Szombathely: Roman Savaria, Cathedral and Arboretum

Szombathely brings together traces of Roman Savaria, a significant ecclesiastical monument, a large arboretum and recurring events. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to the city, you can choose your focus based on culture, plants or event dates. The themes range from archaeological remains and the diocese’s principal church to an extensive collection of trees and shrubs, as well as seasonal offerings.

Roman Savaria and ecclesiastical heritage

The Járdányi Paulovics István Romkert encompasses the remains of Roman Savaria. These include groups of buildings belonging to Colonia Claudia Savariensium, founded around 50 AD. The building groups have been excavated in the centre of Szombathely since the 1930s. The history of the Roman colony and its archaeological finds are therefore the focus here.

Another cultural landmark is the Sarlós Boldogasszony Cathedral. It is the principal church of the Diocese of Szombathely and a significant architectural monument in the city. Locals also call it Nagytemplom. Together, the Romkert and the cathedral offer different perspectives: the Romkert represents the remains of ancient Savaria, while the cathedral combines an ecclesiastical function with architectural heritage.

Arboretum in the north of the city

The Kámoni Arboretum is located in the north of Szombathely. Its 27-hectare grounds contain around 3,200 species and varieties of trees and shrubs. The number of species and varieties may change over time. Even so, this approximate figure gives an idea of the collection’s diversity and adds a botanical focus alongside the city’s archaeological and ecclesiastical themes.

The arboretum has an ecotourism visitor centre with an exhibition room. There is a small exhibition on the history and research of the arboretum. This brings together two perspectives: the collection of trees and shrubs, and the site’s history and research. If you would like to include both nature and culture in your trip, this focus is clearly different from the historic sites in the city centre.

Seasonal events

Every year, during the Savaria Történelmi Karnevál, Gayer Park hosts Kalandvár, an event for children. It offers a wide range of activities for younger and somewhat older children. The event is therefore tied to the dates of the carnival.

The Herényi Virágút is in Herény, a district of Szombathely, and is one kilometre long. It opens every spring after St George’s Day; visitors can view and buy plants there. The Virágút also features children’s activities and concerts. The two events take place at different times: Kalandvár is held during the carnival, while the Virágút takes place in spring after St George’s Day. Check the specific dates and programme details before your trip.

Regional themes in the wider destination of Eisenburg

The wider destination of Eisenburg offers additional regional themes. The Termál Kerékpáros Túraút leads to five spa complexes in Vas County and combines cycling with visits to architectural and natural attractions, as well as other spas. Vas County is also home to two internationally recognised thermal baths, in Bük and Sárvár; they are 25 kilometres apart. This regional perspective expands the range of themes beyond Szombathely’s Roman, ecclesiastical and botanical highlights to include cycling and thermal baths.

Discover more destinations: Táplánszentkereszt, Gencsapáti, Torony, Dozmat, Balogunyom, Vasszécseny, Zsennye.

Go to the wider travel overview: Szombathelyi.