Gyor Things to Do

This sculptural relief is a new addition to the attractive cityscape of Gyor. It was created to commemorate the 1000th years of Christianity among the Magyars, and unveiled in 2001. It stands opposite the "front doors" of the Cathedral.

The Marian Column is in the same square as the monastery. It depicts Mary and the infant Jesus with "globes" (or are they crowns?) atop their heads; and Mary seems to have a spear in her hands - fulfilling the prophecy of the angel Gabriel.

This "Marian Column" - a tribute to the Virgin and Child - stands in one of Gyor's main market squares. I wonder how official state atheism under Communist rule affected the practice of religion here in Gyor and elsewhere in Hungary? Certainly there is a lot of evidence today that Gyor has been an important place of worship and devotion for many centuries. In that regard, I'm glad the historical record wasn't obliterated by the communists.

Gyor doesn't attract many tourists, so I was the only person inside the Cathedral for fifteen minutes or so. No - I take that back, the organist was there, practicing a Bach Prelude and Fugue. Gyor seems like a place where the Sunday morning Mass is still the highlight of the week for many people.

The monastery was unfortunately closed for renovation when I was in Gyor, but the interior of the church - especially the ceiling paintings by famous Baroque painter Paul Troger - is said to be spectacular.

Synagogue in western Györ is disused but worthy target for EU preservation funds if Hungary ever gets to join the EU. Austrians are none-too keen on people from the east flooding ('Überfremdung')their borders (in Joerg-my-dad's a nazi-Haider's terminology)
Local Gypsy Grandma request 'forint!' in exchange for 'ficken'. Whatever that means

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In December open the Christmas Fair in the city. You can hear life music, you can buy traditional hungarian foods, drinks and handicraft products. The programs are interesting for children too.

On the south side of the Chapel of St. Ladislaus stands a Rococo statue of St Michael (1764) depicting the archangel, based on the statue above the porch of St Michael's Church in Vienna.