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Eger |
One of the country's oldest cities, full of Baroque architecture and grand buildings, Eger has over 200 historical monuments, including Eger Castle, the Copf-style Lyceum with a magnificent frescoed library, the 14-sided, 128-foot (40m) minaret, a reminder of almost 100 years of Turkish rule, and the Archbishop's Cathedral containing the country's largest musical organ. The striking pink and white structure on Dobó István Square is the twin-towered Minorite Church, Hungary's most beautiful Baroque building.
The small town centre is a pedestrianised area that features many brightly painted houses with iron balconies lining narrow, twisting streets. Ornate lampposts and hanging baskets of flowers decorate the cobbled lanes and squares and sculptures representing the battle against the Turks are a proud reminder of the victorious saga.
Eger sits at the centre of the wine-growing region of northern Hungary. This enchanting town, along with its famous history, is where the much-publicised Egri Bikavér, or Bull's Blood, has its origins - the strong, fiery and spicy red wine that is characteristic of the area. Wine growing has been part of its history since the 11th century, started by the monks and continued during the Turkish occupation as an important source of income for the Turks. Wines can be tasted in the centuries-old wine cellars of the Szépasszony Valley (Valley of the Pretty Woman) on the southern edge of town.
Eger is a colourful town known not only for its history, mellow charm and vineyards, but also for its thermal baths. Visitors looking for a bit of time-out can unwind in the peaceful Archbishop's Garden, a leafy park enclosing swimming pools and hot Turkish baths.
Attractions
Szépasszony Valley (Valley of the Pretty Woman)
The beautiful valley with its rolling vineyards and century-old cellars and taverns is a favourite attraction in Eger. Wine producers welcome visitors into their quaint old cellars, hollowed out of the porous rock hundreds of years ago, where some of the country’s finest red wines can be tasted, including the unique Bull’s Blood. Legend has it that the name Bull’s Blood originated from the times of Turkish occupation when, forbidden to drink wine by their religion, the soldiers told their officers that they were drinking bull’s blood to make them strong for battle. The rows of cellars are numbered and each has a particular charm, whether it is the sociable owner, the chequered tablecloths of an underground tavern or the wooden barrels of fermenting grapes in the uneven rock passageway. It is possible to visit, by prior arrangement, the 'Istenes Pince' or Godly Cellar, the oldest historic cellar in the region. It operated as a secret church during the Turkish occupation and the stone altar and religious work of art still remains.Address: Just outside Eger
Excursions
Eger Castle
The medieval castle, which sits on the small hill overlooking the town, has been the site of numerous historical events. The original buildings included a cathedral and the Bishop's Palace dating from the 13th century; the castle was later fortified, the walls providing the cover for the determined defence against the Turks by a small and outnumbered army. The women who fought alongside the soldiers claimed their place in national consciousness during this much-celebrated historical event. The Dobó István Fortress Museum, in the restored Palace, is one of the most popular museums in Hungary and has exhibitions on the history of the town and castle. Also within the castle grounds is the Heroes' Hall, which holds the grave of the celebrated leader, Dobó István, as well as the Prison Museum, Waxworks, and the underground, rock-hewn artillery enclosures. The best views of the town are from the castle walls.Address: Just outside of Eger town; E-mail: varmuzeum@egrivar.hu; Website: www.egrivar.hu/en; Telephone: +36 (0)3 6312 744; Transport: If you're traveling by car then the best route is the M3 to Fuzesabony and then north along route 25, however there are also other routes you can take depending on travel time. Trains depart from Keleti Station in Budapest on the hour. Trains leaving on even hours go to Fuzesabony where you will need to change trains. Trains departing on odd hours go directly to Eger. There are two buses an hour between Budapest's Stadionok station and Eger.; Opening time: Castle grounds are open from 8am and close anywhere from 5pm to 8pm depending on the season, summer being the longer hours.; Admission: For all exhibitions: HUF 1,300 (Adults), HUF 560 (age groups: 6-26 and 62-70). An English guide will cost HUF 800 extra. Walking tickets without entrance to exhibitions are HUF 700 (Adults) HUF 350 (6-26 and 62-70 years).