Bő – History and Cycling

Anyone looking for a hotel in Bő can shape their stay around several aspects of the town. Bő combines a strong connection to cycling with a long history; ecclesiastical landmarks and market traditions complement the named cycling route as distinct thematic attractions.

Cycling and the River Landscape

Bő is part of the Termál Cycling Route; a fully developed cycle path connects the town with Bük and Bükfürdő. The cycling route and the Répce represent two different connections to the town: the route identifies a specific focus for activities, while the river flows directly around Bő and provides visitors with a pleasant setting for relaxation.

Church History and Medieval Traces

The predecessor of the Szent-Imre Church in Bő was already standing around the middle of the 13th century. A comprehensive archaeological investigation in 2008 identified six construction phases. The renovation, completed in 2010, brought the earlier phases to life on site. The number of construction phases draws attention not only to the medieval origins but also to the development of the building.

Another medieval trace leads into legal history: in the 12th century, Bő came into the possession of the Templars, who established a convent there. It served as a so-called “hiteles hely” (official place of authentication) for property transactions. Thus, in addition to its religious role, the convent had an administrative function in the history of the town.

Travel through the region also has a long history. An important long-distance road has run along the Répce river terrace since ancient times. In antiquity, it connected to the Roman Amber Road between Scarbantia (Sopron) and Savaria (Szombathely). This historical connection belongs to a different era from Bő’s present-day cycling connection: it tells of an ancient long-distance road, not the Termál Cycling Route.

Bő’s Market Traditions

Several dates and features are important to the town’s development as a market town. In 1499, King Ulászló II granted Bő further privileges, including exemption from tithes and customs duties, as well as the right to hold markets. This made Bő a market town. In 1666, the right to hold markets was confirmed. At the height of the town’s prosperity, four national livestock markets were held each year, and there were guilds of shoemakers and weavers. The livestock markets point to trade across the region, while the guilds reflect organised crafts.

Religious Monuments in the Town

Local monuments include several religious statues, each with a distinct location and depiction. At Köztársaság tér, the statue of Nepomuki Szent János stands in a chapel-like niche on the road to the Répce crossing. Also at Köztársaság tér, the statue of the Fájdalmas Szűz depicts the Sorrowful Mother with Christ, who died on the cross, lying in her lap. At the end of Hunyadi utca stands Magyarország Nagyasszonya with the infant Jesus; the statue was erected in 1917. The statue of Boldogasszony with the infant Jesus on Széchenyi utca was erected in 1913. On Petőfi utca, the Feszület depicts Jesus on the cross, with the Sorrowful Mother below. The different subjects and locations give each site its own place in Bő’s religious history.

Discover more destinations: Bük, Csepreg, Mesterháza, Gór, Simaság, Lócs.

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