Ruins of the former Roman fortress

The southern end of the Keszthelyi land ridge used to jut into Lake Balaton as a peninsula, providing a natural crossing and a safe settlement. As a result, important long-distance routes have crossed this area since prehistoric times. An interesting fact about the huge Roman fortress built here in the 4th century is that it remained in operation after the fall of the Roman Empire until the beginning of the 10th century and played a significant role in the life of the region. Of the fortress, which used to be protected by 44 towers, only the early Christian basilica, the granary and the south gate remain preserved today. From the 18th century onwards, the fortress experienced a new golden era thanks to the Festetics. In 1770 a shipbuilding factory was established next to the pier, where in 1797 the Phoenix, the largest sailing ship on Lake Balaton so far, was built. In 1799 Count György Festetics moved the Szenta stud farm from here and made it one of the most important horse breeding centres in Hungary. The racehorses bred here brought the Festetics numerous prizes and awards. From the end of the 19th century, the estate and the castle park could be approached via the pretty Fenyves avenue. It is also worth making a detour to one of the most important bird ringing and bird migration research stations in Hungary where you can gain an insight into the art of bird ringing and the life of the bird clinic. Leaving the station, you soon reach Lake Kis-Balaton. The former bay of Lake Balaton is now a marshland, parts of which are designated as a strictly protected national park because of the unique and abundant bird life.