84th Stamp Day: Balatonfüred is 800 years old

600 HUF

ITEM NO: 2011090030011-

In keeping with its traditions, Magyar Posta is releasing a set of two stamps and a stamp block with a surcharge at the festival of stamp collectors. Balatonfüred is hosting the events of the 84th Stamp Day between 8 and 10 April 2011. The proceeds from the surcharge of the Stamp Day block (HUF 200 per block sold) will be transferred by Magyar Posta to the National Federation of Hungarian Philatelists to support organised stamp collecting in Hungary. Balatonfüred is a small town with 13,500 inhabitants on the northern shore of Lake Balaton among rolling hills. It is embraced by hills to the north and the lake to the south. Its name, contrary to popular belief, is not derived from the Hungarian verb to bathe (fürödni) but refers to a place with quails (fürj). It was first mentioned in the description of the estates of Tihany Abbey in 1211. Its tourism dates back cen-turies and, after its mineral water was classified as medicinal water and its source as a medicinal spring, it became a spa town in 1971. Since 1987 it has borne the title International Town of Grapes and Wine. Its reputation mainly rests on its Mediterranean-like climate and its carbonated springs. Balatonfüred and its surroundings lie on the “Balaton Riviera”, which is so called due to the special features of the micro climate in the locality. The exchange of air between the land and the lake and the constant movement of air gives the locals clean, dust-free air. The State Coronary Hospital operates here, making use of the spring water for medicinal purposes. This is where the famous Nobel Prize winner, the Hindu poet, Rabindranath Tagore, recovered his health in 1926, after whom a promenade was later named. The town is also rich in places of historic interest, most of which have been renovated and converted. Balatonfüred started developing in the Age of Reform, in the 1800s. It was a favourite meeting place for politicians and artists with a progressive spirit, and this is when its historic and cultural role was the greatest. The town has numerous monuments, and important buildings and traditions from this age. It was here in 1825 that the first Anna Ball was held in Horváth House, and in 1831 that the poet Sándor Kisfaludy opened the first permanent theatre in Transdanubia from donations, and help from the Abbey and the locals. (Source: balatonfured.hu) The building of Vaszary Villa in Balatonfüred is shown in the stamp design of the numbered block with a surcharge while the border features the lakeside of the Balaton, and statues in public spaces in the town. These include The Fisherman and the Ferryman, Rabindranath Tagore, Sándor Kisfaludy, Saint Stephen, The Lizard, Count István Széchenyi, Mór Jókai and Lujza Blaha. The first day cover for the block is adorned with the marina in Balatonfüred. The HUF 90 stamp of the set features the Anna Grand Hotel in Balatonfüred and the HUF 115 stamp the Balatonfüred Coronary Hospital. The Round Church and Gallery, and the Roman Catholic (Red) Church are shown on the first day cover for the set. The commemorative postmark has a logo related to the town’s 800th anniversary.

Type special stamp block
Short description In keeping with its traditions, Magyar Posta is releasing a set of two stamps and a stamp block with a surcharge at the festival of stamp collectors.
Printing Office Pénzjegynyomda
Issue year 2011
Issue time 2011.04.10 15:38:24
Cutting size 90 x 60 mm
Stamp Circulation 80000
Theme anniversary,town,culture
Designer Barnabás Baticz
Stamped/Uncanceled mint