Eger – share our story

Eger is the County Seat of Heves, the most outstanding touristic center of the Eastern region. The city remains a historic key in every-day common knowledge, primarily because the town was the scene of the honorable battle with the Turks in 1552, symbolizing national heroism and patriotism.

However, this is not the only reason why the town with a 1000 years of history worth to be highlighted for; the residents of Eger can rightfully be proud of their common efforts. It became one of the richest places in art as well as history, its squares and streets can be discovered like an open book to its visitors.  The baroque style down-town was built in the 1800s by the highly cultural Archbishops of Eger, whose ideas were attained with the help of German, Austrian, Italian architects and great professionals from the city.

The historical importance and the wine culture melted together over the centuries.  The world famous vine producing region developed alongside the slope of the South-West part of the Bükk Mountains, between the Bükk and Mátra Mountains, in addition to the crossing of the Alfold and Northern Mountains area and brought Eger to its further fame. Our winemakers are proud of their traditional varieties work such as the Egri Bikavér, Egri Leányka and other distinguished quality wine from the region. Moreover, the town is also the cultural, educational as well as parochial center of Eastern Hungary. We can honestly state that those who are interested in our culture and history are able to find plenty of opportunities here.

Eger also ranks in the top place in Hungary when it comes to the thermal bath culture it has to offer.  Its pools are regularly visited by foreign and local tourists, but patients in need of locomotion organ rehabilitation can easily find cure here. At the Eastern side of the thermal bath we can find the authentic Turkish bath, which awaits for its visitors with 6 pools and a high variety of wellness opportunities. One of the country's most beautiful indoor swimming pool (Aladár Bicskey pool) designed by Imre Makovecz is also located in Eger, nearby the regional medicinal springs.

The city of Eger is rich in monuments and natural attractions. It is reasonably considered as the baroque pearl of Hungary.  Among all, the primary sight in the city is the middle age castle where the Turks were defeated.  Additionally, we have to mention the Minaret with its 40 m and 93 stairs is the oldest Turkish European monument located in the East, built by the Ottomans during the occupation.

At the heart of the historic city, on Dobó square, one of the most stunning baroque church of Central Europe, the Padau Saint Antal church is located.  The building was constructed in 1758 and speaks for itself via the carved line on the particularly exquisite bosses locking the vault, which says: To God, nothing is enough for'.

The nicest ornament of Eszterházy square is the classicist archbishop cathedral, the second biggest church in the country. The Cathedral's organ is the biggest one in the country.  Facing the Cathedral, the late baroque style Lyceum shall be visited with one of the most outstanding libraries in Hungary, the Archidiocesan Library. The building inner space is decorated by special woodwork and splendid ceiling frescos. Besides the 130 thousand of tome, the library is guarding such values as the first printed book in the country from 1473, the original letters of Kelemen Mikes alongside with the sole Mozart letter addressed to Hungary. In the tower of the Lyceum, the first Hungarian Astronomy Museum is operating, the 'Spekula Observer'.

Archbishopric Collection Center in other name the Roman Catholic Archbishop's Palace introduces the residences, the 250 years history and the inestimable treasure of the Archbishops of Eger. The Lajos Kossuth street with its wonderful buildings decorated with bent iron balconies in baroque, plait and rococo style is 'mandatory' to visit.  The Kisrepost and Nagyrepost Palace, the baroque Frank Monastery and Church or the city's oldest building the Buttler House have significant architectural values. The latest mentioned is also famous for hosting the main plot of Kalman Mikszath's book 'A Strange Marriage'.

At the entrance of the County Seat building tourist can admire the Henrik Fazola ironmaster's uniquely fine iron bent gates. On the courtyard you can get to know the 18th century county prison and the sport achievements of Eger among the walls of the Museum of Sports.

The walking street, Széchenyi Street has its own vibe.  Restaurants, bars and confectionaries are awaiting for their guests. The strong link between tourism and culture resulted numerous yearly touristic events and festivals. Conference tourism also receives a prior role in Eger's touristic life,  to what our biggest hotel offers numerous conference rooms.

'I have to go to Eger! Since my heart cannot surmount this much sweet temptation' – wrote Sándor Petőfi in his poem' Next to Eger'.