Vecsés

Vecsés Wetschesch
Town
The church
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Pest county in Hungary
Vecsés Location of Vecsés
Coordinates: 47.40570°N 19.26477°E / 47.40570; 19.26477
Country	Hungary
County	Pest
Area
• Total	36.18 km2 (13.97 sq mi)
Population  (2009)
• Total	20,550
• Density	518.79/km2 (1,343.7/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	2220
Area code	29

Vecsés (German: Wetschesch) is a town of 21.795 inhabitants in Budapest metropolitan area, Pest County, Hungary, situated adjacent to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

History

The area now known as Vecsés has been inhabited since ancient times, but its recorded history begins during the medieval period. The town's name is thought to be derived from the Hungarian word vecse, meaning "a small settlement." Vecsés was mentioned in historical documents dating back to the 13th century, when it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary.

During the Ottoman occupation of Hungary (16th-17th centuries), Vecsés, like many other settlements in the region, experienced demographic changes, including depopulation due to the invasions and conflicts. However, following the expulsion of the Ottomans and the subsequent Habsburg consolidation of power, Hungary saw a period of reconstruction and settlement.

The Swabian Immigration

The most significant demographic change in Vecsés occurred in the late 17th and 18th centuries, during a period of intense German-speaking (Swabian) immigration into Hungary. The Habsburg monarchy, under the reign of Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II, encouraged the settlement of German-speaking populations in Hungary to repopulate the lands devastated by war, improve agricultural productivity, and stimulate the economy.

The Swabians were particularly sought after due to their strong farming tradition, craftsmanship, and industrial skills. The Swabians who moved to Hungary were primarily from the southwestern regions of Germany, particularly the Swabian Jura in present-day Baden-Württemberg. The immigration was part of a broader policy known as the "Germanization" of Hungary, which aimed to foster loyalty to the Habsburg rulers and integrate the Hungarian territories more fully into the Habsburg Empire.

Immigration to Vecsés

By the mid-18th century, Vecsés, like many other towns in central Hungary, became a destination for these German-speaking settlers. The Swabian families who arrived in Vecsés were typically skilled artisans, farmers, and traders, and their migration had a lasting impact on the town’s economy and culture.

In contrast to many other settlements in the region, Vecsés attracted a number of wealthier Swabian families who were granted larger estates by the Habsburgs. These families often settled in the area with the intention of establishing successful agricultural enterprises and businesses, and their influence can still be seen in the town’s architecture and infrastructure.

Cultural and Economic Influence

The Swabian settlers in Vecsés contributed significantly to the development of the town. They introduced advanced agricultural techniques, particularly in crop rotation and animal husbandry, which boosted local productivity. Their expertise in craftsmanship, particularly in milling, smithing, and carpentry, also contributed to the town’s economic growth.

The Swabian influence is still evident in Vecsés today, especially in the local dialect, traditions, and architecture. The town’s cultural life was shaped by the German-speaking Swabian community, with German language and customs playing a prominent role in everyday life for several generations. Over time, however, Hungarian became the dominant language as assimilation and the pressures of national identity took hold.

Decline of the Swabian Community and Aftermath

Following the end of World War I and the redrawing of borders in the Treaty of Trianon (1920), many of the ethnic Germans in Hungary began to experience growing discrimination. The political climate became more Hungarian-nationalist, and after World War II, many German-speaking communities faced harsh reprisals. In the aftermath of the war, the Hungarian government, under pressure from Soviet authorities, initiated the forced expulsion of ethnic Germans. This led to a significant reduction in the Swabian population in towns like Vecsés.

Despite this, the legacy of the Swabians in Vecsés remains an important part of the town's history, and their contributions to the local culture, economy, and architecture are still appreciated by contemporary residents.

Modern Day Vecsés

Today, Vecsés is a growing town in the Budapest metropolitan area, known for its proximity to the capital and its role in regional transportation and commerce. Although the Swabian community is no longer the dominant ethnic group, the town’s multicultural past is celebrated through local festivals, historical sites, and cultural events. The Swabian heritage is particularly remembered during local celebrations of Hungarian-German culture, and Vecsés continues to maintain connections with its German-speaking roots through various cultural and heritage organizations.

The town’s history is also preserved in the form of traditional Swabian buildings, some of which date back to the time of the early settlers, as well as in the local cuisine, which features both Hungarian and German influences.

Economy

At one time the airline Wizz Air had its head office in the Airport Business Park C2 in Vecsés. The airline moved into its current head office on the property of Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport in the northern hemisphere summer of 2011.

Transport

Bus-lines

The autobus company "VOLÁNBUSZ" operates 3 buses to Vecsés town:

• 1. Vecsés, Erzsébet tér > Budapest, Kőbánya-Kispest vá.
• 2. Vecsés, Sportpályam > Budapest, Csévéző utca
• 3. Vecsés, Anna utca > Budapest, Népliget and Budapest Transport serves one line to Vecsés
• 4. Route 200E (Budapest, Kőbánya-Kispest railway and subway station > Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Airport Terminal 2)

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Hungary

Vecsés is twinned with:

• Lăzarea, Romania
• Rheinstetten, Germany

Gallery

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External links

• Street map (in Hungarian)