Gyor Hotels

The first people to discover the charms of the region were Celts, in the 5th century BC. The Roman Empire later had a military base in the town but had to abandon further development plans because of tribal attacks from the east. Subsequently, Gyor was under the domain of everyone from Slavs, Magyars, Mongols and the Ottoman Empire. The typical tug-of-war history of Hungary, while often bloody and contentious, does generate some dramatic architecture. Gyor is a fine exemplar of that end result.

Attractions

At over a millennium old, Saint Stephen Basilica is the preeminent landmark in Gyor. The three-nave church has undergone the usual restorations since the first stone was laid, with phenomenal Baroque and neo-Romanesque stylistic additions.

The grand city hall may not be as old but the facade and interior are just as magnificent. Built between 1896 and 1898, the structure is one of the most indelible on the Gyor skyline.

The Roman Catholic Carmelite Church is a colourful, Renaissance-style cathedral, built between 1721 and 1725. A nearby Greek and Serb church from the same era is a study in contrast, in typical Orthodox style.

The ruins of a medieval palace provide a beautiful home to the Miklós Borsos Collection. The prolific sculptor from Hungary spent a good portion of his youth in Gyor in the early 20th century. The majority of the collection was a gift from his estate after his death in 1993.

The János Xantus wildlife park, with a zoo and aquarium, provides a spectacular natural environment for vast array of native and exotic fauna.

The Jewish population of Gyor was exterminated by Nazi Germany in World War II. The unusual and beautiful city synagogue now serves as a cultural monument, museum and art gallery.

Events

From the end of November until December 23, the Gyor Winter Festival is the foremost Christmas celebration in Hungary, with crafts, traditional dance, food and music.

The Spring Festival is a festive occasion to be in Gyor, with a Carnival-like atmosphere in the streets and a host of cultural performances over the last two weeks of March.

The International Film and Music Festival, held over one week from April to May, features experimental, documentary and short films, in addition to an eclectic line-up of musical acts.

The era of Mozart comes vividly to life in Gyor every September and October with The Arts Festival of Baroque Nostalgia.

Climate

Gyor has four full seasons, with spring and fall the most popular seasons for tourists.

• Winter (November to March) -3-10°C

• Spring (April to May) 6-21°C

• Summer (June to August) 12-26°C

• Fall (September to October) 1-16°C