Archbishop's Palace and Library

The Archbishop's Palace is an 18th-century baroque complex adjacent to Kalocsa Cathedral, housing the residence of the Archbishop and one of Hungary's most remarkable private libraries. The building was constructed in the 1770s under Archbishop Patachich as both a residence and a centre of learning, and it retains much of its original character.

The archdiocesan library (Főszékesegyházi Könyvtár) is the main reason to visit: a beautiful baroque reading room lined with 100,000 books, including medieval manuscripts and early printed books that are rarely exhibited anywhere in Hungary. Guided tours of the palace and library run during visitor hours; access to the library itself is through the guided tour only. Check locally for current opening times, as hours vary seasonally.

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A story
The archdiocesan library holds over 100,000 volumes, including a collection of illuminated medieval codices that rank among Hungary's most significant manuscript treasures. Among them is a 14th-century illuminated Bible and several early printed incunabula. The library was founded in the 18th century by Archbishop László Patachich, who assembled the core collection during his tenure.