If you’re looking for a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of Budapest, look no further than Győr. This picturesque city is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and vibrant culture. Known for its well-preserved medieval old town and lively atmosphere, Győr offers a delightful day trip that feels like stepping into a fairytale. So, grab your walking shoes, and let’s dive into an unforgettable day exploring this Hungarian gem!

A Brief History

Its location at the confluence of four main rivers (the Danube, Mosoni-Duna, Rába, and Rábca) is of historic importance to the city of Győr and made it an attractive place to settle early in history. The oldest recorded settlers were Celts around the 5th century BC. They called the town Ara Bona (Good Altar), later contracted to Arrabona under the Romans, which is kept alive in the German name for the city, Raab, and the name of the thermal baths in Győr.

The Danube has been a major trading route for centuries. Many towns along its banks prospered from trade – as did Győr. That’s why today you will find numerous stately Baroque buildings in the center of the old town.

The New Town Hall

If you arrive by train, you will see the stunning New Town Hall building across the street. This building stands as a testament to Győr’s modern civic pride. Completed in the early 20th century, it features a stunning blend of Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Although it is not open for tours, its striking facade makes it an architectural beauty from the outside.

The Benedict Buildings

Just a short walk away, the Benedict Buildings showcase the serene elegance of Baroque architecture. These historic structures, now housing various offices and shops, offer a glimpse into Győr’s opulent past.

A part of the ensemble is the 17^th-century St. Ignatius Church, the oldest baroque church in Hungary. The interior decoration is from the 18th century, with solemn trompe-l’œil ceiling frescoes that were painted by the Viennese Rococo master Paul Troger. Look up to admire the 1757 organ as well as the frescoes that decorate the ceiling and walls.

The Apátúr House (The Lord Abbot’s House)

A stone’s throw from the Column of Saint Mary is the Apátúr House, a beautiful example of medieval architecture, recognized by its mullioned bay window. Originally built in the 16th century, this house is a testament to Gyor’s rich history.

Inside is the John Xantus Museum, with an exhibition of traditional tile stoves from the region, as well as postage stamps and an array of medical artifacts. A collection of coins as well as artifacts from Pannonian Abbey also are on display.

The Esterházy Palace

Next on our journey is the Esterházy Palace, home to the Floris Romer Art and Historical Museum. This grand palace, dating back to the 18th century, houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts. If you are an art enthusiast, this will surely be worth the visit.

Baross Gabor Street

As the day progresses, head to Baross Gabor Street, a picturesque thoroughfare lined with charming shops and cafes. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or simply enjoy a coffee while soaking in the local ambiance. The street is vibrant and bustling, offering a slice of everyday life in Győr.

The Iron Stock House

Nearby, the Iron Stock House stands out with its unique architectural style, 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 Győr’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 the 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 celebrated 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.

Zichy Palace

Continue your exploration at the Zichy Palace, an elegant 19th-century building that now hosts various cultural events. The palace’s grand architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens are a treat for the eyes. It is now home to the Registry Office, Győr Art Center, and City Marriage Hall. Visitors to the palace can admire the frescoes on the ceiling, the impressive marble staircase, and the grand chandeliers.

Fountains & Sculptures of Gyor

The pedestrian center of town was rejuvenated, starting in 1998. As you walk about you will find many sculptures, statues, and fountains that tell the story of the people that once lived in or near the city.

An interesting invention that originated in Győr, is the soda siphon. In 1813, Ányos Jedlik, a monk and teacher at the Benedict School, patented the industrial production of carbonated water. Later he also discovered that mixing soda water with wine made a refreshing drink and thus the famous “Wine Spritzer”, locally called Fröccs, also has its origin in Győr. A special fountain is dedicated to the old-fashioned soda siphon.

The Boatman sculpture was built in 1997 and it’s the most photographed sculpture in Győr. It was created after the floods in the city and is said to bring luck if you touch a certain part of the sculpture. Today, we found kids playing in and on top of the boat!

The statues of Stephen Ányos Jedlik and Gergely Czuczor stand near the Benedict Buildings. They are cousins. Both were professors at the school run by the Order of Saint Benedict. Gergely Czuczor born in 1800 was a Hungarian poet. Stephen Ányos Jedlik was the inventor of the principle of dynamo self-excitation.

Walking down Pal Kovacs Street admire the decorated street signs, such as the Golde Ship, which is a symbol of the medieval spice trade that once took place here.

Stop by the Blu Dye Girl shop, a family-owned business of painting fabrics with blue dye since 1906. This is a great place to pick up a few souvenirs to take home.

