A Trip to Ancient Rome… in Hungary 🇭🇺

Our next trip took us to the Hungarian city of Sopron. It lies just across the Austrian border, about 80 km from Vienna.

If you’re looking for a place with an incredible atmosphere, European flair, rich history, and yet no overwhelming tourist crowds — this is exactly it.

The moment we parked and walked into the historic centre, we were pleasantly surprised. Beautiful flowers were literally everywhere. And those stunning blooming oleanders. 🌸

I loved how alive the whole place felt. Restaurants and cafés had plenty of outdoor seating, people were relaxing, sipping drinks, and chatting. Then came a moment that truly got to me. In one of the cafés, music started playing and people simply got up and began dancing right there in the street! 🥹💃

A little further on, musicians in traditional costumes were playing in the square — it might have been some kind of festival, though I’m not sure. There was even a little tourist train making its way through the city. 🎺

They say Sopron is the second richest city in Hungary after Budapest when it comes to historical monuments. The entire old core within its walls (known as Belváros, or the Inner City) is one enormous open-air museum full of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque townhouses. More precisely, 115 listed buildings can be found there. 🏘️

The energy of this city was so infectious that you simply don’t want to leave.

A Journey Through Time to Ancient Rome 🏛️

But what truly blew me away was the local history. Did you know that present-day Sopron literally stands on the foundations of an ancient Roman city? It was called Scarbantia, and that history breathes on you at every step. The city’s dominant landmark is the grand Fire Tower, and if you look at its base, you can see fragments of the old Roman city walls.

We even discovered a museum right on the main square (in the historic Fabricius House). When you step inside and descend into the cellar, you travel back two thousand years. The exhibits are extraordinary — from enormous stone statues of the Roman gods Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, excavated right here beneath the square, to sections of original Roman roads. You just stand there thinking how fascinating it is to walk on the same stones that Roman soldiers once walked on. 🏛️

When you step back outside the museum, the Main Square with its classic European architecture spreads out right beside it. Walk a little further to Petőfi tér and you’ll find a beautiful large fountain right in front of the Art Nouveau theatre. A perfect spot to sit for a while.

And when you’re in Sopron, look up into the tree branches — we found lovely red hearts hanging there. ❤️

When I later read more about Sopron, I discovered its nickname: “The Most Loyal City.” In 1921, the local residents voted in a referendum to remain part of Hungary rather than join Austria.

And for wine lovers, here’s one more thing — Sopron is the capital of Blaufränkisch wine, so a glass with dinner is practically obligatory here. 🍷

If you’d like to stay for a few days, the surroundings are made for exploring. Right next door is the vast Lake Neusiedl, a paradise for cyclists and windsurfers, and the Hungarian Versailles — the fairy-tale Baroque Esterházy Castle in Fertőd.

Sopron won me over with its elegance, the scent of flowers, and its wonderfully relaxed way of life.

If you haven’t been yet, definitely add this little city to your travel list. I’m sure you’ll leave just as enchanted as I did. 🙂