Győr
We have no beach, we are not perched on top of mountains enabling skiing – nor do we have horse-herders flicking their whips. A first-time visitor may think Győr is just another one of those typical towns with their houses, roads, streets, shops, and factories. But when one traverses and experiences the city, one begins to wonder, "Can I have a little more?" just like eating some delicious meal.
And there is a lot more to have! Thousands of experiences, with uncountable thrilling adventures in store in Győr.
Győr is the sixth largest city in Hungary, with just under 130,000 inhabitants. Its excellent geographical location, advanced industry, and highly qualified workforce make it one of the most dynamically developing innovative cities of the country. The so-called Golden Triangle of Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava; the airport in Pér; the international river harbour in Gönyű; the international railroad connections; as well as the M1 highway have helped Győr to become one of the most important economic and industrial centres in Hungary.
Situated near the confluence of no fewer than four rivers, Győr is truly "a city of rivers." Its atmosphere is dominated by the Moson Danube meandering through the city, as well as its erstwhile eponymous Rába (Raab). One may as well go punting or on a boat trip to discover the architectural monuments of Győr, but walking through the inner city allows one to roam amidst mansions from historic periods, characteristic corner balconies, and statues. It is worth visiting the basilica, founded almost a millennium ago, where one can behold one of Hungary's national relics, the Herma of St Ladislaus. The tower of the Bishop's Palace opens a panoramic perspective on the city, with the view extending as far as Pannonhalma, some 20 kilometres from Győr, where the Benedictine Arch-abbey is located – one of Hungary's 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Győr is the home of Audi Hungaria, the world's largest engine factory and the most generous sponsor of the cultural and sports events in the city. Currently, Audi Hungaria employs more than 11,000 workers in Győr. In addition to producing of engines, they now manufacture the company's internationally acclaimed Audi TT and A3 Limousine and Cabriolet models as well.
SIGHTS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA
- Town Hall
- Baross Street
- Széchenyi Square
- Column os St. Mary
- Building-complex of the Benedictines
- Lloyd
- Abbot’s House
- House with the Iron Stock
- Esterházy Palace
- „Golden-ship” Sign
- Kreszta-house
- Jedlik Fountain
- Dunakapu Square
- Ark of the Covenant
- Káptalandomb (Chapter Hill)
- Basilica
- Bishop's Castle
- The Carmelite Church
- Statue of Károly Kisfaludy
- Castle
- The Canons
- The Statue of St. Stephen
- Radó Island
- Synagogue
- National Theatre of Győr
- Füles Bastion
- Xantus János Zoo
- Mobilis Interactive Exhibition Centre
- Audi Hungaria Visitor Centre