Town of county rank with 80,000 inhabitants. Seat of county Vas, one of the major settlements in western Transdanubia. The ancient predecessor of Szombathely was founded by Emperor Claudius along Amber road around 50 A.D. At the end of the 3rd century it was the Prima seat of Pannonia, the governor seated here. The spreading of Christianity had its influence on the settlement: bishop St. Quirinius Siccia martyred here and St. Martin was born in Savaria, whose legend is still a living tradition. According to the records the settlement was given the rank of town by the bishopric of Győr in the 14th century and its development was due to its fairs – as it is shown in its name. During the Turkish occupation, at the end of the 16th century the centre of county Vas was officially placed to Szombathely from the threatened Vasvár. The second half of the 18th century saw the real development of Szombathely, as it became the centre of the newly established bishopric. One of the most beautiful baroque building complexes of Hungary was built in this period. In the 19th century the building of the railway contributed to its development.
Although the development was slowed down by the peace treaty of World War I and the destruction of World War II, by the end of the 20th century Szombathely became the cultural, education and commercial centre of the region preserving the ancient and mediaeval traditions, as well. Major sights include the Garden with Ancient Ruins, Iseum, County Hall, Episcopal Palace - Sala Terrena, Cathedral, Seminary - Diocesan Library, Eölbey House, Synagogue, Saint Elisabeth Franciscan church, Saint Martin Dominican church, Museum Village of Vas, Rowing pool, Arboretum of Kámon, Savaria Museum, Schmidt Museum, Szombathely Gallery, Franciscan Garden - Historical Theme park. An outstanding event of the city is the Savaria Historical Carnival held in August every year.
The Tourist information office of the city:
Tourinform Szombathely, Kossuth Lajos u. 13. (In the Town Hall)
Tel.: 36-94-514-451, Fax: 36-94-514-450 e-mail: szombathely@tourinform.hu |
