Város

Város is the Hungarian term for a city. In Hungarian language and administration, város denotes an urban settlement distinguished from a village (falu) by its characteristics and, in many cases, by its legal status. The exact criteria for awarding city status are defined by law, but generally include population size, economic activity, availability of services, and infrastructure. Some város are designated as megyei jogú város, i.e., cities with county rights, which bear certain duties typically performed by the county authorities.

A város typically has its own local government, consisting of a mayor (polgármester) and a city council. It provides or coordinates services such as education, healthcare, public transportation, utilities, and urban planning. The built environment often centers on a dense urban core with commercial, administrative, cultural, and civic institutions, surrounded by residential areas and peri-urban zones.

Historically, cities emerged as market towns and fortified settlements, receiving charter rights that enabled self-government and market privileges. In Hungary and Central Europe, urban growth accelerated during medieval times and later with industrialization, shaping patterns of street networks, public squares, and public buildings. In the modern era, város participate in regional planning and economic networks, integrating into metropolitan areas and national economies while maintaining distinct local identities.

In use beyond Hungary, similar terms exist for urban settlements, but város carries specific legal and cultural connotations within Hungary, reflecting the country’s administrative framework and historical urban development.