Maps | Map search | Technological description

In our country the most hungarica complete map collection can be found in National Széchényi Library through the generous donation of Ferenc Széchényi, the library founder and Sándor Aponyi. Digitalized preservation of the collection and making it available through Internet has been our ardent aim. This work could begin from a modest amount of money, comparing to the extent of work, gained from a tender called for Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage and National Cultural Fund also supported it generously later on. Currently we can continue the work from the estimates of the library to a moderate extent.

Scanning of the maps has brought a lot of problems to the surface. Maps currently dislpayed on the net do not include all the files because those are the pieces of art that cannot be scanned with drum scanner as they are recorded on cardboard or they are bigger than 841 x 1189 mm. Thus they are missed from digitalization.

As a first step we made available the maps of Hungary and Transylvania between the 16th and 18th century. As this work is advancing, other will be made available for our visitors on Internet according to our plans.

And we are pleased to be able to make this step in the year of two hundredth anniversary of the library foundation.

In the former library of earl Ferenc Széchényi the only particular collection involved only maps besides the manuscripts and antique books. Those who are interested in the history of Map Deposit can find further details on the following website: www.oszk.hu/gyujt/terkep.html

We hope that these beautiful old maps will attract your attention and you will be a regular visitor of the website helping us with notes and suggestions.

You can forward your professional questions in the following ways:

Telefonon: +36 (1) 224-3784
E-mail: Kplihal@oszk.hu, Danku@oszk.hu
Postal address: Országos Széchényi Könyvtár Térképtára, 1827 Budapest

Our Services:

Opening hours of the reading room:

• Monday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
• Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Only photocopy can be given of the original materials, but digital and plotted copies can be ordered of the scanned maps.

Since we publish the maps by means of MoD Mapping Non-Profit Limited Company please send your technical comments on publication (wrong links, problems with display of pictures, etc) to pasko.attila@topomap.hu by e-mail or call number +36 (1) 336-2034 on working days between 8 a.m and 3 p.m.