kuruc forces. In 1683, royal troops withdrew from Patak, and the estate came under Thököly's control until it was retaken by the royal army in 1685. The estate and Sátoraljaújhely were then placed under treasury administration until 1688. The Kuruc attacks and the end of Thököly's rule impoverished the town's population. According to the 1688 Urbarium, only a few households remained taxable, and the estate buildings fell into decline. Visible signs of decay included the neglected manor and a burnt-down inn. In 1697, the area saw a brief peasant uprising, known in history as the Hegyalja uprising. Fifty-five residents of Sátoraljaújhely, including nobles and peasants, participated. The uprising began at the town's Assumption Day fair, where the rebels killed the Sárospatak castle's military commander and captured the castles of Patak and Tokaj, but the rebellion was suppressed within weeks. In 1693, Francis I Rákóczi's children, Julianna and Francis II Rákóczi, divided their inheritance, finalizing it in 1699. The Patak estate and the town of Sátoraljaújhely came entirely under the ownership of Francis II Rákóczi. In 1701, Rákóczi was arrested for participating in a conspiracy against the king but managed to escape to Poland. His estates, including the Patak estate, were confiscated by the royal treasury, and in 1702, the Sárospatak castle was demolished. In 1703, Rákóczi returned from Poland and launched a war against Leopold I, known as the Rákóczi War of Independence. The Kuruc forces captured the estate, restoring Rákóczi as its owner. In 1704, a fire completely destroyed the Barátszer district. Since this area was not yet integrated with the town's central parts, the fire likely caused no damage to the town itself. In 1706, the Rákóczi family established a hospital to care for the disabled and wounded. By 1710, royal troops had captured the Sárospatak castle, and Sátoraljaújhely surrendered. The Rákóczi War of Independence ended with the Treaty of Szatmár, which Francis II Rákóczi did not accept. He chose voluntary exile, first in Poland, then in France, and finally in Turkey. His estates were confiscated by the Habsburgs, marking the end of the Rákóczi family's rule over the town.

From the Suppression of the Rákóczi War of Independence to the Austro-Hungarian Compromise (1711–1867)

The Trautson Era (1711–1775)

From as early as 1701, the royal court considered the Patak estate a crown possession. During the Rákóczi War of Independence, in 1709, King Joseph I pledged the Patak and Regéc, to Prince Johann Leopold Donat Trautson. However, the prince could only take actual possession of these areas after the Treaty of Szatmár ended the conflict. Following this, the town of Sátoraljaújhely developed as a multi-denominational settlement, where the majority of the population was Roman Catholic, alongside significant Greek Catholic and Reformed communities. By the 18th century, the Jewish population in the town was also rapidly increasing. In 1720, King Charles VI granted the estate to Prince Trautson and his male heirs as a hereditary possession. This decision was met with protests and decades of unsuccessful legal challenges from several noble families. In May 1730, a fire destroyed large parts of the town. In August 1740, a plague epidemic struck Sátoraljaújhely, claiming 893 lives by the end of October. In 1750, the tower of the parish church was repaired, but fires in 1765 and 1768 once again damaged the church, leaving only its medieval walls, the sanctuary’s arch, and the main altar intact. As part of the nationwide resettlement policy, the Trautson estate established two German settlements in 1751 and 1752: Trautsonfalva (now Hercegkút) and Karlsdorf (now Károlyfalva). Records from 1759 indicate that the town began repopulating. However, in 1765, another fire caused significant damage to both the church and the town. By 1767, Sátoraljaújhely had its first doctor and pharmacist. In 1770, the Reformed community of Sátoraljaújhely, citing its membership of over 700, petitioned Queen Maria Theresa for permission to build a stone prayer house in the Reformed cemetery. This request was denied, and the community only succeeded in building their new church after the Edict of Tolerance was issued in 1789. During this period, the Trautson family conducted extensive investigations into the legal status of the nobles residing on the estate. In 1774, as part of Maria Theresa’s land reforms, the official urbarium of Sátoraljaújhely was prepared. During the land survey, Sátoraljaújhely was classified as a first-class estate, the highest possible ranking. The Trautson era came to an end in 1775 with the extinction of the male line of the family.

