Old County Hall - Hungary sights - Balassagyarmat

The classical Old County Hall, built between 1832-1835, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the town and reminds us that Balassagyarmat was a county town from 1790 to 1950. It also has connections with two outstanding figures of 19th century Hungarian literature.
Imre Madach, the author of "The Tragedy of Man", a universal drama like Goethe's Faust, worked in this building as a notary, judge of the Court of Appeal, and later as a county chief-assessor. Today, his life-size seated statue is placed next to the building. His gesture suggests his creed, formulated in his masterpiece: Man, strive on, trust, have faith!
Kalman Mikszath, witty master of the written word and recorder of 19th century Hungarian reality, also worked in the County Hall. From here he could observe the Hungarian nobility, and write striking, sometimes sensational, pieces and realistic yet humorous novels. His bust can be found in front of the Old County Hall, and his house is in the street named after him. The epoch itself is evoked by the so-called Csillag-house (Star House), a former mansion of the gentry. It is a classical L-shaped building erected in the beginning of the 19th century, now home to the local history collection.