Szombathely: Hungary's Ancient Gem

• HelloHelló
  [hel-loh]
• GoodbyeViszlát
  [vee-slaat]
• YesIgen
  [ee-gen]
• NoNem
  [nem]
• Please/You're welcomeKérem
  [keh-rem]
• Thank youKöszönöm
  [koes-noem]
• Excuse me/SorryElnézést
  [el-neh-zayst]
• How are you?Hogy vagy?
  [ho-dj vahdj]
• Fine. And you?Jól vagyok. És te?
  [yol vahdj-ok. ays te?]
• Do you speak English?Beszélsz angolul?
  [bes-ayls ang-oh-lul]
• I don't understandNem értem
  [nem ayr-tem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSzeretnék látni a menüt, kérem
  [seh-reht-nek laht-nee ah meh-noot, keh-rem]
• I don't eat meatNem eszem húst
  [nem es-em hoost]
• Cheers!Egészségedre!
  [eg-aysh-shay-gehd-reh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseFizetnék, kérem
  [feez-et-nayk, keh-rem]

• Help!Segítség!
  [she-geet-sayg]
• Go away!Menj el!
  [men yel]
• Call the Police!Hívd a rendőrséget!
  [heed ah ren-dersh-ay-get]
• Call a doctor!Hívd az orvost!
  [heed az or-vosht]
• I'm lostEl vagyok tévedve
  [el vahdj-ok tay-ved-veh]
• I'm illBeteg vagyok
  [beh-teg vahdj-ok]

• I'd like to buy...Szeretnék vásárolni...
  [seh-reht-nek vah-shah-rohl-nee]
• I'm just lookingCsak nézelődöm
  [chahk nay-zeh-loh-dohm]
• How much is it?Mennyibe kerül?
  [men-nyi-beh keh-rool]
• That's too expensiveEz túl drága
  [ez tool draa-gah]
• Can you lower the price?Le tudnád engedni az árat?
  [leh too-dnaad eng-ed-nee az aar-at]

• What time is it?Mennyi az idő?
  [men-nyi az ee-doh]
• It's one o'clockEgy óra van
  [edj oh-rah vahn]
• Half past (10)Fél tizenegy van
  [fayl tee-zen-ay vhahn]
• MorningReggel
  [rehg-gel]
• AfternoonDélelőtt
  [deh-leh-loht]
• EveningEste
  [ehs-teh]
• YesterdayTegnap
  [teg-nahp]
• TodayMa
  [mah]
• TomorrowHolnap
  [hol-nahp]
• 1Egy
  [edj]
• 2Kettő
  [ket-toh]
• 3Három
  [ha-rom]
• 4Négy
  [nayg]
• 5Öt
  [oht]
• 6Hat
  [haht]
• 7Hét
  [hayt]
• 8Nyolc
  [nyolts]
• 9Kilenc
  [keel-ents]
• 10Tíz
  [teaz]

• Where's a/the...?Hol van a...
  [hol vahn ah]
• What's the address?Mi a cím?
  [mee ah cheem]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Megmutatnád nekem (a térképen)?
  [meg-moo-taht-naad ne-kem ah tair-kay-pen]
• When's the next (bus)?Mikor jön a következő (busz)?
  [mee-kor yoen ah koo-vet-kay-zoh boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Egy jegyet (.... felé)
  [edj ye-geht fel-eh]

Szombathely, known as Savaria in antiquity, was founded by Emperor Claudius around AD 50. It quickly became an important Roman settlement, strategically located on the Amber Road, a major trade route. The city's early prosperity is evidenced by the remnants of Roman architecture, including public baths, temples, and an amphitheater.

One of the most significant historical events tied to Szombathely is the martyrdom of Saint Quirinus of Sescia. In AD 303, during the Diocletianic Persecution, Quirinus, the Bishop of Sescia (modern-day Sisak, Croatia), was captured and brought to Savaria. He was drowned in the Sibaris River, which later became known as the Perint River, and his martyrdom is commemorated in the city's religious traditions.

During the Middle Ages, Szombathely flourished as a market town, its name deriving from the Hungarian word 'szombat,' meaning Saturday, the traditional market day. However, the prosperity was not to last. The town suffered significant damage during the Mongol invasions in the 13th century and later during the Ottoman incursions in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The 16th century brought the Reformation to Szombathely, with Protestantism gaining a substantial following. However, the Counter-Reformation led by the Habsburgs saw the re-establishment of Catholicism as the dominant religion. This period also witnessed the construction of several Baroque-style churches and buildings, which still stand today.

The 18th and 19th centuries were periods of significant development for Szombathely. The city became the seat of the newly established Diocese of Szombathely in 1777, and Bishop János Szily played a crucial role in the city's urban development. The construction of the Bishop's Palace, the Cathedral, and other public buildings transformed Szombathely into a regional center of culture and administration.

Szombathely was heavily affected during World War II, suffering extensive damage from Allied bombings in 1945. Post-war reconstruction was slow, and the city underwent significant changes during the Communist era, with industrialization and urban sprawl reshaping its character. Despite these challenges, Szombathely preserved much of its historical heritage.

Today, Szombathely is a vibrant city that harmoniously blends its rich historical past with modern amenities. It is renowned for its cultural festivals, such as the Savaria Historical Carnival, which celebrates the city's Roman heritage with elaborate parades, reenactments, and performances. The city's museums, like the Savaria Museum and the Iseum Savariense, offer deep dives into its storied history, making Szombathely a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Szombathely is located in the western part of Hungary, near the Austrian border. The nearest international airport is Vienna International Airport, approximately 120 kilometers away. From Vienna, you can take a train directly to Szombathely, which takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and take a train or bus to Szombathely. The train journey from Budapest takes approximately 3 hours. There are also bus services connecting Szombathely to major cities in Hungary and neighboring countries.

Szombathely is a compact city with many attractions within walking distance. For further distances, local buses are available and operate frequently. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. For those who prefer to drive, car rentals are an option. The city's bike rental system is another convenient way to explore Szombathely and its surroundings.

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Szombathely. Currency exchange services are also available in banks and specialized exchange offices.

Szombathely is generally a safe city for tourists. Standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific areas with high crime rates targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Szombathely has a local police station and medical facilities, including a hospital and several clinics. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies in the city where over-the-counter medications can be purchased.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and modest clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in more formal settings. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Jó napot!' (Good day). A firm handshake is the standard greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't leave tips on the table; hand them directly to the service staff.

To experience Szombathely like a local, visit the traditional markets such as the Fő tér market, where you can buy fresh local produce and handmade crafts. Participate in local festivals like the Savaria Historical Carnival to immerse yourself in the city's Roman heritage. Engage with locals in small cafés and bistros, as they are often friendly and eager to share insights about their city. Don't miss a visit to the Iseum, an ancient Roman temple, and the Szombathely Cathedral for a touch of history and culture.