Habsburg Royal Estate (1775–1806)

After the extinction of the male line of the Trautson family, the Patak estate became a royal possession again, managed by the Habsburg treasury. From 1777 to 1783, a dedicated administrative body oversaw the estate before the chamber resumed regular management. In 1786, the Pauline order was dissolved, and its former properties were transferred to a national religious fund. The 1791 urbarium highlighted the town’s advantageous location for trade, supported by weekly markets, its status as a county seat, and the presence of Polish wine merchants. Most residents worked in viticulture, mainly as laborers rather than landowners. In 1799, a dispute arose between the town and the estate over its status. The estate claimed Sátoraljaújhely was a serf settlement, while the townspeople argued it was a town with civic rights. Throughout the 18th century, both a Pauline hospital and a municipal hospital operated, but the latter fell into disrepair by the century’s end. In 1803, the two institutions were merged, with the municipal hospital being closed. These hospitals primarily served as social care homes for the elderly and destitute, rather than functioning as medical facilities.

Bretzenheim Era (1806–1848)

In 1807, King Francis II granted the Sárospatak and Regéc estates to Prince Karl August of Bretzenheim as compensation for the loss of his Rhineland properties during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1826, the dispute over Sátoraljaújhely's status reignited when the estate administration prohibited the town from using the title "privileged town" in official documents. The town faced significant challenges during this period. In 1831, a cholera epidemic caused substantial losses among the population. In 1833, the first public hospital opened, improving healthcare services. On October 15, 1834, a morning earthquake caused minor to moderate damage to buildings but no fatalities or collapses. On July 19, 1845, flooding from the Ronyva stream destroyed several small bridges and claimed four lives.

During the Revolution and War of Independence of 1848

After the outbreak of the Revolution, Zemplén County actively participated in organizing the national guard and recruiting new soldiers for the Hungarian army. In Sátoraljaújhely, significant military and organizational activities took place. Many locals volunteered, though some were rejected due to physical unfitness. Nevertheless, those unable to join contributed to the national guard by donating money, weapons, and uniforms to support the cause. In October 1848, fears arose in Zemplén County and neighboring regions about an Austrian force of 5,000 troops under General Balthasar Simunich possibly advancing through the Dukla Pass to reinforce imperial armies near Vienna. However, the troops crossed the border near Trenčín instead. Military defenses in the area were organized by Lieutenant Colonel Sándor Pulszky and government commissioner Dániel Irányi. According to the National Defense Committee’s plan, Zemplén County fell under the 7th (Prešov) Military District for training recruits and forming battalions, with Pulszky appointed as commander. The 42nd Honvéd Battalion was established in Sárospatak, including recruits from Sátoraljaújhely. Despite accelerated training, the combat readiness of local units remained limited after just a few weeks of preparation. In the roster of the Zemplén III Volunteer Company, commanded by Captain Mezősy and consisting of 184 members (dated October 4, 1848), the names of eight residents from Sátoraljaújhely are listed. However, many more locals took up arms, including around 100 Jewish residents who joined the national guard. In December 1848, the Austrian army launched a significant offensive in Upper Hungary, creating a dire situation in Zemplén County and Sátoraljaújhely. General Franz Schlik’s forces, 8,000 strong, entered from Galicia, capturing Prešov on December 9 and advancing to Košice. This sparked panic among the local population and national guards, particularly with the appearance of Polish troops in the region. While reinforcements were sent from Sátoraljaújhely and Tállya, these units were inexperienced. By late December, Major János Besze was tasked with leading the Zemplén forces, who were enthusiastic but poorly equipped. In January 1849, Minister of Defense Lázár Mészáros sent additional troops to the region. Despite multiple attempts to resist, Hungarian forces suffered a severe defeat at Košice on January 4. Mészáros withdrew his troops to the Miskolc and Tokaj areas before resigning. On January 13, command was transferred to the young General György Klapka in Tokaj. Schlik launched an offensive on January 17 to prevent Hungarian forces from regrouping, forcing Klapka to retreat. Austrian troops, led by Major Joseph Herzmanovsky, occupied Sátoraljaújhely on January 20, though the occupation lasted only a few days. Skirmishes near Tarcal on January 22 and Bodrogkeresztúr on January 23 ended with Austrian withdrawals. On January 27, Captain József Oroszhegyi called for a local uprising, urging volunteers to assemble at Bodrogkeresztúr. Reports from scouts stationed in Mikóháza indicated enemy cavalry near Pálháza, and on January 28, Austrian troops re-entered Sátoraljaújhely with an estimated 5,000 infantry, cavalry, and five cannons. By February 2, however, they had withdrawn entirely. On June 30, Russian troops occupied Sátoraljaújhely, as detailed in Dénes Katona’s diary. The occupying force, consisting of 3,600 infantry and several hundred Cossacks, arrived via the Dukla Pass. The occupation placed significant pressure on the town’s population, with locals frequently harassed and looted by soldiers. On July 2, the town council restricted grain exports to address food supply concerns, and on July 11, it introduced smaller denomination banknotes to ease local economic difficulties. By September 1849, the so-called "German era" began in Sátoraljaújhely. Alajos Draveczky, the county president under the imperial government, replaced local leaders with loyalists to the Habsburg crown. "Unreliable" municipal officials and teachers were removed, and opposition organizations, such as the Zemplén Casino, were systematically dissolved.

