Situated at the heart of the royal triangle formed by Esztergom, Buda, and Székesfehérvár, the Gerecse region was among the wealthiest areas of medieval Hungary. Understanding this region, which served as the backdrop to the royal and later archiepiscopal seat of Esztergom, is vital for gaining deeper insights into its medieval material culture. Bajna, located at the center of this region, provides an ideal focal point for such research.
Archaeological investigations in this area, which historically supplied agricultural products and handcrafted goods to nearby towns, began in the summer of 2013. These efforts were led by the Department of Archaeology at Pázmány Péter Catholic University, in collaboration with the Balassa Bálint Museum of the Hungarian National Museum in Esztergom and the Institute of Object Conservation at the University of Fine Arts.
The Department’s first excavation season focused on the valley of the village of Sárás, identified through prior topographical research. Historical evidence suggests that Sárás was destroyed during the Ottoman troop movements in the autumn of 1526. Reconnaissance began with spring field surveys, complemented by magnetometer scans. These efforts led to the selection of a promising sample area, where the first excavation trenches were opened that summer.
The excavation revealed the remains of a late medieval dwelling and its outbuildings, along with a surprisingly rich collection of artifacts that reflected the high material culture of late medieval Hungary. Evidence suggests that the village’s destruction coincided with the military actions of 1526. While survivors initially attempted to rebuild, leaving behind traces of their efforts, these remains were short-lived, and Sárás was ultimately abandoned.
The fieldwork in this hospitable rural hinterland serves as a comprehensive interdisciplinary training ground. In addition to archaeology and its auxiliary sciences, students from our department gain hands-on experience in professional excavation, conservation, and restoration. This collaboration is enriched by the expertise of object restoration specialists from the University of Fine Arts, providing invaluable practical knowledge.
Attila Türk PhD, excavation manager
Zsolt Vágner, archaeologist colleague
Photo reports of each season of the research programmes are available on our Facebook page.
Experience
Bajna you wonderful!
“As an archaeology student, I spent my first excavation internship this summer in Bajna with many of my colleagues and friends. During the three weeks we were there, we became well-acquainted with the village and its surroundings and were grateful for the warm support we received from the locals.
The first week started on a somewhat bumpy but uneventful note as we began by washing ceramics collected during the spring field trip. Next came cleaning the terrain—a challenging task. Removing sunflowers from the topsoil was particularly grueling (I haven’t been able to look at a sunflower the same way since), but we managed to overcome the obstacle together.
After the landscaping work, we finally opened the first excavation sections, digging closer and closer to the layer we hoped would reveal medieval ovens. While the work was exciting, we didn’t spend every waking moment on-site; we also made time to bond as a team, which I think went wonderfully. We shared the workload at our accommodation (though the boys could have been better at washing dishes!) and often prepared breakfasts together.
Our accommodation was in a gymnasium, which felt like a giant dorm room. It served as our dining room, lab, and bedroom all in one, meaning we spent nearly every moment as a community. After lunch, our afternoons often turned into lively card games, where the main goal was to dethrone the reigning “King of Solo,” Balázs.
We also had the chance to explore the Bajna castle, enjoy a delicious deer stew with the local foresters, and participate in a delightful wine tasting with the “Bajna Wine Friends.”
The three weeks I spent in Bajna were truly unforgettable, filled with both hard work and laughter. A few moments stand out, like when my bed collapsed or when the dog (whom we were feeding!) stole one of my boots. And then there are the shared memories that only the team will understand—like the mysterious "green three" that will forever be part of the “Remember when in Bajna…” conversations.
Looking back, I feel I’ve gained invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience that I can carry forward in my future endeavors. I’ll always cherish the memories, friendships, and lessons from those weeks in Bajna.
Anita Kocsis
2nd year
Major in Late Antiquity
Hungarian prehistory and archaeology of the conquest minor
