MAGYARORSZÁG	HUNGARY
megye: Borsod-Abaúj-Szemplén

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Human settling in the area of Miskolc can be traced back for thousands of years. Ice Age bones found in caves of the Bükk mountains are considered one of the oldest traces of humans in Europe. The Hungarian tribe by the name of the Bors (hence the name of the district Borsod) came into the area in the 9th century. The oldest mentioning of Miskolc (terra Miskoucy) in a document dates from ca. 1210. The town was looted by the Turks in 1544 and was occupied by them from 1596 until 1687. As the town always supported the struggle of the Hungarians for separation from the Habsburgs, it was burnt down by Imperial troops in 1706. Iron-working industry began at the end of the 18th century using ore from the Bükk mountains. Since the 19th century and especially since after World War II Miskolc has become a major site of heavy industry.

The  Reformed church [centre back] on the northern slope of the Avas hill was founded in the 13th century and is the oldest building in Miskolc. The church was remodeled in gothic style between 1470 and 1490. After being destroyed by a fire during the turkish attack of 1544 it was rebuilt between 1560 and 1569 by the protestant congregation. The detached bell-tower dates from 1557 and is one of the landmarks of Miskolc.

Avas hill (243 m) is a popular place for excursions as it offers a splendid view over the area. As Miskolc also is a wine-growing area, many wine-cellars [inset top left] have been driven into the slope of the Avas hill. One of these cellars even extends 100 m into the mountain.

In the centre of Szabadság tér ('Independence Square', formerly called Erzsébet tér, 'Elisabeth Square'), the monument for Lajos Kossuth [foreground] commemorates the hungarian politician and journalist (1802–1894) who was a central figure for the striving for indepence of Hungary from Austria in the 19th century.