From the Austro-Hungarian Compromise to the Treaty of Trianon (1867–1920)

The Belle Époque (1867–1914)

Following the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, Sátoraljaújhely experienced rapid growth in the late 19th century, with its population tripling within 50 years. From just over 6,000 inhabitants in 1850, the town grew to 20,000 by the outbreak of World War I and reached 22,000 by 1920. This economic and demographic expansion was largely driven by the development of the Galician railway network. In 1871, the town's main railway station was built, and the first double-track railway in Hungary connected Sátoraljaújhely with Miskolc and Budapest, facilitating significant freight traffic. The completion of the Sátoraljaújhely– Homenné–Przemyśl railway line in 1872 further connected the town to areas beyond the Carpathians and to the western regions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Sátoraljaújhely became a major railway hub, with lines linking it to Kraków, Lviv, and other key Galician cities. The town also became a postal center in the 1870s, enhancing its regional importance. By the turn of the century, Sátoraljaújhely had developed into a major commercial and financial center in northeastern Hungary. The Jewish community played a prominent role in establishing and advancing the town's capitalist economic structure. This period also saw significant migration, with settlers arriving from Galicia and nearby villages, contributing to the town's growth. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw considerable urban development, shaping the town's central district as it is known today. Notable milestones included the opening of a theater in 1883, the construction of a fire station in 1888, and the establishment of sports clubs in 1890. The tobacco factory, completed in 1894, remains operational to this day. In 1896, the town established an electric power plant, and in 1900, a gymnasium and public bath were inaugurated. In 1899, Sátoraljaújhely was granted the status of a "municipal town," giving it greater self-governance. Key infrastructure projects followed: the new cemetery opened in 1901, and in 1905, the Jewish Hospital and the Zemplén County Public Hospital were both completed. That same year, the Justice Palace and penitentiary, designed by architect Győző Czigler, were built. A modern water and sewer system was launched in 1906, and in 1908, the Piarist High School's three-story building was completed. The town’s viticulture industry recovered after the phylloxera crisis of the 1890s, with vineyard reconstruction completed by 1905. This revival boosted wine trade, and in 1913–14, Sátoraljaújhely’s iconic wine hub, the "Wine Church", was built near the railway station. Its façade features Zsolnay tile mosaics depicting the crests of winemaking towns from the Tokaj region. The complex includes a 37-branch cellar capable of storing tens of thousands of hectoliters of wine. Additionally, road modernization projects were undertaken in the early 20th century. The town’s first newspaper, ''Zemplénmegyei Híradó'' (later ''Zempléni Híradó''), began publication in 1862, followed by the ''Zemplén'' newspaper in 1870. The Compromise period ushered in a vibrant cultural life for Sátoraljaújhely. When Hungary abolished the status of market towns in 1871, Sátoraljaújhely became a large village, gradually shedding its rural character and adopting a more urban, civic lifestyle. Highly educated professionals, including teachers, doctors, engineers, and lawyers, began to settle in the town. In 1881, the Rákóczi Freemason Lodge was established, with objectives such as marking the birthplace of Francis II Rákóczi and restoring the grave and garden of Ferenc Kazinczy, including the construction of a mausoleum. The local press played a significant role in promoting the town’s cultural values, particularly in cultivating the legacies of Rákóczi, Kazinczy, and Lajos Kossuth. Their prominence grew during the Millennium celebrations, despite none of them being natives of the town. This cultural movement centered around three major events: Kossuth’s death in 1894, the return of Rákóczi’s remains in 1906, and the 150th anniversary of Kazinczy’s birth in 1909. By the 1910s, Sátoraljaújhely was known as a vibrant, cosmopolitan town with a lively intellectual and commercial atmosphere.

