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The Main Square
The main square is the spiritual and cultural center of Szombathely and it’s a popular spot for people to meet. It has had a triangular shape since the 13th century. The Trinity Column dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. It used to be in front of the church in the past, only movedto the main square in 2000.
Although many houses were damaged in the Second World War – as was the whole city – by bombing, many beautiful secession and baroque houses remain to this day and can be admired. Take a nice coffee break, enjoy the pleasant weather and the atmosphere.
Iseum Savariense
The Iseum Savariense is the most significant ancient architectural monument of the city from the 2nd century. The sanctuary was built in honor of the Egyptian goddess Isis. Due to the size of the temple and the richness of the monuments found here, the Iseum in Savaria was most likely the most important Isis worship center in the Danube region.
The Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace
The Cathedral of Szombathely is the third largest church in Hungary. According to the plans of Melchior Hefele, it was built between 1791 and 1814 in the “Zopfstil” style, with some classicist elements to it. It stands on the site of the demolished castle church.
The Bishop’s Palace is only a few meters south of the cathedral. It was built in 1778-83 in the late baroque style with “Zopfstil” style ornaments.
The Sala Terrena, on the ground floor of the Bishop’s Palace, is considered to be the oldest museum in Hungary. Bishop Johann Szily kept all the stones here (labeled!), that were found during the construction of the cathedral. They are either from the medieval castle or from the Roman period. These finds were admired even by King Mathias. The walls are decorated with frescoes by Dorffmeister, which represent the ancient monuments of Savaria.
The Ruin Garden
Some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Hungary have been uncovered here, such as an original section of the former Amber Road. The museum shows the largest cohesive part of the remains of ancient Savaria: the Imperial Palace, the public bath, the customs house, fragments of the mosaic surfaces, and the castle.
Historical theme park
The historical theme park awaits visitors who are interested in the old fortress systems or in the everyday life of a military camp in ancient times. In a unique interactive exhibition you get a better sense of the natural sciences, you even try out the weapons and various handtools.
The Synagogue
The Szombathely synagogue is one of the first ever synagogues with towers. It was designed by Ludwig Schoene with oriental and romantic elements and has been used as a concert hall since 1975.
Next to the synagogue is the memorial to the Jewish abducted in World War II.
“Csónakázó” lake
The rowing and fishing pond is the green heart of the city.
The water surface of approx. 10 hectares offers optimal opportunities for relaxation, recreation and sport in a wonderful environment.
The Arboretum of Kámon
The 27-hectare botanical garden on the outskirts of the city is the most beautiful collection garden in Pannonia. In addition to the evergreens and firs (including mother firs), visitors can marvel at the thousands of flowers of the rododendron, the rich magnolia and the Japanese maple collection, as well as the 120-year-old giant trees.
The 5 km long walking path is an extraordinarily designed system of ponds, benches and tables invite you to a comfortable and at the same time adventurous stay.
SIGHTS NEAR SZOMBATHELY
Abbey Church of Ják
(13 km from Szombathely)
The Ják Abbey Church is one of the most famous and beautiful art monuments in Hungary in Romanesque style. It was built between 1214 and 1256.
Its magnificent gate is adorned with fine artistic sculptures, the interior of the church is divided into three parts by huge pillars, the frescoes on the walls are 700 years old.
The similar chapel of St. Jacob – opposite the church – is also an important artistic monument.
Kőszeg
(20 km from Szombathely)
Kőszeg is one of the most charming little towns in Hungary, a real jewelry box with fantastic events and a unique historical city center. The historic center with the renovated squares offers tourists many sights and interesting programs.
Írottkő nature park
(20 km from Szombathely)
Starting from Kőszeg, the land provides excellent hiking routes/paths – one can go all the way to the Stájer-házak, to Hétforrás (Seven Fountains), to the Watchtower (Óház) or one can also have look around from the lookout built on top of Írottkő, from where the panorama of the Alps unfolds.
Írottkő is not only the highest point of the Kőszegi Mountains, but also the highest peak of Transdanubia and Burgenland in Austria. The two countries were once separated by the Iron Curtain, the memory of which still preserves the landscape today.
In 1891 the first wooden lookout tower was built, which stood there until 1909. After a short break, the Írottkő lookout tower – already made from stone – was completed in 1913 and has been open to visitors since 1990.
The summit and the building of the lookout tower are separated into two sections by the Hungarian-Austrian border. 5/12 of the area is on the Hungarian side. The entrance stands on the Austrian side, but it can be reached from both countries via the hiking trails leading here. One historical curiosity of the building – which was renovated in 2010 – is that the iron curtain fence on the Hungarian side stretched, so the lookout tower could only be reached from Austria until dismantling.
If the weather is clear in the north-northeast, you can see Lake Neusiedl (Fertő-tó) from the viewing terrace on its top, which the two countries share. In the southeast you can see the blue water of Lake Balaton. In the northwest the snowy, jagged peaks of the Schneeberg and Rax are visible in the distance.
Chapel of St. Vid
(21 km from Szombathely)
The chapel is located on a mountain top of the Kőszeg Mountains, in a magical little village – Velem. Archaeologists found 2000 year old Roman water pipes in the area that led the water to Savaria, today’s Szombathely.
The chapel was built by the monk Hilarius in 1713 and has been a place of pilgrimage since the 18th century. It received its current shape when it was rebuilt in 1859.
Holdfényliget adventure park in Gyöngyösfalu
(13 km from Szombathely)
Holdfény Liget, the breathtaking and magical adventure park offers various exciting opportunities for children as well as adults to have fun, to test their own limits, to escape everyday life, to relax, or simply to enjoy the forest in a deck chair!
Memorial to the Iron Curtain in Felsőcsatár
(20 km from Szombathely)
On the Eisenberg stands the open-air museum, where you can see part of the iron curtain and the facilities of the border protection system on the Austrian-Hungarian state border from the period between 1948 and 1989.