Szombathely is one of the oldest cities in Hungary, with a history dating back to Roman times. Its rich history and cultural diversity make it a popular destination for tourists. It is a place where the present intertwines with the past, with historical and modern attractions. The main attraction is the Iseum – the remains of a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, which was the center of religious worship in Roman times.
It is also worth visiting the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known for its baroque style and impressive frescoes that decorate its interior.
One of the many museums worth visiting is the Savaria Museum, which houses exhibits illustrating the history of the region from prehistory to the present day. And the Weöres Sándor Theatre offers a rich cultural program throughout the year. For nature lovers, Szombathely offers beautiful parks, including the Kámon Arboretum, which impresses with its variety of plants and peaceful surroundings. It is the perfect place to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location
Szombathely is a city located in western Hungary, close to the country’s border with Austria, and serves as the administrative centre of Vas County.
Savaria Múzeum
The Savaria Museum in Szombathely displays archaeological, ethnographic, historical and natural collections that number around half a million objects.
A permanent archaeological, geological and prehistoric exhibition entitled “Changing Cultures in a Changing Landscape” can be viewed in the rooms on the first floor, while the Roman Stone Gallery, presenting Roman stone monuments from Savaria, is located in the basement of the building.
Szombathelyi Képtár
The Szombathely Art Gallery organizes events, finances the library and some of the exhibitions. The exhibitions present works of individual artists, groups and trends, but there are also often thematic presentations. Visitors can see works by Hungarian and foreign artists, but there are also often international exhibitions covering several countries. Many exhibitions – after their presentation here – will travel to other countries, e.g.: Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Germany.
Iseum Savariense Archeology Workshop and warehouse
Located in the heart of Szombathely, the Iseum Savariense Archeology Workshop and Warehouse is a fascinating testament to Roman history, offering visitors a unique insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage. This museum, although modest in size, displays an impressive array of artifacts that transport enthusiasts back in time, illuminating the significance of the Amber Road.
Szombathely Synagogue
The synagogue in Szombathely was built in 1880/81. The old synagogue, built in 1832, became the property of the Orthodox community after the Jewish community split in 1871. Therefore, the non-Orthodox Jewish community built a new, larger synagogue.
It was built in the Moorish style according to the plans of the Viennese architect Ludwig Schöne. Since the mid-1970s, the synagogue building has served as a concert hall. In front of the building there is now a memorial to the Jews of Szombathely murdered during World War II.
Felszabadulási Emlékmű
The Szombathely Liberation Monument is located on a hilltop opposite Centennial Park, near Lake Żeglarskie and the swimming pool. It was built in 1968–1969. A huge, typically socialist concrete colossus towers over the city.
Kámoni arborétum
In the Kámon Arboretum in Szombathely you can enjoy the beauty and scent of unique plants and trees. The arboretum is open all year round and covers an area of 11 hectares, it is most popular in spring when the snowdrops are in bloom, but it can also be visited at other times of the year.
Történelmi Témapark
The Historical Theme Park is a one-hectare demonstration park of experimental archaeology. Its real speciality is the authentic reconstruction of a Roman watchtower from the 1st century AD, a Roman kitchen furnished based on original sources and the Savaria Legio Association’s demonstration warehouse, which evokes the era of the city’s founding.
The Historical Theme Park (Ferences Garden) is the center of the historical programs of the Savaria Historical Carnival, held annually at the end of summer, and the camp site of authentic military and civilian tradition-preserving teams.
Smidt Muzeum
The Smidt Museum in Szombathely was founded in 1968 by dr. Lajos Smidt, a retired hospital head physician, who presented his valuable private collection to the public of Szombathely and Vas County. The renowned chief physician, with tireless passion, has collected the precious memories of the past for the future, with the aim of making it a public one.
