Sopron is compact, making it easily accessible to see the majority of sights on foot and as you will see, many of them are on the same square. Unless noted, all museums share the same phone number (tel. 99/311-327); they are all closed on Mondays.
Fabricius House on Fo tér 6 transcends to the days of the Roman settlers. Within the building you will find three exhibits. Artifacts from the Roman town of Scarbantia, what is now Sopron, are located in the cellar. Included are head stones, altar stones, and sarcophagi amongst other uncovered treasures. On two floors at the back of the building is "Three-thousand years on the amber road," which provides information about life and culture of the Illyrian, Celtic, and Romans who were settlers here moving forward to the conquering Hungarians and to modern times. Interior design of the 17th and 18th century is on exhibit on the street level and continues to the next floor up. Hours are April to September 10am-6pm and October to March 10am-2pm. Admission is 700 Ft for adults and 350 Ft for children 16 and under.
Firewatch Tower on Fo tér (no number) is the symbol of the city. Built upon the ancient Roman wall, it served as the north tower of the city from the 13th century onward. After the great fire of 1676, it was refurbished with a baroque roof and balcony added on. The foundation was damaged in 1893, so a wide main port was used to add stability. If you brave the 200 spiral stairs, your reward is a spectacular view of the city. Open April, September, October 10am-6pm; May to August 10am-8pm. Entrance is 700 Ft for adults and 350 Ft for children 16 and under.
Goat Church sits on Fo tér (no number, but it cannot be missed). Franciscans built the church when they arrived in the area in 1280. It is considered an excellent example of Hungarian Gothic architecture. This Franciscan order was dissolved by József II in 1787. The church was later acquired by the Benedictine monks. It has been the site of many coronations and parliamentary sessions. The sanctuary still holds much visual appeal, but the rest of the church is in dire need of repair. On the south side through the church is the Chapter House, which served as a prayer house with an adjacent burial chapel. The Gothic religious art reveals the seven major sins within the leaf ornaments where there are hidden figures of human heads with animal bodies. Church hours are January 10 to April 15 8am-6pm; April 16 to September 30 8am-9pm. Chapter House hours are April to September 10am-noon and 1pm-6pm daily. October to March 10am-noon and 1pm-3pm daily. Free admission to both.
Medieval Synagogue (Új u. 22) was built in the 14th century, although Jews are believed to have settled here in the 13th century. There is a tympanum decorating the main door with two side consoles that date back to 1300. Inside is rich with motifs of grapes and leaves. Behind the main prayer room is the separate women's prayer room. Next to the synagogue are the remains of the ritual bath. There was once a school and refuge for travelers next door. Jews were forced to leave the area in 1526, causing the synagogue to fall into ruin. Open April to September 10am-6pm. Admission is 700 Ft.
Storno House and the Exhibition of Regional History are two separate exhibits, but are located at the same address at Fo tér 8. Storno House provided accommodations for King Matthias in 1482-83 when he attacked Vienna. Franz Liszt held two concerts here in 1840 and 1881. The Storno family, originally from Switzerland, acquired the building in 1872. Ferenc Storno was a chimney sweep, too poor to receive education for his artistic talents. After living and working in Sopron, his talents were discovered and became his legacy. On the street level of Storno House is the Exhibition of Regional History featuring the complete history of the Sopron area. Hours are the same for both museums, April to September 10am-6pm and October to March 2pm-6pm. Admission to Storno House is 1,000 Ft for adults, 500 Ft for children, photo ticket 200 Ft; Exhibition admission is 600 Ft for adults, 300 Ft for children 16 and under.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
