Gyor Old Town Area in Hungary: Walking Tour

Gyor Old Town beckoned me while on our road trip from Vienna to Budapest! After our four days stay in Vienna we set off on the roads to discover a new country – Hungary. We had planned for another 4 days in Budapest. Gyor is the first major halt we made during the road trip.

The distance of 304 km, Vienna to Budapest, would take 4hr 33min if we don’t halt anywhere on the way. But since we had ample time to explore Budapest we planned 3 halts during our road trip to Budapest from Vienna, including UNESCO sites in our itinerary. Gyor was the first city of Hungary in our radar. We planned a quick walking tour of Gyor old town with Gyor map. There were plenty of interesting things to do in Gyor – all that coming up.

Where is Gyor?

First let us get our coordinates right. So, where is Gyor? A place with such a short and sweet name, I was curious when I came to know of it first when I was planning my Europe tour of 23 days through six countries. The baroque town of Gyor is located in the northwestern part of Hungary, near the border with Slovakia and Austria.

It is situated in the Győr-Moson-Sopron County, and specifically lies in the region known as Transdanubia. The city is positioned between the Danube and Raba rivers, approximately 120 km west of the capital city, Budapest.

Because of its strategic location, Gyor makes an ideal hub for transportation and commerce. It lies on the crossroads of important trade routes and is easily accessible from major cities such as Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava.

For me Gyor was conveniently placed on my road trip route from Vienna to Budapest.

Road trip Vienna to Budapest via Gyor – Google Map

Gyor Walking Tour

We left Vienna quite early after a heavy breakfast. Drive from Vienna to Gyor, a distance of 125km, took just one and half hours. 9am is too early for the town we realized. There were hardly any people on streets. Shops weren’t open either. But then, as we walked and explored the town seemed to wake up and by the time we were leaving Gyor, it looked like a busy town.

It is evident Gyor is spruced up well for tourists. The medieval era well preserved in its buildings, all streets neatly paved; the one thing that was missing was the greenery. Along the Gyor streets it was concrete, stones and pebbles all along. Vehicular traffic is not permitted, so walking along the streets and pausing at will was not much problem.

Gyor Old Town Area in Hungary Walking Tour

Why is Gyor worth visiting?

Gyor, located in Hungary, is renowned for its historical significance, architectural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene. If you are transiting through h any of the places close by Gyor will be a worthy stopover. Here are some reasons why Gyor is famous:

Historical Heritage: Gyor has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. It was an important trading hub during the Middle Ages and played a pivotal role in Hungary’s development. Check out the well preserved numerous historic landmarks, including the Gyor Basilica, Carmelite Church, Town Hall, and Bishop’s Castle.

Baroque Architecture: Gyor is known for its splendid Baroque architecture, which is showcased in many of its buildings. The city’s historic center features beautifully adorned facades, ornate details, and grand palaces, reflecting the opulence and artistic flair of the Baroque era.

Gyor, a rich Cultural Hub: Gyor has a vibrant cultural scene, offering a variety of museums, galleries, and theaters. The Gyor National Theater is particularly renowned for its performances, ranging from opera and ballet to drama and musicals. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Gyor Summer Festival, which showcases music, theater, and dance.

Thermal Baths in Gyor: Gyor is famous for its thermal baths and spa culture. This is one thing I regret not being able to indulge in. Do check out the Rába Quelle Thermal Spa, a popular destination, offering a range of wellness and relaxation services with healing properties of the thermal waters and rejuvenating treatments.

Natural Beauty of Gyor: The city is blessed with picturesque landscapes and natural beauty. Gyor is situated at the confluence of the Raba and Danube rivers, offering scenic waterfronts and green spaces for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities.

Statue of Jedlik Ányos and Czuczor Gergely

I find great fascination in the statues of esteemed personalities that grace the squares of foreign countries. There’s a captivating allure in encountering these statues, capturing their essence through photographs, and delving into the stories behind them. These sculptures represent individuals who have played instrumental roles in shaping their nations’ destinies, and getting to know them offers a profound insight into the essence of a country.

Exploring these statues allows me to connect with the history and culture of a place that may be distant and unfamiliar to me. Photographing these statues allows me to capture a tangible piece of history and preserve the memories of my encounters.

At one end of the Szechenyi Square there are the statues of Stephen Ányos Jedlik and Gergely Czuczor. They are cousins. Both were professors at the school run by the Order of Saint Benedict. Gergely Czuczor born in 1800 was a Magyar poet. Stephen Ányos Jedlik was the inventor of the principle of dynamo self-excitation. He is well known for his contributions to the fields of science. But the invention of the dynamo is linked to Siemens’ name because Jedlik’s invention was not noticed by that time.

Statues of Jedlik Ányos and Czuczor Gergely

Did you know Hungary has excelled most in the field of Science and Technology? Ball point pen, Rubik’s Cube are inventions from this part of the world.

