The town is situated in the south-west of the country at the triple border of Slovenia, Austria and Hungary. With its population of 9,000 inhabitants it is a typical small town. The town was probably populated in the Roman times. It is proved by the scattered Roman findings. It was founded by King Béla III in 1183. The Cistercian order from France played an important role in its development. The battle of 1664 againt the Turkish rule took place in the town and its name became well-known. The baroque Roman Catholic church is one of the most beautiful in Hungary, which is ideal for giving organ concerts due to its excellent acoustics. Next to the church you can find the building of the former monastery (Local Council today), and the theatre hall built on the foundations of the Granary church. Behind the church visitors can enjoy the beautifully-kept baroque garden designed by Franz Anton Pilgramm. The only Slovenian museum in Hungary is here called Pável Ágoston Museum of Local History and Slovenian nationality. Lake Hársas about 7 km from the town centre is a popular resort with one of the most beautiful artificial lakes with the atmosphere of a natural lake. The St. Gotthard Spa and Wellness Bath has been open recently. The town is the starting point of the river Rába tour with a port and a camping site. Several events are organised in the town every year: the Historical Days of Szentgotthárd (at the weekend closest to the 1st of August), the Városház Evenings (every Friday from June to the end of August) and Christmas Without Frontiers (in the week before Christmas).