In 2024, as part of a multi-site research initiative, we conducted ground-penetrating radar (GPR) geophysical surveys in the outskirts of Kiskunlacháza. The aim of these surveys was to locate the sites of former village churches within the administrative boundaries of the settlement, using non-invasive methods to identify the remains of historical church buildings.
Among the many intriguing sites, the former village of Úrhegy stood out. The Municipality of Kiskunlacháza aims to excavate, preserve, and transform the Úrhegy church building into a local archaeological visitor center. Úrhegy was abandoned during the late Middle Ages. While the approximate location of the village church was known, its exact size and layout were not. The GPR survey successfully pinpointed the precise location of the former church building and revealed its floor plan.
In April 2025, the Ferenczy Museum Center of Pest County and the Community Archaeology Association (KRE) conducted a planned excavation of the entire area of the Úrhegy church building. The excavation site was determined based on the results of the radar survey.
Thanks to the planned excavation, we had the opportunity to compare the floor plan indicated by the GPR measurements with that of the unearthed church building. The results speak for themselves! The attached images clearly show the strong correlation between the GPR profiles and the structures uncovered during the excavation. Using non-invasive geophysical methods, we were able to form an accurate picture of the hidden church building beneath the surface before any excavation took place. These results excellently demonstrate that modern engineering geophysical tools can be valuable and cost-effective complements to archaeological research and various development projects.
We congratulate the teams of the Ferenczy Museum Center and the Community Archaeology Association (KRE) for their high-quality professional work. We also wish the Municipality of Kiskunlacháza much success in their efforts to create cultural value. Thank you for allowing our measurements to contribute to the success of the project.
