Arad

About

Dating back to the 11th century, Arad proved itself an important fortification during the Mongol invasion of 1241. For the next several centuries it primarily played a military purpose, and it was here that Lajos Kossuth issued his famous proclamation, handing over supreme civil and military authority to Artúr Görgey during the Hungarian Revolution. For visitors interested in this important part of the region’s history, the city has a museum containing relics of the war for independence. In the 19th century, the town became an important railway hub and producer of railcars. This late boom makes Arad a treasure-trove for fans of neoclassical and Secession style architecture. A walk along the tree-lined central boulevard rewards visitors with views of the many palaces, churches and monuments.