This Hungarian city has thermal baths, historic churches, and museums. Visitors can explore Matthias Church and learn about local history at the City and County Museums.
Győr, a city in northwestern Hungary, welcomes visitors with its Baroque architecture and riverside setting. As you explore the Old Town, you'll encounter the Town Hall with its prominent clock tower, the Benedictine Church and Monastery, and winding cobblestone streets. Situated at the meeting point of three rivers - the Danube, Rába, and Rábca - Győr has earned the nickname "City of Rivers". Its location between Vienna and Budapest makes it a convenient stop on a Central European journey.
Wandering Through Győr's Old Town
Narrow streets and colorful Baroque buildings characterize Győr's Old Town, reflecting the city's 18th-century prosperity. In Széchenyi Square, you'll see the Benedictine Church and Monastery with its white facade. The square also contains the Column of St. Mary, erected in 1686 to commemorate the recapture of Buda from the Ottoman Empire. At Vienna Gate Square, you can admire well-preserved 18th-century buildings and the yellow-painted Carmelite Church with its distinctive onion-domed tower.
Exploring Győr's Architectural Landmarks
Near the train station stands the Town Hall, one of Győr's most recognizable structures. Built in the late 19th century in a neo-Baroque style, its 59-meter clock tower is visible from many parts of the city. On Káptalandomb (Chapter Hill), you'll find the Bishop's Castle, a fortified residence that incorporates Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. These styles reflect its long history and various reconstructions over the centuries. You can climb the castle's lookout tower for views of the city and its rivers.
Győr's Cultural Scene
The National Theatre of Győr occupies an Art Nouveau building from the early 20th century. It hosts plays, operas, and ballets throughout the year. To learn about local history, visit the Xántus János Museum in the 17th-century House of the Iron Stump. Here, you can explore exhibits on archaeology, fine arts, and Győr's past. Nearby, the Pharmacy Museum, located in a former Jesuit pharmacy, displays historical medical and pharmaceutical artifacts from Hungary.
Rivers and Bridges in Győr
Győr's location at the confluence of the Danube, Rába, and Rábca rivers shapes its landscape. The recently updated Dunakapu Square along the riverbank serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors. From here, you can walk across the Kossuth Bridge, decorated with love locks, and enjoy views of the city's waterways. For a quiet moment, visit Radó Island, a small green space in the middle of the Rába River.
Traveling to Győr
Trains connect Győr to both Budapest and Vienna frequently. The fastest trains from Budapest take about 1 hour and 15 minutes, while the trip from Vienna lasts around 1.5 hours. If you're driving, you'll find Győr just off the M1 motorway, making it accessible from both capital cities.
Győr Throughout the Year
Plan your visit to Győr between April and September for mild to warm weather suitable for walking tours. July and August are the busiest months for tourism, so consider coming in spring or early autumn if you prefer less crowded streets. Winters can be cold, with temperatures often below freezing.
Visiting Pannonhalma Archabbey
About 20 kilometers south of Győr, you'll find the Pannonhalma Archabbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site and significant historical monument in Hungary. This Benedictine monastery, founded in 996, remains active today. Its buildings represent various architectural styles, from Romanesque to Neoclassical. You can tour the basilica, cloisters, and library, which holds a collection of medieval manuscripts. The abbey's hilltop position also provides views of the surrounding countryside.
