Kőszeg - an enchanting little town in a versatile region of Hungary

Kőszeg is like offering the experience of being in a fairy tale. This place is one of Hungary's most impressive small towns with fantastic events, a unique historic downtown, like in Szentendre, and a charming townsfolk. There is always something going on in Kőszeg, the jewellery box of Western Hungary. Its historical center with the refurbished squares offer tourists plenty of sights and interesting places to see. Although, it’s quite bittersweet for me to highlight only five attractions, considering, that for me, Kőszeg is an enchanting little town in a versatile region of Hungary, yet I did so and have selected some of the most spectacular spots.

The heart of Kőszeg, the Old Town

A long time ago, only the parish church of the city, Kőszeg’s most important shops, and the cemetery were here in a relatively small territory. Nowadays though, the St. Imre Church, the St. Jacob Church and the Archive’s building are all located at the Jurisics square, that is at the same time the heart of the town. However, the image of the Old Town’s space is dominated by the Gate of Heroes. It had been the gate of the city until 1880, but it was demolished, and a new one was built in 1932.

Kőszeg

Kőszeg, 9730 Magyarország

Hősök kapuja

Kőszeg, Városház u. 6, 9730 Magyarország

Jurisics square

Kőszeg, Jurisics tér 7, 9730 Magyarország

Jurisics Castle

The oldest part of Jurisics Castle in Kőszeg was built in the 13th century. The original Gothic-style interior was later enlarged. The renaissance and baroque building-complex served as a manor castle. Alongside with its inner space, the castle is surrounded by the captivating water springs. The castle is open to tourists all year and every day – the tickets cost 1200 HUF, which is equivalent to around 4 euros. But if you are at different spots of Hungary, here are some other history-maker castles to visit.

Írott-kő viewpoint

The Írott-kő is not only the highest point of the Kőszeg Mountains with its 882-meter height but also the highest point of the Transdanubia and Burgenland. The lookout tower was built on the hilltop in 1913, and it is situated on the territory of two different countries, Hungary and Austria. In 2009, the warn-out viewpoint was closed, but after the renovation, it was reopened from the 21st of July 2010.

Írott-kő

Kőszeg, 9730 Magyarország

Hétforrás (Seven Springs)

The abounding well of water was built in 1896, for the honour of the Hungarian state's Millennium, with seven spouts, that are wearing the names of the seven Hungarian chieftains from the age of land conquest back in the 9th century. Hungary’s historic conquering seven leaders. The Hétforrás or Seven Springs is located in the depths of the surrounding forest, near the Austrian border, at the old borderline. In the 1980’s, it was allowed to visit it only with a special permit and an escorting guide. The spring and its surroundings were rebuilt and primped in 1994 and in 2008 too. Its water is excellent, qualitative drinking water, of which temperature is around 10°C.

Hétforrás

Kőszeg, Unnamed Road, 9730 Magyarország

Cák cellars

One of the most typical touristic spots of the Kőszeg Mountains is the wonderful Cák cellars, which recalls the old times, straddled by beautiful chestnut trees near to the village of Cák. It is a folk museum (open-air museum) now, where we have a chance to go into some age-old, authentic buildings. We can see different old vineyards, medieval vine press, nay, one of the basements even has a cooper exhibition.

Cák cellars

Cák, Petőfi u. 27, 9725 Magyarország

All in all, if you are planning to take a visit to Western Hungary, this fairy town is definitely worth a day. With its beautiful nature, breathtaking downtown, restaurants and vineyards, Kőszeg is an enchanting little town and a true jewellery box in a versatile region of Hungary.