At the request of the Bishopric of Székesfehérvár, the Department of Archaeology at Pázmány Péter Catholic University conducted a scientific excavation from July 7 to July 25, 2014, focusing on the area of the Royal Coronation Basilica and the cemetery in the Bishop's Garden in Székesfehérvár. The excavation was led by Dr. Attila Türk, Adjunct Professor at the Department of Archaeology, in collaboration with Dr. Gábor Bertók, Adjunct Professor, Mihály Kulcsár, Deputy Director and Archaeologist at the King Stephen Museum, and Szabina Reich, Archaeologist, alongside archaeology students from the university.
The project benefited from the expertise of professional consultants, including Dr. Piroska Biczó from the Hungarian National Museum, Dr. András Végh from the Budapest Historical Museum and the Department of Archaeology at Pázmány Péter Catholic University, and Dr. György Bartos from MNM-NÖK, an art historian. The team extends special thanks to Bishop Antal Spányi, his colleagues, and András Smohay, Director of the Diocesan Museum of Székesfehérvár, for their support.
The research, guided by geophysical surveys conducted by Dr. Gábor Bertók, revealed significant historical layers beneath modern and late Baroque deposits. These included Ottoman-era layers and architectural features, as well as medieval structures and remains, which provide insights into Székesfehérvár’s historical development. The excavation uncovered wall remains from different periods, contributing valuable information about the architectural history of the area. Documentation employed both traditional archaeological methods and advanced technologies, including photogrammetry and 3D scanning, ensuring precise records of the findings.
Dr Attila Türk
excavation manager
