Introducing Győr, the city of rivers

Hungary is brimming with stunningly beautiful cities one should visit when in the country. Today, we would like to introduce a lesser-known gem of domestic tourist destinations. One that deserves more attention and should be on the list of top places to see in Hungary. We are talking about the regional capital of the northwestern part of the country, the city of Győr.

Győr is the 6^th most populous city, with a population of around 130 thousand people. Economically it is an incredibly prosperous city, due to the car industry that employs tens of thousands from the town and its surroundings. It is also an important transportation hub, as it is situated at the crossroads of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.

History

At the current location of the city, we know there was a previous Roman settlement called Arrabona. Győr, as we know it today was founded at around 1009, when it became the centre of Győr diocese. Originally under the control of the Catholic church, it became a royal city in 1271, due to its importance as a communication and trading hub. It later became an important fortress city in the 16-17^th century during the Turkish occupation of the country.

After the Turkish threat subsided, Győr became an important centre of power for the Austrian Habsburgs. They decided they would turn the city into a prosperous baroque town. In 1743 Maria Theresa gave Győr the privileges of a free royal city. In 1809 the town was occupied by Napoleon.

The second half of the 19^th century saw the city take on its modern-day shape, with the industry becoming a more and more important segment of its economy. Between the two world wars, it became a domestic industrial giant and a centre of the arms industry. Under communism, the growth of the city slowed down, but the population kept growing, that’s why much of the outskirts is now littered with Soviet-style concrete apartment buildings.

Nowadays Győr is still an important industrial, transportation and cultural hub. Located at the crossroads of three capitals and three rivers, with a GDP/capita rivalled only by Budapest and with a constantly growing population and expanding economy, the city has unlimited possibilities for further growth.

Top places to see in Győr

The city centre – The entire city centre is dominated by buildings of baroque fashion, which give a unique look to the town. Walking down the narrow, cobbled streets between the clean, yet elegant buildings will make you question whether you are in the 21^st or the late 18^th century.

Széchenyi Square – The baroque main square of the city. It is surrounded by other baroque buildings and palaces as well as by the Benedictine church and school. It is one of the main centres of public life where many events and markets are held.

Dunakapu tér – In English, this is called Danube-gate Square, as during medieval times one could exit to the river Danube from this spot. Nowadays it’s an important market square where public events such as concerts and fairs are organised. The periodic Győr Eye is also set up here.

Püspökvár and Káptalandomb (Bishop’s Castle) – This is the old ecclesiastical centre of the city. Here you can visit the Basilica, the Bishop’s Tower and also the bust of King Saint Ladislaus, which is an important religious relic.

Bécsi kapu tér (Vienna-gate Square) –  Back during the medieval era, this used to be the place where the gate to the road which led to Vienna was situated at. Nowadays it is a charming square, surrounded by the Carmelite church, the city centre, and the river Rába.

Frigyláda (Ark of the Covenant) – Located at Gutenberg Square, this monument depicts a famous religious relic

Győri Nemzeti Színház (Győr National Theatre) – Finished in 1978, the theatre of Győr is one of the main cultural institutions of the city, where plays, orchestras and ballet shows are regularly performed.

City Hall – The baroque city hall and the fountain on the other side of the street are probably some of the most picturesque sights in the city

Rivershore – As we’ve mentioned, Győr is at the crossroads of three rivers- Mosoni-Duna (Danube), Rába and Rábca. The shores of the Danube and Rába are frequently visited by tourists and citizens alike, especially in the summers.

That’s more or less all the most important landmarks to visit in Győr. If you got curious to see the city for yourself, you can easily reach Győr by car or by train from Budapest. An entire tour to check out all the sights will take you around 3-4 hours. Győr makes a perfect one-day getaway destination that everyone should visit once in their lifetime.

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