Most tourists traveling to Hungary generally keep their visits limited to the capital city Budapest and Prague. However, there are many more places in the country that have a history and an attraction of their own that make them a city or town worth visiting. Eger in north Hungary is one such city that has great splendors to offer. It has a rich historical past, the most magnificent baroque architecture, an abundance of museums and other places of interest and the production of some of the best red and white wines in the country.
Eger is also known for its large number of therapeutic spas that are believed to cure certain illnesses. Situated sixty kilometers from Budapest, this beautiful city has many other splendors to boast of. It is also a city that alone holds three UNESCO declared World Heritage Sites of all those located in Hungary. Inhabited as long back as the Stone Age, Eger began to develop as a town from the 10th Century onwards with the foundation of the Episcopal see by the first Christian King of Hungary, St Stephen. The Eger Castle became an important landmark and a structure that has withstood centuries of important historical events.
It was between the 14th and the 16th centuries that Eger became a prosperous city with wine growing as its major occupation. Eger has a significant history to its credit, as the city became a vital fortress that held back the Turk invasion. However the Turkish army brought in a larger force and stormed into the city in 1596, which was followed by an Ottoman rule for the next 91 years. Turkish baths, mosques and minarets were built during this period. Eger was once again taken over by the Bishops and the city began to develop with exquisite Baroque buildings being built in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Starting with the oldest and the most renowned monuments, the Eger Castle atop Castle Hill, there are plenty of historical buildings in the heart of the city that include the Cathedral, Lyceum, Archiepiscopal Palace, the County Hall to name a few. The Cathedral, ranked by the Pope as a basilica in 1970 is the third largest in Hungary. The Lyceum is considered as one of the best institutions in Hungary and consists of an observatory tower, an astrological museum and an Archbishopric library that houses the Buda Chronicle, the first Hungarian book published in 1473. There are a plethora of churches that one can explore apart from the other amazing baroque structures.
Besides the fascinating history of the city, Eger is also famous for its wine, the Tokaji Aszú that is produced here. The region is well known for the production of some of the best Hungarian wines. Although white wine is its main production, the Egri Bikavér, a red wine is what makes the region so famous. Apart from this, the thermal baths are also a great attraction and Hungarians and other Europeans visit the city for these wonders. Lately tourists from other parts of the world are also traveling to this part of Hungary when on holiday. Eger has so much to explore and enjoy that only a visit to the city can really show what it holds in store for you.
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