Győr - the pearl of the Baroque on the Danube! Djer, Hungary was the first city I visited in the country (apart from Budapest, which I have been to countless times). The city is easily accessible,

Győr - the pearl of the Baroque on the Danube!

Djer, Hungary was the first city I visited in the country (apart from Budapest, which I have been to countless times). The city is conveniently located on the railway line between Vienna and Budapest, where all international trains stop. The photos I saw online looked beautiful enough to convince me to visit Győr, who arrived on a Friday evening in the summer months and was immediately impressed by the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

The city of Győr has about 130.000 inhabitants and is located in the northwest of Hungary, on the border with Slovakia and not far from the Austrian border. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is about 120 kilometers from Djer, while Bratislava, another capital of Central Europe, is even closer, 80 kilometers from Djer.

Djer is one of the oldest cities in the region and has played an important role in the region for centuries due to its location at the confluence of the Danube, Raba, and Labka rivers. The city is famous for its impressive Baroque architecture.

 The most important monument of Győr is the Cathedral of the Assumption, the seat of the parish of Győr. It dates back to the beginning of the 11th century, and after centuries of war damage, the cathedral was rebuilt in the Baroque style with a 19th-century neoclassical façade.

Another church worth visiting in Győr is the Benedictine Church of St. Ignatius in the main square of the Old Town. This is yet another example of the stunning Baroque architecture you can find in the city.

The heart of the old town is the Széchenyi tér, the central square is surrounded by some impressive Baroque houses, the Széchenyi tér is vibrant with numerous outdoor restaurants where people hang out and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you are tired of all the Baroque architecture around, you can find a model of brutalism on the edge of the old town. Built in 1978, the National Theatre of Győr is an impressive building that is home to the world-famous ballet company.

While most of the monuments in Győr are located in the Old Town, you can also find more treasures worth visiting outside the Old Town. The Győr synagogue is an impressive building designed in octagonal shape and completed in 1870.

Another building that took my breath away was the Town Hall, right next to the train station. This monumental building in the neoclassical style, built at the end of the 19th century, dominates the region.

 If you want to experience Central Europe outside of popular destinations, I can definitely recommend a trip to Győr to get a feel for the laid-back atmosphere of the region and appreciate the beautiful architecture typical of the region. If you're looking for the perfect day trip from Budapest, Bratislava or Vienna, Győr is also a perfect choice! Don't miss this city, it really is a gem!