With the assistance of the LOC, we are ready to arrange a number of social activities where participants are most welcome.

We ask participants to indicate if they would like to take part in when they register for the meeting to facilitate logistics.

Monday, 7 September, 2015 (at full-day)
Organized Social Program for Accompanying Persons!

Wednesday, 9 September 2015 (at afternoon)
Organized Social Program for All Participants!

Thursday, 10 September, 2015 (at full-day)
Optional Program for DENIM Participants!

Monday, 7 & Thursday, 10 September 2015 (at full-day)

Full day Visegrád-Szentendre Tour!

Tour participants will be shown the two major settlements, the scenic Visegrad, former Royal Residence and the medieval artists’ town Szentendre.

Visegrád was first mentioned in 1009 as a county town and the chief town of an archdeaconry. After the destructive Mongol invasion of Europe in 1242, the town was rebuilt in a slightly different location to the south. King Charles I of Hungary made Visegrád, his hometown, the royal seat of Hungary in 1325. In 1335, Charles hosted at Visegrád a two-month congress with the Bohemian king, John of Luxembourg, and the Polish king, Casimir III. It was crucial in creating a peace between the three kingdoms and securing an alliance between Poland and Hungary against Habsburg Austria. Another congress followed in 1338. Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary, moved the royal seat to Buda between 1405-1408. King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary used Visegrád as a country residence. Visegrád lost importance after the partition of the Kingdom of Hungary following the Battle of Mohács in 1526.

Szentendre is a riverside town in Pest county, Hungary, near the capital city Budapest. It is known for its museums (most notably the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum), galleries, and artists. Due to its picturesque appearance and easy rail and river access, it has become a popular destination for tourists staying in Budapest. There are many facilities, including souvenir shops and restaurants, catering to these visitors. Populated for well over a millennium, under the Romans it was called Ulcisia Castra, meaning "Wolf Castle". Since the 16th century it was considered the center of the Hungarian Serb community. At one point it had as many as eight Serbian Orthodox church buildings and 3 chapels, and only one each Roman-Catholic and Evangelical. It is still the see of the Buda Diocese of the Serb Orthodox Church. Szentendre and the surrounding villages were also inhabited by Bulgarians ever since the Middle Ages. In 1690, the Serbian teacher and hegumen Stevan notes that Szentendre was even called Bolgarija by some. It had a Bulgarian neighbourhood of settlers from Chiprovtsi and a Chiprovtsi church. The names of locals clearly hint at a Bulgarian population. In the 18th century, after liberation from the Turks, Szentendre enjoyed a rebirth with Mediterranean leanings, as Serbian, Croatian, Slovak, German and Greek newcomers moved in and lived alongside the Magyar inhabitants. According to the 1720 data, 88% of the population of the town were South Slavs. The town to this day is characterised by a south European atmosphere with much baroque architecture, churches of various faiths, narrow sidestreets, and cobblestone roads.

Price: will be 30 €/person
The Social Program fee can be paid at the registration desk by cash.

Wednesday, 9 September 2015 (at afternoon)

Half day Budapest Sightseeing Tour!

A great way to familiarize with Hungary’s capital and largest city. Learn about the extensive history of Budapest and also about modern day life within the city. The tour covers famous Budapest attractions, including the significant historical sights and areas. The guides will entertain you with stories of past wars, triumphs and tragedies. Enjoy this beautiful city while you discover its past.

Price: will be 15 €/person
The Social Program fee can be paid at the registration desk by cash.