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. Keszthely's most popular attraction is the 101-room Baroque-era Festetics Palace, one of the three largest country houses in all of Hungary. Due to its favorable location and accessibility by both road and rail, Keszthely and the surrounding area is a preferred holiday destination.