One of the oldest recorded cities in Hungary, Szombathely lies where the Alpokalja Mountains meet the Little Alföld Plain in the country’s far west. It was founded by the Romans in 45 AD as Colonia Claudia and is famously the birthplace of Saint Martin of Tours, who went on to become one of France’s most beloved saints.
Things to do in Szombathely
Occupying the magnificent Palace of Culture is the Savaria Museum, which houses an impressive collection of archaeological, ethnographic and natural history artefacts. Also not to miss is the Szombathely Gallery where contemporary works are exhibited. In addition to paintings by Hungarian avant-garde artists, the gallery showcases more than 2,500 textile pieces.
North of Szombathely is the Kamoni Arboretum, which encompasses around 27 hectares along the banks of the Gyöngyös Stream. It is home to more than 3,000 species of trees and shrubs, as well as man-made lakes ringed by walking trails. Don’t miss the rhododendrons in bloom and the magnificent magnolia trees, as well as the diverse variety of Japanese maples. The Kamoni Arboretum also boasts the largest collection of pine trees in Hungary and a beautifully designed rose garden.
A short drive south of Szombathely is the Jaki Church, an enchanting basilica that dates back to the Middle Ages. Located atop a hill overlooking the Jaki-Sorok Valley, it once formed part of a Benedictine abbey. Take note of the beautifully sculpted figures that frame the main entrance before stepping inside to explore the lofty interior.
Getting around Szombathely
Szombathely is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Graz and Graz Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Budapest and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport are 2.5 hours away. Trains connect to the Szombathely railway station and buses travel throughout the city.