Debrecen4U September 24, 2026

Birthplace of Printing in Debrecen Commemorated on 465th Anniversary

To mark the 465th anniversary of printing in Debrecen, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the site of the city’s first printing press. A mural marking the anniversary can also be seen here.

The only place where one can now encounter “Nyomtató köz” (Printing Press Alley), the old name for the area now part of Vár Street, is a new mural that also features 1561, the year printing began in the city. “The Reformation made use of the technological revolution that had already taken place in the 16th century, the Gutenberg era. The printing press was first brought to Debrecen by Gál Huszár after he had to flee Kassa in 1561. Sermons by Péter Méliusz Juhász and Gál Huszár as well as hymnals and devotional writings were printed here,” said Károly Fekete, Bishop of the Transtibiscan Reformed Church District.

Printing quickly found a home in Debrecen. Books produced here were read throughout the Transtibiscan region and in Transylvania as well. The printing press thus also contributed to the city becoming an intellectual centre, Mayor László Papp said at the ceremony. “We might say that printing was the Netflix of the Middle Ages, providing readers with information, knowledge, entertainment and opportunities for learning. Debrecen was absolutely at the forefront in this respect,” László Papp pointed out.

A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the site of the former printing press to mark the 465th anniversary of the birth of printing in Debrecen. Its successor is Alföldi Nyomda Zrt., whose managing director says it is important to foster a love of books among younger generations as well. “While recognising the need for new forms of communication, I believe that books are still the primary medium for conveying information,” pointed out Lajos Pataki, CEO of Alföldi Nyomda Zrt.

At the ceremony, employees of Alföldi Nyomda printed commemorative sheets on site, allowing participants to see the old printing machines in operation as well.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu