Veszprém

Sitting on the cusp of the Bakony Hills (an area once thick with outlaws and a common setting for the country’s legends of Robin-Hood-like derring-do), Veszprém is one of the most significant historical centres in Hungary. King István – the founder of the Christian state – established a castle and a cathedral here during the 11^th century, and the town subsequently became the place where queens were crowned and held court (hence its nickname the ‘City of Queens’). A stroll through the atmospheric Castle Hill takes in the firewatch tower, the imposing Bishop’s Palace, the Neo-Romanesque cathedral (with its original crypt) and the remains of a royal chapel, together with several entertaining galleries and a promenade affording splendid views of the surrounding hills. A short distance from the centre is a zoo and riding school, and the town is well served with excellent accommodation and restaurants.

For further information, see www.veszprem.hu.