Sightseeing in Gyor - what to see. Complete travel guide

Among Hungarian cities with a big number of developed industries and modern factories, Gyor occupies the third place. Besides that, tourism has been actively developing in the city. Thanks to the rich cultural and historical heritage, this Hungarian city is widely famous among numerous tourists. Gyor is often referred to as the “river city” because it is situated on the bank of the River Rab. When visiting this beautiful Hungarian city, many tourists prefer to make a river excursion in a boat or canoe. Such activities as fishing and picnicking outdoors are also always available to guests of Gyor.

Celts lived in the territory of modern Gyor in the 5th century BC. The settlement started growing in size and getting first fortifications during the Roman Empire period. At that time, Gyor had another name and was famous as Arrabona. The Romans were successfully protecting the city from barbaric invasions. However, when the Roman Empire ceased to exist, the fortress became abandoned. Avars captured the territory in the 5th century. However, Charlemagne and his powerful army defeated the invaders at the beginning of the 9th century. Consequently, Francs remained rulers in Arrabona until the end of this period. That being said, their reign didn’t last long and Hungarians drove Francs away already at the beginning of the 10th century. A new period started in the city.

Hungarians restored the destroyed Roman fortress. The city itself started growing in size. King Saint Stephen opened episcopate in the city and changed its name to Gyor. The Hungarian city reached the peak in its development in the 18th century. It became a free royal territory. The war with Napoleon was a tough challenge for Gyor as a severe battle took place near the city walls. The Austrian army lost the battle. World War II also had a negative impact on the city’s fate as many historic buildings were severely damaged. Thanks to the efforts of the city’s authorities, it became possible to restore these architectural treasures. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Are you interested in sacred places? In this case, consider visiting the Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey that is the oldest monastery in Hungary. Starting from its building in the 10th century and until the modern days, education was the main purpose of the abbey. The Pannonhalma Archabbey was rebuilt a number of times during its long history, and each restoration brought new elements and features to the building. Nowadays, the abbey is an elegant combination of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

A basilica has been open in the monastery’s territory starting from the XIII century. This basilica is dedicated to Saint Martin. The beautiful building attracts numerous guests with its rich and exquisite décor. Skillfully made frescos cover the ceiling of the shrine, and beautiful stonework and gilded altar make this basilica even more attractive. The abbey is also proud of its library that features more than three hundred thousand books including hand-printed materials, ancient manuscripts, and historic documents that do not have any copies.

When taking a stroll in the historic center of Gyor, attentive tourists might see a hard-to-notice building with the oldest pharmacy. Nowadays, there is a museum open in it. In the past, this building belonged to a Jesuit monastery. It was an idea of Jesuit monks to open a pharmacy here in the 50s of the 17th century. The pharmacy was open for fifty years but then it closed permanently. It was decided to reopen a pharmacy in this building only in the 70s of the 20th century.

Nowadays, the pharmacy has become a popular tourist landmark. Guests from all over the world visit this place in order to take a look at the unique décor of the pharmacy that makes it reminiscent of a palace. Pay your attention at the stucco on the ceiling, original patterns, beautiful arcs, and skillfully made paintings. The gorgeous design is not the only thing that deserves the attention of visitors. There are also many valuables exhibited such as old medical tools.

Thousands of tourists try to see the Mary’s Column that is one more notable landmark in Gyor. The popular landmark is located in Szechenyi Square. This is a popular landmark that dates back to 1686. Stone fruit and intricate bas-reliefs decorate the gorgeous column. Several saints surround the column – John the Baptist, Saint Anthony of Padua, Stephan, and Leopold. On the top of the tower, there is Virgin Mary holding her baby. She looks like she is showing people that the whole city is under divine protection.

It is possible to get to Gyor by train departing from the capital’s central railway station in just one hour. If you choose to travel to this Hungarian city from Vienna, the road will take one and a half hours. It is also possible to arrive in Gyor by train from Bratislava. Finally, there are intercity buses to Gyor. The most suitable bus route starts in Budapest.