Gutenberg Square

Head over to Gutenberg Square, where you’ll find a delightful collection of attractions. The Kreszta House is a stunning example of Neo-Renaissance architecture that houses the collection of local ceramic artist Margit Kovács.

Perhaps the most notable attraction in the square is the Ark of the Covenant, a sculpture that tells the story of a soldier who sought refuge in a former Jesuit monastery and attempted to escape dressed as an altar boy.

The Bishop’s Palace and Castle

A short distance away, the Bishop’s Palace and Castle offer a glimpse into Győr’s medieval past. For a breathtaking view of the city, climb the Bishop Tower Lookout, which provides panoramic vistas overlooking the bend where the Rába flows into the Mosoni-Duna River.

The Bishop’s Castle is a historic building that was originally built as the official residence of the bishop of the city. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the castle was built on the site of a Roman castrum, of which the remains of a resident tower from the 13th century are still present.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, which includes a look at the rooms where the leaders of the church once lived and the castle’s garden. The tour also includes a visit to the castle’s oldest known fountain, which dates back to the 16th century.

You can also buy a ticket for the Bishop Tower Lookout — which takes you to an observation deck on the top level of the castle, where you can admire a panoramic view of Győr.

Cathedral of Győr (Cathedral of the Assumption)

No visit to Győr is complete without exploring the Cathedral of Győr. This magnificent church houses the Herm of Saint Ladislaus, a revered national relic, and the Weeping Madonna painting. The tomb of Blessed Bishop Vilmos Apor is also located here.

The radiant Baroque church was consecrated at the start of the 11th century by King Stephen I. That initial Romanesque monument was flattened by the Mongols in 1241, and its replacement had to be completely rebuilt in the 1630s after the city’s brief Ottoman occupation.

The image of the Virgin Mary on the altar at the north side of the nave is one of Hungary’s most venerated pilgrimage sites.

Kossuth Bridge

Take a walk across Kossuth Bridge for a scenic view of the riverside and the city’s illuminated landmarks. It’s a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the serene beauty of Győr at twilight.

The Carmelite Church

Just a short stroll from the bridge, the 17^th-century Carmelite Church offers a tranquil space for contemplation.

On the facade, which has the characteristic Baroque volutes and pilasters, there’s a image of the Virgin Mary in pediment. On niches on either side of the portal are statues of the famous Carmelites, Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross. The most valuable works inside are the altar and side altars.

The church’s serene atmosphere and beautiful interior provide a calming end to your day.

Vienna Gate Square [Bécsi Kapu]

Conclude your visit with a trip to Vienna Gate Square. This historic gateway is a testament to Győr’s strategic importance throughout history. The square is dotted with fountains and sculptures.

Just to the east of the Carmelite Church is the Ott House, dating to 1620, built for canons, with delightful bay windows and a hefty wooden gate concealing a courtyard and loggia.

There is even a small museum on the square, the Várkazamata-Kotár (Castle Casamate) which is inside the former city gate and showcases a collection of Roman tombs and underground chambers.

The corner building at the intersection of Szabadsajtó Street and Bécsi kapu tér is also one of the oldest standing buildings in Győr. It’s a picturesque spot to reflect on your day.

Synagogue of Győr

If time permits, visit the Synagogue of Győr, a beautiful example of Jewish architectural heritage in the city. This monument was erected at the end of the 1860s in the neo-Romanesque style and testifies to the financial means of the city’s industrialists at this time. The building has real architectural significance as it was used as a template for synagogues across central Europe in the late 19th century. The synagogue is open for tours and offers a poignant look into the cultural and historical tapestry of Győr.

Rába Quelle Thermal Bath and Spa

To cap off your day, indulge in a relaxing soak at the Rába Quelle Thermal Bath and Spa. This luxurious spa is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. It’s open from 9 AM to 10 PM, offering plenty of time to soak in the therapeutic waters.

Pannonhalma Archabbey

If you have a bit more time and energy, a visit to the Pannonhalma Archabbey, located just outside Győr, is well worth the detour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of monastic architecture and offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views.

Győr is a city that beautifully combines history, culture, and charm. From its bustling squares and historic buildings to its tranquil churches and relaxing spas, there’s something for everyone in this delightful Hungarian city. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a scenic escape, Győr promises an enriching and memorable day trip from Budapest. So, pack your bags, set your itinerary, and get ready to experience the magic of Győr!

Enjoy your travels! Please read my blogs about other exciting places around the world at Traveling Lens Photography.

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Happy Travels!

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