Zwinger Tower

The nine-sided bastion is considered to be the earliest part of the city's defense system. serving as the southwestern corner bastion of the former city wall during times of war, which is believed to date back to the 13th century. Its current form was built before the Turkish invasion of 1532.

It has served many functions over the centuries, including as a defensive structure, a storage facility, warehouse, and, according to some sources, as a prison by the locals. Food was stored on the lower floors of the building. After the tower lost its defensive role, it was used for various purposes, and in the 1820s, the idea of converting it into a theater arose. Until recently, it served as a tourist attraction and museum. In the cellar, there is a wine press made in 1778.

As part of the Kraft program, it underwent a complete renovation in 2015, resulting in the building being given new, sustainable functions: it became an exhibition space for the Institute of Advanced Studies, a venue for lectures and conferences, and cultural events. In addition to its new purpose, the preservation of historical and architectural values was a primary consideration— the work carried out in this way resulted in a fine example of integrated monument restoration.

You can also reach Kőszeg by train. The train station is located approximately 1.5 km from the town center. There is no local service, but you can buy tickets for the Kőszeg-Szombathely bus service in the town.

It is worth taking the bus between Kőszeg and Szombathely to Kőszeg, bus station (Liszt Ferenc utca). 

Only a few buses stop at the nearest bus stop, Kőszeg, várkör.

Parking spaces in the center of Kőszeg are generally paid. Only those with a permit may drive into Chernel Street. The nearest paid parking spaces are located on Várkőr and Győri János Streets, and at the end of Rákóczi Street facing Fő Square. The nearest free parking spaces are on Hunyadi and Velemi Streets.

Source of images and content: iASK.