Győr Overview

In the unspoiled western region of Őrség, Győr (DYUR; pop. 130,000) overflows with monuments, museums, and 17th- and 18th-century architecture. Turn right out of the train station, take a left before the underpass, and cross the street to reach the pedestrian-only Baross Gábor utca. Walk uphill on Czuczor Gergely u., one street to the right of Baross Gábor u., and turn left at Gutenberg tér to reach the Ark of the Covenant statue (Frigylada szobov) and Chapter Hill (Káptalandomb). At the top of the hill is the Episcopal Cathedral (Székesegyház) with its Weeping Madonna of Győr. The Diocesan Library and Treasury (Egyházmegyei Kincstár), Káptalandomb 26, in an alley off the cathedral square, displays 14th-century gold and silver. (☎096 31 21 53; www.egyhazmegyeikincstar.hu. Open Mar.-Oct. Tu-Su 10am-4pm. 700Ft, students 400Ft.) The Imre Patkó collection, Széchenyi tér 4, presents contemporary art; buy tickets in the Xántus Janos Museum next door and enter at Stelczera u. (☎096 31 05 88; www.gymsmuzeum.hu. Open May-Sept. Tu-Su 10am-6pm, Oct.-Apr. daily noon-4pm. 550Ft, students 300Ft.) Across the river is the huge Rába Quelle water park, Fürdő tér 1, supplied by thermal springs. From Bécsi Kapu tér, take the bridge over the small island and make the first right on the other side, then go right again on Cziráky tér. (☎096 51 49 00; www.gyortermal.hu. Open daily 9am-8:30pm. 3hr. ticket 1550Ft, students 1100Ft; full-day ticket 2100/1700Ft.)

In an alley off Bécsi Kapu tér,   Katalin Kert , Dunakapu tér 3, off Jedlik Ányos u., serves succulent dishes. (Entrees 600-1400Ft. Open M-Th and Su 9am-10pm, F-Sa 9am-11pm.)

Trains run from Budapest (2hr., 34 per day, 2040Ft) and Vienna, AUT (2hr., 13 per day, 5250Ft). Buses run to Budapest (2hr., 1 per hr., 2040Ft). The train station is 3min. from the city center. An underpass links the platforms and leads to the bus station, heading away from the town. The TourInform kiosk, Árpád u. 32, at the intersection with Baross Gábor u., arranges lodgings. (☎096 31 17 71. Open June-Aug. M-F 8am-8pm, Sa-Su 9am-6pm.) Postal Code: 9021.

Daytrip From Győr: Archabbey Of Pannonhalma. Visible on a clear day from Győr, the hilltop Archabbey of Pannonhalma (Pannonhalmi Főapátság) has seen a millennium of destruction and renovation since it was established by the Benedictine order in AD 996. It now houses a 360,000-volume library and a 13th-century basilica. TriCollis Tourist Office is to the left of the entrance. (☎57 01 91; www.bences.hu. Hungarian-language tour of abbey with English text 1 per hr. 1750Ft, students 850Ft. English-language tours June-Sept. daily 11:20am, 1:20, 3:20pm; Oct.-May Tu-Su 11:20am and 1:20pm. 2400/1500Ft.) Tours of the on-site winery provide insight into traditional monastic viticulture. (Tours daily June-Sept. 12:30, 2:30, 4:30pm; Oct.-Nov. and Apr.-May 11:30am, 1:30, 3:30pm; Dec.-Mar. 11:30am and 1:30pm. 750Ft, with tasting 1600Ft.) From Győr, take the bus from platform #11 (45min., 7 per day, 375Ft). Make sure to ask for Pannonhalma vár and get off at the large gates.