Gyõr, "The town of waters" situated half way between the Austrian and the Hungarian capitals at the meeting point of the rivers Danube, Rába and Rábca, is the third most important monumental town in the country. During the course of long, hectic centuries it has been inhabited by Celts and Romans, nominated bishopric see by the first Hungarian king, Stephen I, invaded by the Tartars, mortgaged to the duke of Austria, seized by the Turks and conquered even by Napoleon's troops. It is a significant school town, Jedlik Ányos, inventor of the dynamo, is only one celebrity among many who once taught there. Most of its protected buildings are to be found within the 16th century walls.

The bishopric palace on Chapter hill (Káptalan domb) stands opposite the pompous Baroque cathedral which was founded in 1030, built for centuries, and is about the same age as the Hungarian state. The herma and the reliquary of the head of king Saint Ladislas (Szent László) are exhibited in the Gothic chapel. These masterpieces of medieval jewellery were made on the occasion of the king's canonization. The treasury is the second richest collection in Hungary. Artefacts of the ceramicist Kovács Margit are permanently presented in Kreszta house and sculptures by Borsos Miklós are also on display. Both artista were born in Gyõr.

Only about twenty kilometres from Gyõr the traveller catches sight of the Monastery of Pannonhalma, which has been functioning for over 1000 years. This place has witnessed much of Hungarian history. It recalls a number of national diets, peace treaties, a successfully beaten attack of the Tartars, domestic struggles of the Árpád dynasty, Turkish invasion, great fires and restorations. This fortress of Hungarian Benedictines, this illustrated "picture book” of European art history from Romanesque to Classicism was undoubtedly worthy of being registered as Worid Heritage site by UNESCO. A whole day should be dedicated to discovering the monastery and admiring its priceless treasures. The crypt contains the oldest parts of the church. As tradition has it the abbot's seat was the throne of Stephen I. The first catalogue of its invaluable library dates back to 1090. Today over 250 000 volumes are kept bere. The charter of the cloister from Stephen I dated 1001, and the earliest written record of the Hungarian language, the founder of the Tihany Abbey from 1055 are the most precious pride and joy of the archives. The arboretum also offers a memorable experience.

Sopron, the second richest Hungarian town in historic monuments was awarded the Europa Prize, the international gold medal for the protection of monuments. In old times the town was developed by local craftsmanship and supported by various patrons. It offers an abundance of rare sights. The Fire Watch-Tower (Tûztorony), symbol of Sopron was founded in Roman ages. The bulk of the tower is Romanesque, the middle part is typically Renaissance, whereas the steeple is from Baroque times. The 13th century Goat Church (Kecske-templorn) served as a coronation and parliamentary site. The old medieval Gothic Synagogue now is a museum. The old Storno House (Stornó-ház) too, famous for is luxuriantly decorated, covered balcony functions as a museum. The Collection of Catholic Art (Katolikus Egyházmûvészeti Gyûjtemény) can be seen in Ursula Church (Orsolya-templom), the Lutheran Collection (Evangélikus Gyûjtemény) is on display in the Baroque vicarage, and the wonderful medieval Madonna-statue stands in Saint Michael (Szent Mihály) parish church. You will eventually come across a church that does not even exist. The 17th century pulpit in the yard of the Renaissance Eggenberg House, recalls the times when Lutherans were only allowed to praise the Lord in the open air.
The bustling cultural life of Sopron is a reward in itself. The annual “Spring Days” in March and the “Sopron Festival" in the summer are the most outstanding programmes.

The University of Sopron gives home to the oldest area "Lõvérek" is enfolded pine forest. Looking down from the nearby Károly look-out tower a marvellous panorama unfolds.

Kõszeg - There is hardly a prettier "gate" to the country than the tiny little town of Kõszeg near the Austrian border. Nature is abundant, the air is aiways fresh, the fields are a deep green, hilltops glisten with snow, and gargantuan chestnut trees colour the town in the autumn. Steep Alpine rocks unit here with tender Pannonian slopes. Practically every building in town has its own story - tenants, builders, functions, styles or dates make them each remarkable. Kõszeg is a real living art book. 

The central Jurisics square, once surrounded by a city wall, recalls pass centuries. The partly Gothic building decorated with heraldic paintings and loop-holes has been functioning as a town hall since the 15th century. lf tired by sightseeing one may as well sit down in Saint James Church (Szent Jakab templom), which was built around 1405 on the site of a demolished church from the 13^th century. A Gothic statue of the Madonna adorns the high altar. One of the oldest, medieval houses in Kõszeg is Ambrózy House (Ambrózy-ház), and the city wall was also used as main wall of Lábasház (a house with pillars). Sgrafitto House (Sgrafittós-ház) was named after the decoration of its facade. The portal of Chernel-house, old home of the well-known ornithologist István Chernel must also be noted. The castle houses an exhibition of archaeological finds, historical relics as well as weapons and utensils from Jurisics' times. The most prominent commander of Kõszeg castle was Captain Miklós Jurisics. In the battle of 1532 he and his troop of only a few hundred defenders were able to save the castle and the town from the attack of the hundred thousand Turkish soldiers set off for Vienna. Several chronicles describe their heroic struggle. According to most resources Captain Jurisics let Sultan Suleyman II put the Turkish flag symbolically out on the tower ofter a 25 days long, unsuccessful siege. At 11 o'clock the Turkish troops finally gave up and retreated. As a remembrance of their glorious victory the bells toll every day at 11 o'clock even in present times.

Savaria, or Szombathely today was founded by the "divine" emperor, Claudius in 43 BC as one of the Northern outposts of the empire. The town prides in, is well aware of, its traditions and consciously keeps them alive. Relics are appreciated, sites of ancient pomp have been laboriously unconcealed and memories of long forgotten times have been carefully collected. Iseum, the largest sanctuary of the Egyptian Isis-cult found in the Pannonian territory is among the most precious prides of the town. "Amber route" (Borostyánkőút) the famous trade route connecting the Baltic sea with the Roman Empire lead across Savaria. The once perfectly fitting saddle-shape pavement mosaics can still be admired. The largest Transdanubian museum Savaria Museum owns a significant coliection of relics from Roman ages. At the end of the 18th century Szombathely was appointed bishopric see and Baroque slowly prevailed. Evidence of this time are the bishopric palace, the seminary and the monumental cathedral, one of Hungary's largest Baroque churches. The old synagogue functions today as Bartók Béla music school and music hall.

The 13th century Benedictine abbey church, standing in the middle of the village of Ják, but noticeable from already a great distance, is the most significant rnemory of Romanesque architecture in Hungary. The original arches of the portal the three nave basilica is owe-inspiring. A few statues of the apostles are somewhat damaged. The invading Turkish troops are likely to be liable, as any representation of human faces is forbidden by the lslam.

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