The Hungarian National Museum's Villa Romana Baláca is the largest Roman villa estate in the country open to visitors. It lies between the villages of Nemesvámos and Veszprémfajsz, about 10 kilometres away from Veszprém and from the shores of Lake Balaton. This authentic site is infused with the unique atmosphere of the Roman period, so visiting gives everyone the chance to escape from the everyday.
You can visit imposing residences from the 3rd to 4th centuries at this site, as well as the surrounding buildings. Murals and mosaic floors demonstrate the wealth of the land owners and are unique in Central Europe.
The Romans first appeared here in the first century, and Villa Romana Baláca is presumed to have belonged to a legionnaire. By the second or third century, the estate had developed into a vast complex, which continued growing until the 4th century.
The people living there kept animals and practiced agriculture; essentially, it was like a manor estate.
The entire site - from the main building to the neighbouring farm buildings - covers about 55 hectars. Currently, about two hectares of this is open to visitors.
The most impressive building is the main residential building, which covers 2,400 square metres, making it one of the largest buildings we know of in the Pannonian province.
The lifestyle and home furnishings of the Roman period come to life here. In the walkway between the two main buildings, there is an exhibition of carved stone artefacts, sarcophagi and gravestones found in Veszprém County.
The garden of the villa estate has been laid out as a park, with a contemporary sundial marking the passage of time.
There is barrier-free access on the left side of the museum from Bródy Sándor Street via the staff entrance. From there, volunteer staff will help you to orient yourself and find your way around the museum. There are toilets with disabled access and nappy changing facilities on the way.
More information about the opening hours here.
