Gyor is a magnificent city, which offers a variety of activities and remarkable landmarks to visit. It is a picturesque city by the Danube River in Northern Hungary. Gyor is Hungary's sixth-largest city and is conveniently situated halfway between Vienna and Budapest.It is filled with a rich history, hearty Hungarian food and baroque architecture The city center is fairly compact and rather charming, and all main sights of Gyor are within easy walking distance.
Discover with us:
What not to miss?
The Town Hall
The Town Hall is a historic building in Gyor, which is located in the heart of the city, Szechenyi Square. The building is known for being one of the most remarkable landmarks in the city since it was constructed in the 19th century. One of he most interesting features of the hall is its clock tower, which is around 59 meters high. Nowadays, the hall is used for ceremonies or events. Through the years, the building has been used for a variety of purposes, such as a courthouse, a police station, and a library. Today, it serves as the seat of local government. Its beautiful architecture, rich history, and central location make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.
Benedictine buildings
The Benedictine order has a very rich history in Gyor. Some very important buildings, which were constructed by the order, are located in the city. Benedictine Church and the Benedictine Archabbey are known as the more significant.
The Benedictine Church, also known by the name Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, was built between 1634 and 1658. The church was designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Carlone in a Baroque-style style.
The other significant building, which we have mentioned above is the Benedictine Archabbey, which is a complex of buildings that includes a monastery, a school, and a library. Beautiful Baroque and Rococo architecture can be found there, as well as elaborate facades, expansive halls, and a stunning library that houses a sizable collection of rare books and manuscripts.
There is a very popular legend, which is associated with Benedictine Church. The legend is related to the statue of the Virgin Mary, which is located inside the church. According to the legend, the statue of the Virgin Mary used to be located in another church in Gyor, but it was moved to the Benedictine Church because of its miraculous powers. Everyone believed that the statue had the ability to cure illnesses and perform other miracles.
The Benedictine structures play a significant role in the city's architectural history. The cathedral and monastery are open to anyone who want to see the stunning architecture and learn more about Gyor’s history and culture.
The Carmelite Church
The Carmelite Church, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, is a Baroque-style church. The church was constructed between 1733 and 1738 and is one of the most important religious buildings in the city. It is named after the Virgin Mary, who was given the name "Our Lady of the Snows" in recognition of the fabled snowfall that is said to have fallen in 352 AD on the site of the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. The Carmelite Church attracts many tourists from all over the world and is a significant religious and cultural monument in Gyor. If you are visiting the city, then you should definitely spare some time for this remarkable landmark.
What else to visit?
Vienna Gate Square
Vienna Gate Square is a historic square, located in the heart of the old town. The name of the square comes from the nearby Vienna Gate, one of the four gates that once served as the main entrances to the city. Many significant landmarks are located in the square, such as Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, the Town Hall, and the former Episcopal Palace, which now houses the Bishop's Palace Museum. During the year, there are many events, which are hosted on the square such as concerts, cultural exhibitions, and seasonal markets. You can find many cafes, restaurants, and shops and it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful architecture and atmosphere of the old town.
The National Theatre of Gyor
The National Theatre of Gyor, also known as the Petofi Theatre, is a historic theater located in the heart of Gyor. A stunning Art Nouveau structure from the first half of the 20th century houses the National Theatre of Gyor. A wide variety of events are hosted in the theater such as plays, operas, ballets, and musicals. The theatre has already gained a reputation for producing high-quality productions that are enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
Moreover, the National Theatre of Gyor is also home to a theater school, where are trained many aspiring performers. Overall, the National Theatre of Gyor is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Hungarian culture and the performing arts.
The House of the Iron Stump
The House of the Iron Stump is one more landmark located in Gyor, which dates back to the 17th century and is known for its unique architecture. Through the years, the building has been used for many different purposes such as a tavern, a bakery, and a guild house. Nowadays, it is home to the Gyor’s Museum. Part of the collection of the museum includes artifacts from the Roman era, medieval times, and the modern period.
