The 1590 Vizsoly Bible was printed on paper imported from Poland, as local mills could not produce sufficient quality at the time.
Only about 25 to 30 copies of the original 700-800 printed Bibles are known to exist today.
The text was translated by a team led by Gáspár Károlyi, who completed the monumental task in under two years.
Bálint Mantskovit, the printer, moved his printing press from Debrecen to Vizsoly specifically to produce this Bible.
The Bible is printed in the 'Vizsoly typography,' a distinct style utilized for the project.
The Mantskovit Bálint Múzeum is dedicated to the history of the Vizsoly Bible, the first complete Bible printed in Hungarian in 1590. It houses one of the few surviving original copies of this landmark publication. The museum is named after the printer Bálint Mantskovit, who operated the press in Vizsoly under the protection of Gáspár Károlyi. Visitors can view the original printing equipment and examine pages from the 16th-century edition. The museum is located adjacent to the historic Reformed Church of Vizsoly, where the Bible was originally produced. It serves as a focal point for understanding the development of the Hungarian language and the impact of the Reformation in the region. The facility displays contemporary documents and artifacts that contextualize the print culture of late 16th-century Hungary.
The interior exhibit room featuring the original printing press and the displayed pages of the Bible.
Combine your visit with a tour of the adjacent 13th-century Reformed Church to see the murals and site of the original press.
Check the official website for guided tour availability, as group visits often provide deeper insight into the printing process.
Look for the commemorative plaques in the surrounding village that mark the historical significance of the printing location.
Do not attempt to touch the original 1590 pages or artifacts, as they are preserved behind specialized protective glass.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor suitable for a historical site and religious facility.
