Eger

Eger is an old city of the Magyar tribe with a bishopric founded in the 11th century. Tatar invasions in the 13th century razed most of Hungary's wealthiest towns in early medieval Hungary. . From the early 18th century, Eger revived, and the number of ecclesiastical buildings built in the town gave rise to the name "Hungarian Rome". This has been the seat of the archbishop since 1804 – The former Minorite Church (1758-1771) is one of Hungary's most beautiful architectural monuments.

While unspoiled, Eger was famous as a town that successfully organized the interception of Turkish entry into Europe. On their way up the Balkan Peninsula, 60,000 Turkish soldiers arrived at Eger on September 11, 1552. Some 2,000 Eger residents, fighting from within the walls protecting their castles, organized the line. against the oncoming invaders. After a 38-day siege, the Turks withdrew in defeat. In 1599, the Turks turned back and conquered the castle, pillaging the town and controlling the area for almost a century. The 130-foot tower and traditional Turkish bath are proof of that time. The Battle of Vienna in 1683 succeeded in completely eliminating the Turkish threat. Hungary values Eger's victory, not the town's defeat, and Eger Castle has always been the focus of students' patriotic field trips around the country.

To get to Eger, depart from Keleti station in Budapest, about 2 hours by train.

- What to visit in Eger?

• Eger Castle: Dominating Eger from a hill east of the Eger Stream, Eger Castle has stood there since the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. The Gothic palace details the history of Eger. castle and the famous siege of 1552; The Dobó Bastion Museum here has an exhibition of antique weapons.
• Lyceum: founded by Bishop Eszterházy Károly, the Lyceum is considered a masterpiece of the exquisite Zopf Baroque style and is famous for its three beautiful ceiling frescoes. In the library of the Lyceum there are more than 130,000 rare books, medieval manuscripts and books printed on oak stands. Another intriguing curio is the only letter written by Mozart on Hungarian soil.
• Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle: opposite the Lyceum, this is the only Neoclassical monument in the city and the third largest church in Hungary. Built to inspire awe, the cathedral's main gate is accessed from the Lyceum via three stairs and features a temple-like porch with eight Corinthian columns. Above the altar are statues of Saints Peter, Paul, Stephen and Ladi.
• Minorite Church: the only Baroque church in Hungary with a curved facade and two 57-meter-high minarets with wrought-iron crosses. The splendid church was built for a branch of the Franciscan order between 1758 and 1771.
• Valley of the Beautiful Woman: The local wine in Eger is Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood). The name is said to come from the siege in 1552 when the Turks believed that the strength of the town's defenders came from mixing bull's blood with alcohol. Wines typically include blends of grapes such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Carbernet Sauvignon, Blaufränkisch and Syrah. Today, the place to go for wine tasting in Eger is the Valley of the Beautiful Woman, a 15-minute walk from the town center and with more than 40 cellars side by side.
• Dobó Square: Eger's sumptuous main square is named after István Dobó, the captain who commanded the defense of the city against the Ottomans in 1552. There is an homage to Dobó and this battle in its form. An impressive bronze sculpture cast by Zsigmond Kisfaludi Stróbl in 1968. Another The majestic work, by Alajos Stróbl from 1907, shows István Dobó with his sword overhead.
• Eger Thermal Bath: On the outskirts of Eger is a top outdoor water attraction, attracting many locals and visitors who want to bathe in Eger's therapeutic waters and get kids out and about. play. There are seven pools in total, including three therapeutic pools with naturally occurring radon that are safe in the water and one heated pool with slightly sulfuric water at 37°C. There are also castle grounds and Waterfall slide for children can comfortably have fun.

- What to eat at Eger?

• Senator-ház (Address: Dobórêr 11, Eger): Always one of the locals' favorites, this iconic restaurant is housed in a 17th-century hotel. O73 here serves traditional Hungarian cuisine along with a few French and Italian dishes. Try the classic Hungarian veal stew with noodles and cucumber salad here, or a modern take - pink ginger duck breast with honey-soaked kohlrabi. When the weather is nice, sit on the terrace and enjoy the energetic feel of the city.
• Macok Bistro & Wine Bar (Address: Tinódi Sebestyén êtr 4., Eger): Nouvelle Cuisine at the foot of Eger Castle. According to the Restaurant Review System - Gault & Millau, this is the best restaurant in the area. This place is very elegant and very friendly. Macok Bistro & Wine Bar uses only ingredients from the best small producers in the region, such as locally sourced salmon, Bükk cheese, ham, mushrooms and homemade pasta. The wines are very special, some straight from the collector's cellar: St Andrea, Kalo Imre Kovacs Nimrod, etc.
• Szantofer (Address: Bródy Sándor utca 3., Eger): Established 80 years ago, this is the only true Hungarian-style eatery in the central town along with international classics. This is where the locals go for their everyday family favorites. The restaurant was founded by Aunt Szanthofer, whose recipes include a Hungarian interpretation of such classics as: cassoulet, special gnocchi (sztrapacska), the "Egg" stew of the Rooster. On weekdays, a varied menu is offered, such as főzelék (a Hungarian main dish made with a vegetable such as peas or beans or potatoes, with a delicious roux sauce) and specials other difference.
• Ködmön Csárda (Address: Szépasszonyvölgz, Eger): An ideal place to sample Hungarian cuisine. For starters, try the steak tartar, made with minced fresh beef, for main courses, choose from classic favorites like bacon, chicken breast with lamb cheese gnocchi or fish skin. cute little tunnel. Enjoy a meal on the charming terrace, sipping exclusive and limited edition wines like Pinot Noir Aszú from Tamas Sike. The taste and feel make for a truly memorable experience.
• Kulacs Csárda (Address: Szépasszonyvölgz, Eger): The historic cellar club in Szépasszonyvölgy (Valley of the Beautiful Woman) was founded in the 1980s, the restaurant has a real Hungarian atmosphere, according to The truest meaning comes to life here: delicious food, wine and lively dancing. In cold weather, a heated basement is a great place to eat, drink and have fun, and when the weather is nice, enjoy the huge grape-carpeted garden. In addition to fish, games, and poultry dishes on offer, there are Hungarian specialties and masterpieces by the best winemakers of the Eger wine region. The better mood is aided by the inn's virtuoso gipsy band.