The Sarospatak tree is found in the garden of the Rákóczi Castle. It’s a linden tree, currently about 190 years old. This tree is one of the oldest in the castle garden, alongside the oldest tree, a Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica). They both have been likely planted by the Rákóczi family around 1826, during the landscaping of the garden. The japonica is so old it needs constant support, so sadly, no one can go near except for the gardeners. The garden itself is a protected natural area of local importance, classified as a nature reserve since 1977.
Sárospatak was the main castle of the Rákóczi family. It’s legacy and myth is very strong in the town. Even musically speaking, an instrument associated with the Rákóczi’s, the tárogató was an important woodwind instrument in Hungarian folk music, and was used as a signaling instrument for battle at the time. The tree’s neighbour is a statue of English poet and diplomat, George Stepney. And the statue’s creator is Ferenc Farkas, a Munkácsy Mihály Prize-winning sculptor, who created the bust based on the only portrait of Stepney found in the National Portrait Gallery in London. Interestingly we will have musicians from the Ferenc Farkas Music School joining in the concert in June, but this Ferenc Farkas is the Hungarian composer. Confusing.
A tree-based workshop was held recently with members from the Town Gallery’s art students.
Here is the tree –
