A Roman town, Arrabona, originally succeeded a Neolithic settlement and a Celtic merchant community; Győr continued for centuries as a prosperous agricultural centre with special focus on horse breeding, viticulture, and grain production. Stephen I made it a county seat. It received municipal privileges in 1271. The Püspökvár (fortified bishop's palace), built in the 13th century and remodeled in the 16th century, stands atop the Káptalan Hill, adjacent to an impressive cathedral (12th through 17th century). Several other churches are of historical and architectural significance. The museum contains an interesting collection of Roman artifacts. In the 17th century, Győr became a fortified stronghold against the Turks, and it was chartered as a free royal town in 1743. Győr is home to Széchenyi István University of Applied Sciences and the internationally acclaimed Győr National Ballet Theatre.

Modern industrial development in Győr includes the manufacture of railway rolling stock, diesel engines, and car parts. Tobacco, furniture, food processing, and textiles are also important. The city is a strategic river crossing and is connected by rail and road with Vienna, 80 miles (129 km) northwest, and Budapest, 72 miles southeast. Pop. (2001) 129,412.