Keszthely is the largest city on Lake Balaton, and is positioned on the lake's western shore. Populated since the time of the Romans, the emergence of a distinct "Keszthely culture" caused the area to flourish in the sixth, seventh, and eighth centuries CE. Keszthely is a great place to stay while exploring nearby areas of interest such as the spa town of Héviz and the protected marshland area of Kis-Balaton. Moreover, Keszthely's most popular attraction is the 101-room Baroque-era Festetics Palace, one of the three largest country houses in all of Hungary. As a matter of fact, due to its favorable location and accessibility by both road and rail, Keszthely and the surrounding area is a preferred holiday destination.