Nimrod’s statue, Győr

Strolling through the streets of Gyor, Hungary, I came across many statues. This one is a nicely sculpted image of Nimrod saving the game. This was located in Vienna Gate Square (Becsi Kapu Ter), one of the prettiest baroque squares in Gyor.

Nimrod was a very significant man in ancient times, the grandson of Ham and great-grandson of Noah. Nimrod started his kingdom at Babylon. More on Nimrod here.

Nimrod’s statue Gyor

Széchenyi Square, Gyor, Hungary

After rambling through the roads of this historic town, Gyor, I settled down with ice cream in one of the benches in Széchenyi Square. Gyor has won Europe-award for the protection of the historic buildings, in acknowledgment of the reconstruction of the Baroque centre of the town.

Very well renovated Sqaure, it is the main square Gyor. It seems every city of Hungary has a square named after Istvan Szechenyi, the Greatest Hungarian, a 19th-century politician and writer.

Széchenyi Square had a lively atmosphere. Cafes and shops bustled with activity, their outdoor seating areas inviting passersby to pause, relax, and soak in the atmosphere.

The square itself was a sight to behold. Bustling with activity, it served as a central gathering place where the pulse of Gyor came alive. Colorful buildings framed the perimeter, their facades adorned with intricate architectural details that showcased the city’s rich history. Notable among the impressive Baroque houses are:

• Vastuskós house (home to the Collection of Patkó Imre)
• Abbot House (where John Xantus Museum is located)

In the middle of Szechenyi Square, the impressive Column of St Mary stands tall. It was built in the year 1686 to commemorate the recapture of Buda from the Turks.

Széchenyi Square Gyor Maria Column

The weather was very friendly that day and the Maria Column looked most captivating. The statues of Mary with infant Jesus with golden crowns atop their heads looked brilliant against the bright blue sky.

Planters, Flowers, Random captures of Győr Life

Here are some random pictures clicked during Gyor Walking Tour.

Each shop or building along the streets had their small green area, in planters, some had none at all. The shoe shaped planters looked interesting and I wasn’t sure whether the flowers looked beautiful or the planters.

Here and there we found small patches of green and rows of pretty flowers.

Gyorian taking flowers home

Puli, a special breed of dog in Győr

We were lucky to spot Puli, a special breed of dog with huge fur all over it. From a distant the lady walking it seemed like she was moving with a huge mop. As she came closer we realised it was a dog. Never seen its kind in India! It is a native of Hungary. The Puli sports thinner cords that form naturally when the outer and inner coats become intertwined. The lady had cautioned us it could get aggressive and she held the leash tight when I photographed it. Only its nose was clear, the eyes weren’t visible at all.

Pulis were often paired with Komondors to guard a herd—the Komondors kept watch at night while Pulis stood guard during the day. Their white, gray, or cream-colored cords provide warmth and protection, but their coats require maintenance to prevent painful matting.

Puli Hungarian dog on leash

Important Gyor Monuments

• Later, we spent some time in Gyor Cathedral of Assumption of Our Lady.
• Saint Ignatius Benedictine Church located on the main square of the Old Town too is worth a visit.
• The Town Hall
• Carmelite Church
• The Synagogue of Gyor, an impressive building, designed on the octagonal plan and finished in 1870

Town Hall Győr

The town hall of Gyor is a grand old building. It faces a lovely park with playful fountains. Couldn’t get the full capture hence this picture from wiki.

Approaching the grand entrance and façade of the town hall, I felt a deep sense of awe and admiration for this remarkable architectural gem. The interior of the Town Hall exudes a timeless charm, with its high ceilings, intricately carved wooden details, and beautifully painted frescoes adorning the walls.

Making my way up the grand staircase, I reached the main hall, a space that evoked a sense of grandeur and importance. Bathed in natural light streaming through the tall windows, the hall boasted a remarkable blend of Renaissance and Baroque influences. The ornate chandeliers gracefully hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room, while the polished marble floors added a touch of opulence.

By User: Slashme – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32960977

One of the highlights of the Town Hall was the Council Chamber. Its meticulously crafted wooden paneling and the impressive ceiling adorned with intricate frescoes is mute spectator of important decisions that had been made throughout the centuries,

The Town Hall also houses a museum, where artifacts and historical documents showcased the city’s rich heritage. Exploring the exhibits, I discovered the stories of Gyor’s past, from its medieval origins to its role as a thriving trade center.

Vasarcsarnok

We crossed their local market – Vasarcsarnok – lined with vendors selling fresh fruit and veggies and a bakery. Very interesting place with plenty of locals, and a wide variety of regional and seasonal produce available in western Hungary.

Local market – Vasarcsarnok in Gyor

Parting thoughts on Gyor

Leaving the old town of Gyor, I carried with me the memories of its bustling energy, the echoes of chatter, and the rich stories etched within its walls. Gyor had become more than just a place on a map—it had become a cherished chapter in my personal journey, forever ingrained in my heart as a testament to the beauty of exploration and the treasures that await those who dare to wander.

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