Eger Attractions
Eger, lying in the Eger valley on the southern slopes of the Bükk Mountains, is the gateway to northern Hungary and one of the most beautiful Baroque towns in the whole of the country. The radioactive springs to the southeast of the Old Town were known and highly valued during the time of the Turkish occupation. As the regional capital and home to a number of schools and a teacher training college, Eger makes an important contribution to the administrative and educational needs of the surrounding area.
Eger came to prominence in the 11th C when King Stephen I founded a diocese here. In 1241 the still young diocesan town was almost completely destroyed by the Mongols, but after being rebuilt it developed to become a center of Hungarian Renaissance. Twice the Turks attempted to invade the town; the first time, in 1552, their army numbering some 80,000 men came up against the legendary resistance offered by the fort's commander István Dobó who - with only 2000 soldiers and the support of the courageous women of the town - successfully defended it. However, the Turkish siege of 1596 was successful, and Eger remained under Turkish rule for 100 years and became the chief town of the newly founded Ottoman province of Wilajet. Public baths, mosques and other oriental buildings, of which only a minaret remains, were the dominant features of the town at that time. When the Turks were forced to leave Eger in 1687 the population numbered a mere 3500. In the 18th C Eger again flourished and, now once again the see of a bishop, blossomed into a rich Baroque town. The presence of bishops and monastic orders led to much building taking place, which in turn heralded an influx of well-known artists and craftsmen. The thermal springs brought many visitors to the town. After the Second World War a number of industries set up here, and its schools made Eger the education center of the region.
Eger is a popular tourist destination with 17 Baroque churches, thermal baths, and historic sitess such as the Turkish minaret and the Castle of Eger.
Eger came to prominence in the 11th C when King Stephen I founded a diocese here. In 1241 the still young diocesan town was almost completely destroyed by the Mongols, but after being rebuilt it developed to become a center of Hungarian Renaissance. Twice the Turks attempted to invade the town; the first time, in 1552, their army numbering some 80,000 men came up against the legendary resistance offered by the fort's commander István Dobó who - with only 2000 soldiers and the support of the courageous women of the town - successfully defended it. However, the Turkish siege of 1596 was successful, and Eger remained under Turkish rule for 100 years and became the chief town of the newly founded Ottoman province of Wilajet. Public baths, mosques and other oriental buildings, of which only a minaret remains, were the dominant features of the town at that time. When the Turks were forced to leave Eger in 1687 the population numbered a mere 3500. In the 18th C Eger again flourished and, now once again the see of a bishop, blossomed into a rich Baroque town. The presence of bishops and monastic orders led to much building taking place, which in turn heralded an influx of well-known artists and craftsmen. The thermal springs brought many visitors to the town. After the Second World War a number of industries set up here, and its schools made Eger the education center of the region.
Eger is a popular tourist destination with 17 Baroque churches, thermal baths, and historic sitess such as the Turkish minaret and the Castle of Eger.
Read More
Castle
The medieval Eger Castle was originally built in the 11th C, although it was expanded and sacked over the ages. Perched high above the town, it is today a major tourist attraction.
Read More
Former Lyceum
The Baroque Lyceum in Eger was intended to be a Catholic university but by the time it was completed, it was established as a lyceum. A 53m tower (Observatory) contains a revolving dome with fine views.
Read More
Parish Church of St Anthony (formerly Minorite Church)
(Dobó István tér)
The Parish Church of St Anthony, which stands on the market square, is one of Hungary's most extraordinary Baroque buildings. The church was designed by architect Johann Ignaz Dientzenhofer, and completed in 1773.
Read More
Cathedral
The Cathedral stands on a hill overlooking the town. It was built in the 1830s on the site of a former church. Some statues and reliefs are the work of Italian sculptor Marco Casagrande.
Read More
Dobó István tér
At the heart of Eger is the Dobó István tér, a large market place surrounded by restored townhouses and the church of St Anthony.
Bath Quarter
Southeast of the Old Town, on the far side of the river, lies the Bath Quarter with radioactive springs which have been in use ever since the 14th C. Visitors can still see the ruins of an old Turkish bath (Török fürdo) on Dózsa-tér below the castle. As well as the thermal baths there is also an open-air bath surrounded by old trees. As the water from the Eger river mixes with the medicinal waters the effects of the springs are felt there too.
Érseki Foszékesegyhaz
The Basilica is a neo-classical building created by the same architect as Esztergom. The monumental staircase is edged with statues of St Peter, St Paul, St Stephens and St Ladislas.
Attractions in Other Popular Destinations