During World War I (1914–1920)

The Czech army occupied Sátoraljaújhely on April 30, 1919, but it was recaptured by the military forces of the Hungarian Soviet Republic on June 6. The Czechs re-entered the town on August 13 and maintained their occupation of the area until the spring of 1920.

Consequences of the Treaty of Trianon

As a result of the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, Sátoraljaújhely became a border town. Previously a significant railway hub, it was downgraded to a terminal station and remained the seat of the now truncated Zemplén County. Part of the town, located along the Ronyva Stream, was ceded to Czechoslovakia and became known as Slovenské Nové Mesto. This division caused a decline in the town’s economic growth, reduced its trade activity, and diminished its administrative and cultural significance. The Ronyva Sream became the new state border, separating the industrial area and eastern agricultural lands from the rest of the town. Following the border inspection by the Hungarian-Czechoslovak Mixed Commission in 1924, the Czechoslovak authorities returned the municipal waterworks and granted a built road for use under Hungarian administration.

From the Treaty of Trianon to the Present (1920–)

Between the Two World Wars (1920–1939)

In the 1920s, many civil servants and intellectuals from the former Upper Hungary region (which corresponds to present-day Slovakia) moved to Sátoraljaújhely, as the county’s administrative structure remained at its pre-1918 size. Retirees, gendarmes, soldiers, and railway workers also settled in the town. However, local public life was limited by restricted voting rights and the persistence of the electoral system. Despite these challenges, residents organized themselves into various local communities, with religious groups and civic organizations playing particularly significant roles. Government investment in the town’s development during the interwar period was limited, though some improvements were made. A narrow-gauge railway was built along the main road, connecting Füzérkomlós in the Hegyköz region to Nyíregyháza in 1924. Unfortunately, the bridge near the village of Balsa, located on the banks of the Tisza River, was destroyed at the end of World War II, after which the railway operated only as far as Kenézlő.

