Veszprém: City of Queens

Veszprém with 59.000 inhabitants lies in the central Transdanubian region, at the meeting-point of the Bakony Hills and the Balaton Uplands. The history of the city goes back to the Hungarian settlement of the country in the ninth century, when Veszprém belonged to the estate of the ruling family; it became the City of Queens thanks to Giselle, the consort of Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen and in 1001 it grew to be one of the most significant centres of the Catholic Church as the bishop’s seat. Historic documents mention St. Michael’s Cathedral, situated in the castle surrounded by wonderfully preserved baroque buildings, as the first and oldest cathedral in the country. The Catholic Church has remained a vital force in the life of Veszprém as our city has been an archbishopric since 1993.

Veszprém is known for a vivid cultural life throughout the year. Three theatres and a whole series of festivals provide entertainment to inhabitants and visitors alike all year round. Besides the cultural events and the historic sights you can find here the Kittenberger Kálmán Botanical Garden and Zoo Park of well-deserved European fame.