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THE TOWN OF FESTIVALS

The architecture of the city, its wealth in monuments, as well as its musical and cultural life are important attractions for both Hungarian and foreign tourists. The values created in previous centuries by fine arts, music, literature and dramatic arts are further enriched by today's artists.

The festivals, cultural performances and exhibitions are outstanding. Josef Haydn and Franz Liszt gave a powerful impetus to the development of the musical life of the city which started to flourish in the 18th century. In 1775 Haydn gave his first concert in the city. Empress Maria Theresia was the prominent guests at one of his sensational concerts. Franz Liszt gave his first concert in Sopron at the age of 9, in 1820, and further successes followed. As a sign of its appreciation, Sopron conferred honorary citizenship on the composer and had the document published in the Hungarian language. Later they gave him a gift of a silver conductor’s baton. Liszt’s works are a binding tie between different nations.

To live up to the demands of its musical history, Sopron holds Festival Weeks every year. The city itself offers a worthy setting for this festival and it is suitably decorated for the occasion. The Cave Theatre in Fertőrákos is a showplace of the festival week. It is reminiscent of the Egyptian cliff temples and its rock walls are a unique venue. Viewers get a magnificent experience from the fantastic acoustics and the amazing effects of pictures projected onto the stage. The days of the Early Music Festival and the Choral Festivals are splendid contributions to the cultural events. The Spring Days, the Sopron Wine Festival, the Pan-European Picnic, and numerous professional programs attract more tourists to the city.