Vác, the picturesque town situated in the Danube Bend, is renowned not only for its natural beauty, but also for its significant role in the country’s history and in the development of Hungarian science, economy arts and sports.
On the occasion of the 950th anniversary of the town’s first documented mention in Hungary, we showcase 95 notabilities (rulers, politicians, scientists, artists and athletes) who in one was on another are linked to Vác. Some of them were born here, others worked in or for the city either for period of time or throughout their lives. Some gained national or international reputation and recognition. Others are known only to locals – or have faded even from local memory. They are the people whose names can be seen on street signs. Among them also those who stayed in Vác not of their own accord, while many moved here from elsewhere, being captivated by the charm of the town.
Naturally, the list of 95 names cannot be complete: more names could be added, and more walls could be filled with panels. The individuals are listed in the order of their birth. The 95 notable figures of the “The City Unshattered by Time” is a tribute to the rich past of Vác and to its outstanding personalities who contributed to the country’s heritage.
King Géza I (circa 1040–1077 ✝) ruled from 1074. According to the Illuminated Chronicle, the founding of Vác and the construction of its first cathedral are attributed to him. He was buried in the cathedral of Vác, but his tomb was lost during the Ottoman era.

King Saint Ladislaus (1046–1095) predicted his brother Géza’s victory and future reign before the Battle of Mogyoród in 1074. He is one of the most significant canonized rulers of the Árpád dynasty.

Miklós Báthori, Bishop of Vác (circa 1435–1506✝), was a friend of renowned humanists and a promoter of humanism. From 1474, he transformed the episcopal seat of Vác to resemble King Matthias Corvinus’s royal court in Buda. Only fragments of his Renaissance buildings remain.

István Brodarics, Bishop of Vác (1471–1539 ✝), was Chancellor to King Louis II and chronicler of the Battle of Mohács. Appointed bishop in 1537, he undertook several diplomatic missions as a trusted confidant of John Szapolyai.

Mihály Dvornikovich, Bishop of Vác (circa 1655–1705), began rebuilding the Diocese of Vác after the expulsion of the Turks. He reestablished the cathedral chapter and brought the Dominican Order to the city.

András Berkes, Grand Provost (1666–1729 ✝), was one of the key figures in rebuilding the Diocese of Vác after the Turkish occupation. He played a significant role in settling the Franciscan and Piarist orders in Vác.

Mihály Frigyes Althann, Bishop of Vác (1682–1734 ✝), was a cardinal and Viceroy of Naples. He integrated the diocese into the international network of the Church and was a major supporter of the canonization of Saint John of Nepomuk.

Mihály Károly Althann, Bishop of Vác (1702–1756), continued the work of his uncle. He supported and sponsored Baroque church construction in Vác.

Ince Desericzky, Piarist teacher (1702–1763 ✝), rector of the Piarist monastery in Vác, was a renowned preacher and historian. He wrote several works on the origins of the Hungarians and discovered Friar Julian’s report in the Vatican.

Kristóf Migazzi, Bishop of Vác (1714–1803), was a trusted advisor of Queen Maria Theresa. During his 20 years as bishop, he brought prosperity to the city. The construction of the cathedral, the Stone Gate (Kőkapu), and many other Baroque buildings are linked to his name.

Isidore Canevale, Italian-French architect (circa 1730–1786), came from a famous architectural family and worked mainly in Austria and Hungary. He was one of the first architects of Classicism. His most important works in Hungary include the Vác Cathedral and the Stone Gate, the Migazzi Mansion in Verőce, and the New Building (barracks) in Pest.

Franz Anton Maulbertsch, Austrian painter (1724–1796), was one of the most significant figures of Baroque painting. He worked in Hungary for nearly 40 years. His later works include the dome fresco and altarpiece of the Vác Cathedral.

Gáspár Oswald, Piarist architect (1729–1781 ✝), designed and built about 20 churches during Migazzi’s episcopacy and led the construction of the cathedral.

Ádám Takács, Reformed pastor (1739–1797), was the first pastor of the Reformed congregation in Vác after the Edict of Tolerance, serving from 1783 to 1788. He commissioned the construction of the Reformed church in Vác and authored several volumes of sermons.

Elek Horányi, Piarist teacher (1736–1809), taught philosophy at the Piarist Grammar School in Vác and was a literary historian. His major work is a lexicon containing the biographies of over 1,000 Hungarian writers and scholars.

András Cházár, lawyer (1745–1816), founded the Institute for the Deaf and Mute in Vác, which he funded from his own wealth.

Antal Simon, Piarist teacher (1772–1808 ✝), was the first director of the Institute for the Deaf and Mute in Vác. He developed the methodology for simultaneous teaching of reading and writing.