Hungarian Culture Day at the Széchényi National Library

Every year on January 22, Hungary celebrates Hungarian Culture Day, commemorating the day in 1823 when Ferenc Kölcsey completed the manuscript of the Hungarian National Anthem. It’s a special time to reflect on the country’s rich cultural heritage and literary history. During the weekend of January 24–25, 2026, Budapest offered a variety of cultural events, and I took the opportunity to visit the Széchényi Library in Buda Castle.

Széchényi National Library, located in Buda Castle

The guided tour was fascinating: we explored the history of the famous Corvina manuscripts and discovered many other important literary and historical documents. For anyone interested in Hungarian culture, this visit was both inspiring and unforgettable.

Bibliotheca Corviniana or Corvina Library

The Széchényi Library has a carefully curated collection, and at its heart lies the legendary Bibliotheca Corviniana, or Corvina Library. Founded by King Matthias Corvinus in the 15th century, it was one of the most famous libraries of the European Renaissance. Unfortunately, after Hungary’s defeat at the Battle of Mohács in 1526, many of its treasures were taken to Istanbul.
The library reflected the ideals of the Renaissance and Humanism. It focused on classical works by authors like Virgil, Cicero, and Livy, but also included contemporary writings. North of Italy, Matthias’s library was the first royal library of its kind in the region, carefully designed to collect only the most important books.

The History and Significance of the Funeral Oration and Prayer

One of the most remarkable treasures I saw was the Funeral Oration and Prayer (Halotti beszéd és könyörgés), the oldest surviving Hungarian text in Latin script, dating back to 1192–1195 during the reign of King Béla III. The text is preserved in the Pray Codex, a Latin ecclesiastical manuscript, and consists of a 26-line funeral speech and a six-line prayer.
Its importance is not just national but European, as funeral orations didn’t become widespread in Europe until the Reformation. Seeing this document in person at the Széchényi Library was a real highlight, offering a tangible connection to Hungary’s literary past.

Personal Impressions of the Széchényi Library’s Atmosphere

Walking through the library felt like stepping back in time. You can almost imagine the kings and nobles of centuries past moving through the halls. The atmosphere is quiet and reverent, perfect for reflecting on the centuries of knowledge preserved there.
I was particularly drawn to the miniature books. The library has hundreds, even thousands, of tiny volumes in a dedicated space. It reminded me of my own tiny leather-bound book, one of the smallest in the world, containing the Lord’s Prayer in several languages. Holding that tiny book alongside such historic treasures made the experience feel deeply personal.

Conclusion

Visiting the Széchényi Library is more than a tour—it’s a journey into Hungary’s literary and historical heritage. From the majestic Corvina manuscripts to the rare Funeral Oration and the intricate miniature books, every corner of the library tells a story.
For anyone exploring Budapest and looking for cultural experiences, a visit to the Széchényi Library is a must. It’s a place where history comes alive, where the past feels present, and where the beauty of Hungarian culture can be truly appreciated.