The City of History – 5 sights to visit in Győr

Győr is one of the richest city in Hungary concerning historical sights: you can find monuments or old buildings in almost every street. The list of churches and sacred relics is endless, not to mention the secular buildings. Here we gathered the five places that are even more unmissable among the must-see attractions.

Pannonhalma Abbey

Each of the buildings of the monastery conserve a different period of history. The curiosity of the relics and other pieces of cultural heritage are that the monks serving in the monastery still use them according to their original function. There are areas in the building that are only available for the members of the monk community. Visitors may witness how the old traditions of clerical life still live on in the modern world, and the members of this community still lead the lifestyle of prayer and silence. The Abbey is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Photo: Wiki Commons By Civertan Grafikai Stúdió

Zoo Győr

The local zoo is dedicated to teach visitors — both adults and children — about the miracles of nature and the threats that endanger them. This insitution combines two things: participation in the work of the local environmentalist community in saving endangered animals, plants and habitats, and providing entertainment for the whole family. The zoo serves as a venue for cultural and sport events as well, not to mention the teaching activities. Győr Zoo is certainly a place for useful resting.

Photo: www.facebook.com/GyőriXantusJánosÁllatkert(Rajongóioldal)

Benedictine Church Saint Ignatus of Loyola

Almost a decade after the Jesuits settled in the city, they built a church between 1634 and 1641. The construction was based on the designs of Baccio del Bianco, who brought some inspiration from Rome. The church was extended by a school and a monastery complex in 1667.
The towers were added in the 1900s. After the Jesuit order ceased to exist in Győr, the church and its surroundings became the properties of another order, the Benedictines.
In the inner temple, visitors may admire the best works of Baroque art by acclaimed artists like Austrian painter Paul Toger or Hungarian carver Lajos Gode.
One of the main attractions of the inner building is the enormous Altar of Hungarian Saints, which was created on the order of Ferenc Péchy.

Photo: Wiki Commons By Thaler Tamas

Margit Kovács Ceramic Collection

If people talk about the museums of Győr, Margit Kovács’ name usually comes up first. The famous Hungarian ceramist had a distinctive style that can be easily recognized by anyone who once saw her works. She had lots of followers, and she became one of the most influential figures in Central and Eastern European ceramic art. Her works are not only visually stunning, but they are often filled with emotions and deeper layers of meaning.
Those who want more of her ceramics after seeing her exhibition in Győr may visit her another museum in Szentendre.

One of the artwork in Régiposta Street – Photo: Wiki Commons By KovacsDaniel

Janos Xantus Museum

Those visitors who prefer history to art may give a try to Janos Xantus Museum, which has one of the richest collection of archaeological, ethnographic and historical treasures. This museum is not significant only by local measures, but it is recorded as the oldest museum in the countryside of Hungary.
The museum is located in a wonderful Baroque palace, one of the most fascinating buildings of Győr, the Apátúr ház.