EZ AZ ÉPÜLET MAGYARORSZÁG ELSŐ VILLAMOSÍTOTT LAKÓHÁZA A VILLAMOSITAS CENTENARIUMANAK EVÉBEN ELHELYEZTE MATESZALKA VAROS TANACSA TISZÁNTÚLÍ ÁRAMSZOLGÁLTATÓ VÁLLALAT 1888 1988

Location: HU
Category: heritage historic sites
Coordinates: 47.9520036, 22.3276706
Best time: Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip: Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The building located in Mátészalka, Hungary, holds a significant place in the nation’s technological history as the first residential house in Hungary to be electrified. This milestone is commemorated by a plaque installed in 1988, marking the centenary of the event that took place in 1888. For those interested in the evolution of urban infrastructure and local heritage, this site serves as a testament to the rapid modernization that swept through the region at the end of the 19th century. When considering what to do in the area, a visit to this historic site offers a unique glimpse into the domestic application of electricity during its infancy. The building stands as a physical record of the collaboration between the Mátészalka City Council and the Trans-Tisza Electricity Provider. Visitors can expect to see the memorial plaque that documents this achievement, providing a clear historical anchor point for the town's legacy. As you explore local attractions, this site provides a fascinating look at how Mátészalka was at the forefront of the country's energy development. It is recommended to visit during the morning or early afternoon to best appreciate the architectural details and the memorial inscription. While it is a modest site, its importance in the timeline of Hungarian electrification makes it a noteworthy stop for history enthusiasts and those curious about the industrial heritage of the Trans-Tisza region.

General information

Did you know

The building was electrified in 1888, only a few years after the first public power stations were established in Europe.
The commemorative plaque was installed exactly 100 years later, in 1988, to honor the centenary of the electrification.
Mátészalka was a pioneer in the region for adopting modern electrical infrastructure for residential use.

History

The history of this site is defined by the year 1888, when Mátészalka became the site of Hungary's first electrified residential building. This was a remarkable feat for a provincial town, occurring during a period of significant industrial transition in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The installation of electrical lighting in a private residence was an experimental and prestigious undertaking, signaling the arrival of the Second Industrial Revolution in the region. The building's historical status was formally recognized in 1988 when the Mátészalka City Council and the Trans-Tisza Electricity Provider (Tiszántúli Áramszolgáltató Vállalat) placed a commemorative plaque on the facade to celebrate the centenary of this achievement. The plaque serves as the primary historical record of this event.

Cultural significance

This site holds cultural significance as a symbol of local pride and technological progress. In the late 19th century, electricity was a luxury and a symbol of modernity; its early adoption in Mátészalka highlights the town's connection to European innovation. By preserving the memory of this event through a commemorative plaque, the community acknowledges the role of early infrastructure in shaping the identity of the town. It serves as a reminder that even small, remote settlements could be at the cutting edge of global technological shifts, influencing the way residents lived and worked during the turn of the century.

Geography and landscape

The building is located within the urban fabric of Mátészalka, a town situated in the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county of northeastern Hungary. The surrounding landscape is part of the Great Hungarian Plain (Alföld), characterized by flat, fertile terrain typical of the Trans-Tisza region. As an urban site, the building is integrated into the traditional streetscape of the town center, reflecting the architectural style of late 19th-century residential developments in the region. The area remains a functional part of the town, surrounded by local businesses and residential streets that maintain the historical character of the city.

More facts

Imported from OpenStreetMap batch

Visitor links

Open map for EZ AZ ÉPÜLET MAGYARORSZÁG ELSŐ VILLAMOSÍTOTT LAKÓHÁZA A VILLAMOSITAS CENTENARIUMANAK EVÉBEN ELHELYEZTE MATESZALKA VAROS TANACSA TISZÁNTÚLÍ ÁRAMSZOLGÁLTATÓ VÁLLALAT 1888 1988