Halfway between Vienna and Budapest, where three rivers and important
public roads meet, lies the city of Gyõr. The Celts would
refer to this place as Arrabona, then there were Romans, Huns and
Goths living on this land, the Avars surrounded it with entrenchment
and fortifications, then Franks and Slavonic tribes took over,
and finally the Magyars occupied the area. During the establishment
of the Hungarian kingdom it was the bailiffs' and episcopal seat,
and during the Turkish expansion it was an important border fortress
guarding Europe. Maria Theresa granted it the title of royal free
borough in 1743. The city is equally rich in historic records,
legends and art treasures. Of all Hungarian cities, Gyõr
has the third highest number of historic monuments maintaining
a spirit of the past. One side of its Baroque arms depicts the
patron saint of the city, St Stephen the martyr, while the other
half shows the river waves and a castle, symbols of the city's
historic role. The settlement was a gateway to Vienna as early
as in the 16-17th century, when it was a crafts and trading centre.
The turn of the last century brought the greatest change in the
life of the city, when it became one of the centres for Hungarian
vehicle and machine production, textiles industry and food processing.
Many of the trademarks originating from Gyõr have become
world renowned since, such as Rába Hungarian Wagon and Machine
Factory, Gardénia Lace Curtain Factory, Graboplast and Gyõri
Biscuits. We may start a walk through Gyõr from the Sforza
bastion of the old fortress, or perhaps from the museum of stonework
remains.
Bécsi
kapu tér (Vienna Gate square) is the most atmospheric square
in Gyõr, with one of the city's most beautiful buildings,
which used to belong to the Ott family. The Carmelite church and
one-time cloister built in early Baroque style is a most fascinating
sight from all sides. Gyõr got its Baroque ornaments in
the 18th century, while the donjon of the episcopal fortress Püspökvár
was built in the middle of the 1200s. Next to this, Gyõr's
other most important building is the Basilica, where one can see
the famous devotional picture of the Weeping Madonna which has
been brought from Ireland. Legend says that the Madonna was dripping
blood on Ireland's patron saint St Patrick's Day on 17 March 1697.
St Leslie's reliquary bust is a masterpiece of medieval goldsmith's
craft and it is the greatest treasure in the Gothic-style Héderváry
chapel. The marble coffin of the martyr bishop Vilmos Apor is also
in this chapel. The Diocesan Treasury and Library's showrooms and
displays present many beautiful pieces of fine workmanship including
chalices, devotional candleholders, chasubles, and rare books and
maps. The riverbanks in Gyõr offer captivating views with
many picturesque details, and nature and music blend in and embrace
the entire city. Boathouses, bridges and parks are on the way as
one wonders around the city. Two arms of the river Rába
surround the plaza at the new music pavilion. There is a bustling
market in Gyõr's Dunakapu tér (Danube Gate square),
which is the location for many important fairs. Gyõr is
a meeting point, a communications centre. An international survey
shows that investors find this region the most attractive place
in Central-Eastern Europe. Such large companies as Audi, Amoco,
United Biscuits and Philips have set up premises here, and even
more investors are expected in the local industrial park. The town
councillors of Vienna, Bratislava and Gyõr believe economic
cooperation, the development of tourism and the expansion of cultural
offers are crucially important in the golden triangle formed by
the three cities. Local residents, tourists who return here year
by year, and business travellers are all witness to Gyõr's
development and can see that this attractive city indeed deserves
to be a regional centre.
ws with
many picturesque details, and nature and music blend in and embrace
the entire city. Boathouses, bridges and parks are on the way as
one wonders around the city. Two arms of the river Rába
surround the plaza at the new music pavilion. There is a bustling
market in Gyõr's Dunakapu tér (Danube Gate square),
which is the location for many important fairs. Gyõr is
a meeting point, a communications centre. An international survey
shows that investors find this region the most attractive place
in Central-Eastern Europe. Such large companies as Audi, Amoco,
United Biscuits and Philips have set up premises here, and even
more investors are expected in the local industrial park. The town
councillors of Vienna, Bratislava and Gyõr believe economic
cooperation, the development of tourism and the expansion of cultural
offers are crucially important in the golden triangle formed by
the three cities. Local residents, tourists who return here year
by year, and business travellers are all witness to Gyõr's
development and can see that this attractive city indeed deserves
to be a regional centre.