Town of county rank with 80000 inhabitants. Seat of county Vas, one of the major settlements in western Transdanubia. The foundation of the city dates back to about 50 A. D., the reign of Emperor Claudius. The Amber Road and the flourishing Roman culture had an impact on local history. The town was donated by King Saint Stephen to the episcopate of Győr in 1009. In 1587, the Collegiate Church Cathedral of Vasvár was transferred by the diet of Pozsony to Szombathely, gradually earning a rank of county seat in years to come. According to an order by Maria Theresa in 1777 it became the seat of an independent diocese. The famous block of edifices in Baroque style, one of the most outstanding sights of the town in Mindszenty square and Szily János street, is due to the munificence of Bishop János Szily. The town developed from Savaria of ancient days is now the venue of a number of international programmes, a centre of commerce, education and economy. Major sights include the Garden with Ancient Ruins, Iseum, County Hall, Episcopal Palace - Sala Terrena, Cathedral, Seminary - Diocesan Library, Eölbey House, Synagogue, Saint Elisabeth Franciscan church, Saint Martin Dominican church, Museum Village of Vas, Rowing pool, Arboretum of Kámon, Savaria Museum, Schmidt Museum, Szombathely Gallery, Franciscan Garden, reconstruction of a Roman fortress from the 1st c. B.C. . Major events: Savaria Historical Carnival, Spring Festival, Savaria International Dance Contest, International Bartók Seminary and Festival, Lamantin Jazz Festival, Savaria Urbanistical Summer Academy, Saint Martins Week.
Sonnentherme website.