In 1928, the town inaugurated its new theater building on the main square, flanked by two apartment buildings for civil servants. Between 1926 and 1928, the town constructed the headquarters of the Financial Directorate, featuring a gable adorned with a sculpture group by Zsigmond Kisfaludy Strobl depicting the Hungarian Conquest. The town was particularly active in supporting Hungarian territorial revision efforts during the interwar period. Following the First Vienna Award, from 1938 to 1944, Sátoraljaújhely regained its formerly ceded territories. In 1936, as part of the irredentist and revisionist movements, the Magyar Kálvária (Hungarian Calvary) memorial was built on Szár Hill above the town, funded by public donations. The memorial included 13 bastion-like stations representing cities lost to Hungary, the 100th National Flag at the summit, and the Saint Stephen Chapel, consecrated in 1938. These structures were destroyed in 1946 but were rebuilt after the fall of communism.

During World War II (1939–1945)

During World War II, Sátoraljaújhely was an important location where the 2nd department of the Hungarian General Staff (VKF/2) conducted intelligence and counterintelligence activities. During the German occupation, on March 22, 1944, an uprising broke out in the local prison, which was brutally suppressed by the occupying German forces. The Kosice Honvéd Court Martial (in present-day Slovakia) acted as a summary court in the case. Some of the political prisoners got hold of weapons and tried to break out, but were shot at during the breakout. The rebellion had a total of 60 fatalities. The survivors were interrogated and sentenced in the Sátoraljaújhely prison, but some prisoners managed to escape with the help of local residents. In the summer of 1944, 2,567 Jewish residents were deported from the town to concentration camps.

At the end of 1944, heavy fighting took place around Sátoraljaújhely, in which the hills around the town, including Várhegy, played a prominent role. The town was strategically important for the retreating Hungarian and German troops, as it formed the southern point of the Gizella position, which closed the eastern end of the Karola-line. From mid-November, Soviet troops approached the town from several directions. The Hungarian and German troops retreated to the fighting positions on the heights behind the Bodrog and Ronyva rivers, after making serious efforts to strengthen the Bodrog and the foreland of the town. The defense of Sátoraljaújhely was provided by the German 4th Mountain Division, reinforced with subunits of the Hungarian 10th and 16th Infantry Divisions. After fierce street fighting on December 2, the town fell into Soviet hands. The fighting then continued in the surrounding mountains. The Soviet troops gradually occupied the hills, while the Hungarian and German units defended the town side of Magashegy, Sátorhegy, Némahegy and Várhegy. The unit stationed on Várhegy, mostly Hungarian, repulsed the attacks of the Romanian troops several times. The detailed history of the fighting in the hills is still unexplored, but during the archaeological excavation of Várhegy, numerous artifacts were found that can help reconstruct the struggles. Traces of firing positions and machine gun nests can be seen on the southeastern side of the plateau. During the excavations, cans, ammunition box handles, ammunition, bayonet, identity tags ("dog tag") and unexploded mines and hand grenades were found. The memory of the soldiers who died in the battles around Sátoraljaújhely is preserved by numerous local memorials.

Socialist Era (1945–1990)

Between 1945 and 1950, amateur theater thrived in Sátoraljaújhely. In 1948, religious schools, including the Piarist High School and the Carolineum Girls' Institute, were nationalized. After 1950, the town’s educational network expanded significantly. Alongside the high school, two additional secondary schools opened: the Economic Vocational School and the Viticulture Vocational School. Other institutions established during this period included a Technical School, three primary schools, a Slovak-language school, a special education school, and, from 1957, the State Music School. Until 1950, Sátoraljaújhely served as the seat of Zemplén County. However, this status was lost during the 1950 administrative reorganization, which dissolved the historic county system. That same year, following the Soviet model, the town council was established as the new local government body under the council law, and the theater building was repurposed as a Cultural Center. The 1950s also brought significant changes to local industry and administration. Factories were established, marking the beginning of state and council-driven industrial development, while private small-scale industries were suppressed. Urbanization spurred migration from nearby villages, driving a steady increase in housing construction and the development of the town’s first prefabricated panel housing estates. From the 1960s, Tokaj-Hegyalja became a closed wine region, and the state-led restructuring of viticulture and winemaking brought substantial changes to this key agricultural sector. During this time, there was a growing demand for artistic and cultural groups to preserve local traditions. Beginning in 1966, Sátoraljaújhely hosted the annual Winter Young Pioneer Olympics, which gained national recognition for the town in skiing. In 1967, the Spartacus football team won the County First Division Championship, and in 1969, the Hegyalja Folk Ensemble, now renowned beyond Hungary’s borders, was founded. In 1971, the Borkombinát (Wine Combine) was established to coordinate viticulture and winemaking in the Tokaj-Hegyalja region, with its headquarters in Sátoraljaújhely. However, tourism remained underdeveloped until the 1970s, primarily due to a lack of accommodations and high-quality hospitality services. In the early 1980s, the section of the narrow-gauge railway passing through the town was dismantled, followed by the removal of the entire network. In 1984, the town's historical exhibition was renovated, and in 1985, the Kazinczy Ferenc Society was founded, marking a significant revival in civic life. In 1988, the local monthly ''Újhelyi Körkép'' began publication.

