Archaeological excavations at Dóm Square uncover new insights into Szeged’s past
Ongoing excavations at Dóm Square are shedding light on Szeged’s history, revealing the remains of buildings, roads, and part of an old cemetery. Archaeological team leader Zsuzsanna Löffler shared the latest findings on-site Wednesday.
According to Löffler, an archaeologist and museologist at the Móra Ferenc Museum, Dóm Square lies at the heart of the medieval town, where a church has stood since the 11th century. The two excavation trenches display layers of successive land modifications over time.
In the trench farther from the cathedral, researchers uncovered the remains of a house from the Ottoman period. The clay-plastered dwelling, consisting of at least two rooms, was destroyed by fire. Among the most remarkable discoveries in this area was a nearly 20-centimeter-tall candlestick.
This artifact, a rare find in near-perfect condition, was discovered on a compacted clay floor. According to Löffler, the museum’s collection contains no similar piece, making it an exceptional addition. She added that intact objects from this period are rare, as most are found only in fragments.
Archaeologists identified clear traces of Baroque-era land modifications in another trench, located farther from the Tisza River. Historical records confirm that during the Baroque reconstruction of the former Dömötör Church, houses in the area were demolished, and roads were built through the adjoining cemetery. A section of one such brick-paved road was uncovered during the dig.
Alongside multiple building remains, the excavation also revealed a portion of the church’s cemetery, including ten graves. These burials are believed to date from the late 15th to early 16th century. However, pinpointing their exact age is challenging, as the deceased were laid to rest with little or no grave goods. Only a fragment of a ring was recovered from the site.
A surprising discovery came when researchers found the remains of yet another building beneath the Ottoman-era layer, buried approximately 3.5 meters deep. This structure lies just 4–5 meters from the presumed location of the first church built in the 11th century.
The excavation project, aimed at deepening knowledge of Szeged’s medieval urban layout, is expected to continue until mid-April. By early May, the site will be restored, as the construction of the stage and grandstand for the Szeged Open-Air Festival must begin.
Entry to the excavation areas is prohibited.
Photos: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
This article was produced with contributions from an MTI (Hungarian News Agency) report.
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