VESZPRM

megye (county), western Hungary, extending north from Lake Balaton. It consists largely of the forested Bakony Mountains (q.v.). Lowlands in the northwest are agriculturally poor, but the production of wines is important on the north shore of Lake Balaton, particularly around Balatonfred. The Bakony Mountains and Lake Balaton form the basis of a substantial tourist industry. After 1945 Veszprm saw rapid industrial growth based on the mineral wealth of the Bakony Mountains, especially lignite, bauxite, and manganese. Ajka, once a small coal-mining village, has developed a substantial aluminum industry. Chemical plants have been important in the growth of Veszprm town, the county seat; and Vrpalota, just northeast, has chemical, aluminum, coal-mining, and mineral-oil industries. At Herend is a well-known porcelain and china factory. Other population centres include Keszthely, Ppa, and Tapolca. At Zirc, high in the Cuha Valley, is a 12th-century abbey, and in Nagyvzsony are the ruins of the legendary Kinizsi Castle. Area 1,810 square miles (4,689 square km). Pop. (1994 est.) 378,000. town and seat of Veszprm megye (county), western Hungary. It lies along the Sd River, spanned there by a viaduct, in the Bakony Mountains, southwest of Budapest. The town already had a cathedral and castle in the 9th century; it was named after the Polish prince Bezbriem. The town is built on five hills and contains many historical and architectural monuments: the street of ancient houses, the Cathedral of St. Michael, the Gizella Chapel with valuable 13th-century frescoes, the Baroque bishop's palace (176576), the Franciscan cloister (177076), and the fortress with its Heroes' Gate. Between 1552 and the end of the 17th century, Veszprm was intermittently occupied by the Turks. The town is a rail and market centre. The University of Veszprm was founded in 1949. Manufactures include textiles, wine, and vegetable oil. Veszprm also has a chemical industry. Pop. (1994 est.) 65,789.