The most interesting feature is Iron Stump, which is said to have been embedded in the facade of the building in the 17th century as a symbol of the blacksmiths' guild. Moreover, there is a legend, in which it is said that blacksmiths then held a celebration to mark the completion of the building. During the celebration, they noticed that the iron stump was starting to glow red-hot and emit a strange light. The blacksmiths were amazed by this phenomenon and believed it was a sign that their craft was being blessed by the gods. They decided to leave the iron stump in place as a symbol of their trade and as a reminder of the divine blessings they had received. Overall, the house of the Iron Stump is a great place to be visited, because of Its unique architecture and fascinating exhibits.
How to travel to there?
By plane: Gyor-Per airport is located about 15 km from the city center and offers regular flights to a few destinations within Europe. You can take a bus or a taxi from the airport to the city center.
By train: Gyor has a quick railway link to Budapest, which takes as little as one hour and fifteen minutes (it is the fastest in Hungary). Train travel to Gyor is also simple from nearby nations, including Bratislava, Slovakia, and Vienna, Austria (in one and a half hours).
By bus: Nearly every hour, busses depart from Budapest's Central Station, for instance, at 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00. Moreover, a bus departs from Vienna and Bratislava at least once every day. The bus is fast and affordable, but it does take a little over two hours.
By boat: Gyor has a waterway connection to Budapest or Vienna because it is situated along the banks of the Mosoni-Duna (Moson-Danube).
When to travel there?
The best time to travel to Gyor depends on your personal preferences and interests. Here are a few things to consider:
The weather is very bad between January and March and the average temperature is 11°C during midday. However, between April and September the climate is nice and the average temperature goes up to 23°C. The largest number of tourists visiting Gyor is during July and August. At that time, you can be prepared that the city is crowded. On the other hand, the weather during October is okay, but you can expect to be rainy most of the days. Between the months of November and December the climate is the worst possible. The average temperature is around 1°C and it is extremely rainy.
Average costs
If you are wondering what your budget should be for a trip to Gyor, here is some information that will be helpful for your trip. The currency of Hungary is Hungarian Forint (HUF). €40 per day ought to be adequate if you're traveling alone to Gyor. The cost will increase to €53 if you decide to stay in a hotel while visiting Gyor. For one day in Gyor, a couple will have to pay about $$100. For one day in Gyor, a family with two kids should have €160. However, the average hotel rates in Gyor range from €16 (6,200 HUF) for a hostel to €44 (16,000 HUF) for a three-star establishment. According to public transport, the cost for a one-way ticket is €0.65 (250 HUF). The price for renting an automobile in Gyor around €19,000 (7,615,000 HUF). If you decide on a taxi, keep in mind that the cost of a cab in Gyor depends on a number of variables. Around €2.10 is the taxi starting price (800 HUF).
Where to eat?
Palffy Restaurant
This restaurant offers a variety of different cuisine such as European, Eastern European, Central European, Hungarian, and vegetarian. You can enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and the very good service of this place.
Nimrod Restaurant
Having a great time at this place is guaranteed, because of the incredible and cozy atmosphere. The menu puts great emphasis on wild hunted food which makes Hungarian cuisine so unique.
A Fuszeres
If you are looking for any ideas, where to have brunch, then you are at the right place. You can enjoy of the variety of options in the menu and well spent time with friends.
Events
Gyorkids Festival
Every year on the first weekend in July, Gyor is transformed into a playground thanks to the efforts of Vaskakas Puppet Theatre. Gyor Kids Festival is the largest free outdoor children's festival in the nation. Children can participate in all of the events, including performances, dance halls, handicraft projects, and adventure parks, with a free wristband they receive in exchange for a happy picture of them.
Gyor Summer Festival
Every year in July and August, a variety of cultural events, including theatrical productions, concerts, and dance performances, are part of this festival. This is one of the most memorable festivals, which are taking place in the city.
Mediawave International Film and Music Festival
This festival, which features movies and music from all around the world, is held in May. For fans of music and movies, it is an excellent event.
St. Stephen's Day
This is a national holiday in Hungary that celebrates the founding of the country. It takes place on August 20 and features parades, fireworks, and other events.
We've reached the end of the article about Gyor. This city has a modern atmosphere, and we believe you will love it as much as we did! In the meantime, you can read other articles on our blog. How about planning a trip to Budapest or Poprad? Remember to follow us@thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on the new releases. We will be back soon with a new article!