Since the End of Communism (1990–)

The independence of Ukraine in 1991 had a direct impact on Sátoraljaújhely, allowing residents to reconnect with their relatives in Transcarpathia. The establishment of independent Slovakia in 1993 created a new geopolitical situation for the town, which became a key settlement along the Hungarian-Slovak border. Hungary and Slovakia's accession to the European Union in 2004 and their entry into the Schengen Area in 2007 opened new opportunities for cross-border cooperation. With the removal of border controls, mobility and economic relations strengthened, although the early days of Schengen integration were marked by conflicts. On the Slovak side, concrete flower boxes were used to block the road connecting the Hungarian and Slovak parts of the town, causing local tensions and international disputes. The regime change of 1990 and the subsequent years brought significant transformations to Sátoraljaújhely. The town’s administration, education, social services, industry, and commerce underwent multiple restructurings. The closure of many local employers and production facilities posed serious challenges to the population. After the turn of the millennium, the town faced economic decline and social issues as its most pressing challenges. The growing proportion of the Romani population raised new social and economic questions, and property prices remained below the national average, signaling increasing poverty. The town leadership saw tourism development as a way to revive the economy and made significant investments in this area. In 2002, a new sports hall was opened, and the municipal swimming pool was renovated. In 2007, the cultural center was modernized, and in 2008, the bypass section of 'Main road 37' was completed, reducing inner-town traffic and improving the town's livability. That same year, archaeological excavations began on Vár-hegy (Castle Hill). In 2009, the Zemplén Adventure Park was inaugurated, which has since been continually expanded. In the same year, the town’s main street was converted into a pedestrian zone, enhancing local tourism. In 2010, the railway station building was renovated, and in 2021, the Rákóczi Hotel, Camp, and Event Center, formerly a socialist-era children’s camp, was transformed into a modern hotel, event center and a summer camp for students. Also in 2021, the complete renovation of the abandoned "Wine Church" began, along with plans to repurpose the building. In 2024, the "Bridge of National Unity" was inaugurated, connecting the castle ruins with the Zemplén Adventure Park. That year, the municipal swimming pool and sports hall were modernized, and the fully renovated "Wine Church" reopened to the public.

Jewish history

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 town in 1905 numbered 4,500 out of a total population of 13,000.

Twin towns – sister cities

Sátoraljaújhely is twinned with:
* Krosno, Poland (2006)

* Opole Lubelskie, Poland (2003)
* Sărățeni, Romania
* Sindos, Greece (2000)
* Waadhoeke, Netherlands (1991)

References

Sources

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External links

Sátoraljaújhely town website (Official website, in Hungarian)

The Website of the Jewish Community in Sátoraljaújhely

Zemplén Adventure Park (Official website, available in English, German, Slovak, Romanian, and Hungarian)

Wine Church Visitor and Event Center (Official website)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Satoraljaujhely
Populated places in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County
Divided cities
Jewish communities in Hungary
Holocaust locations in Hungary