Discover Szombathely by Hire Car
Szombathely is a city in western Hungary, close to the border with Austria and not far from Lake Neusiedl.
Szombathely experienced a very eventful history since its foundation in the 1st century AD by the Romans, which is also surrounded by some legends.
Development of Szombathely
Thus, the birthplace of St. Martin of Tours is interpreted to Szombathely, and Charlemagne also used the city as a starting point for his campaigns against the Avars.
In the Middle Ages the settlement was called “Stein am Anger”, which later gave rise to the German name Steinamanger.
Today Szombathely is a modern county town and its population of about 80,000 enjoys one of the highest standards of living in Hungary.
This is mainly due to its location to Austria, which favoured the settlement of western businesses. However, tourism is also gradually gaining in importance.
Many old buildings adorn the townscape and most of them can be visited.
Sights in Szombathely
But the main attraction is Bloomsday, held annually on June 16.
It dates back to Irish writer James Joyce, whose novel “Ulysses” has the main character based in Szombathely.
This is Leopold Bloom, a Jew from western Hungary who emigrates to Dublin in 1904 and has to stand up to conservative British-Irish society.
Another attraction is the carnival, known throughout Hungary and beyond, which takes place every year on the penultimate weekend in August. A hire car is a good way to explore the city’s surroundings or closer destinations, such as Lake Neusiedl or neighbouring Austria.
hire car price comparison Szombathely
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