In Hungary there is Debrecen, a city with a millennial history

Nicknamed the 'Calvinist Rome' due to its central role in the Hungarian Reformation, Debrecen has a thousand-year history worth getting to know. Located on the eastern side of Hungary, it enchants visitors and art lovers alike with a combination of historical charm, natural beauty and modernity. Today, Hungary's second largest city is even closer to Italy thanks to a twice-weekly flight operated by Wizz Air that connects the city to Rome every Wednesday and Friday.

Debrecen's history dates back to ancient times and is evidenced by its cobbled streets and monuments. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, admire the magnificent architecture of the churches and immerse themselves in the rich collections of the local museums, which tell the history and culture of the region. Some examples are the Reformed College, founded in 1538, and still today, thanks to the presence of the Great Library, recognised as a point of reference for knowledge and learning; the Déri Museum, located next door, which exhibits a collection of local and universal cultural artefacts, including Mihály Munkácsy's trilogy on the Passion of Christ; and the Modem (Modern and Contemporary Art Centre), which offers a diverse and colourful collection of contemporary culture and art and is located behind the Déri Museum.

But Debrecen is not only history, culture and festivals. The city is also surrounded by lush, unspoilt nature. The Great Forest, which has been named the most beautiful forest in Hungary, can be reached in ten minutes by car or public transport from the city centre. Here you will find a zoo, an amusement park, a year-round playground, a botanical garden, a stadium, an open-air stage and a spa complex, the Aquaticum Spa, which includes a medicinal water spa, an indoor and an outdoor tropical aquapark, as well as various medical and wellness services. Beyond the city limits, there is also the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hortobágy Nature Reserve, a must-see for lovers of nature, outdoor activities and watching migratory birds.

The city's vibrant cultural scene offers a variety of theatre performances, concerts and art events that entertain visitors of all ages, especially during the summer months. Among the most popular festivals, the 'Debrecen Flower Carnival', from 15 to 20 August, sees the city streets transformed into a sea of colours with parades of floats decorated with flowers and plants, while the 'Debrecen Wine and Jazz Days', from 8 to 11 August, offers jazz fans the opportunity to enjoy open-air concerts and jam sessions in a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by fine glasses of Hungarian wine.

Among the hotels where you can spend a few nights is the Aquaticum Thermal & Wellness Hotel, a family-friendly 4-star hotel located in the centre of the spa complex of the same name, in the heart of the Great Forest, or the Mercure Hotel Debrecen, a superior 4-star hotel located in the heart of Debrecen's historical centre, close to the city's landmark buildings, including the Great Reformed Church and the Déri Museum. In addition to its ideal location and high-quality services, the unique feature of the Mercure Hotel is its interior design, inspired by Debrecen's biggest festival, the Carnival of Flowers. Among the restaurants you absolutely must try is the Ikon Restaurant. Its chef's philosophy is to showcase the diversity of local ingredients, taking into account local values, needs and seasonality. It has been listed among the best Hungarian restaurants and is mentioned in the Michelin Guide.