Huge art-nouveau buildings dominate the center of this pleasant town in the heart of Hungary. These landmarks were built mainly by the Hungarian Odon Lechner in an effort to develop a new architectural identity drawn heavily from folk art. The Cifrapalato, a ceramic-covered palace, is the most elaborate. The town was also the home of Zoltan Kodaly, one of the world's leading musicologists (his institute is located in a former Franciscan monastery). At the Museum of Naive Artists, a gallery sells original paintings by self-taught Hungarian artists (at fairly low prices). Also of interest is the Andre Kertesz Museum of Photography, with works by the leading contemporary Hungarian photographer. Kecskemet makes a good base for a visit to nearby Bugac and a convenient stopping point on your way around the country. 55 mi/85 km southeast of Budapest.
