Cultural Heritage Days: Sgraffito House

Dear Visitors!

On September 19–20, as part of Cultural Heritage Days, several of iASK’s iconic buildings will open their doors to visitors. One weekend, three special locations, centuries of history. ✨

SGRAFFITO HOUSE

📅 September 20 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

📌 9730 Kőszeg, Jurisics Square 9.

Built in the 16th century, this Renaissance-style Sgraffito House—whose name is visible on its facade— from the sgraffito decoration—a style considered unique in Hungary. The term, of Italian origin, refers to a multi-layered plaster decoration technique in which two layers of plaster are applied to the facade, and then one of them is removed according to a predetermined pattern.

In addition to the decorative motifs on the facade, there is also a Latin quotation, which is an excerpt from the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. The Latin quote reads: “Non est volentis, neque currentis sed miserentis Dei” —in English: “It is not the one who wills, nor the one who runs, but God who shows mercy” (1668).

 In the 18th and 19th centuries, a courtyard wing was added to the building, and the facade was redesigned in the Baroque style. A comprehensive renovation of the building took place in 2017–2018; and in addition to the interior renovation, the built facade was also restored during the course of the work.

The building houses a thematic library and research centers. As an added value, the conversion of the attic space has creatednew interior spaces have been created that provide state-of-the-art research facilities, meeting 21st-century international standards. The multimedia room in the attic also serves as a venue for classes, courses, and lectures.