Eger is a city with county rights, the seat of Heves County and the Eger District. The cityscape of Eger, with its thousand-year history, developed over a long period. The Baroque style and the remnants of medieval Turkish architecture have created a distinctive architectural character here.
The atmosphere of the city is both heroic and captivating, charming and welcoming at the same time. The centuries-old Eger Castle radiates the spirit of patriotism and courageous resistance. The clergy played a key role in the development of the city, building schools, community buildings, and a hospital. The Archdiocesan Library located in the Lyceum was also founded by Bishop Károly Eszterházy.
The city lies in the valley of the Eger Stream, between the Mátra and Bükk mountain ranges, on the hilly terrain at the western foot of the Bükk. It is situated at an elevation of 180 meters above sea level, with the Eged Hill and Castle Hill rising on its eastern side, forming part of the southwestern extension of the Bükk Mountains.
The history of the Eger Basilica, also known as the Cathedral, dates back to King Saint Stephen, who founded the Diocese of Eger in the year 1004. The former Romanesque and later Gothic-style church was destroyed multiple times. The modest cathedral of the Diocese of Eger, which became an archdiocese in 1804, was ultimately demolished by the highly educated János László Pyrker, who was appointed archbishop in 1827, to make way for the construction of the current Cathedral. The basilica was built between 1831 and 1836, based on the designs of József Hild—one of the most prominent figures of Hungarian neoclassical architecture—and was completed with remarkable speed. The church was consecrated in 1837. The interior design took significantly more time: the creation of the altars and the decoration of the frescoes lasted nearly 120 years. Its colonnade was built in the style of the Roman “Pantheon.”
The Eger Archiepiscopal Palace is also a cultural, tourist, and visitor center, located in the city center of Eger, on Széchenyi Street. The Baroque-style palace is adorned with Rococo stucco decorations. The Archiepiscopal Palace was started by Bishop Gábor Erdődy between 1715 and 1732, based on the plans of Giovanni Battista Carlone. This building was much smaller than the current one, surrounded by gardens and pools. The present complex was constructed in several phases. The second floor was completed during the episcopacy of Bishop Ferenc Barkóczy. The central wing of the palace, in a late Baroque style with classicizing elements, was completed between 1762 and 1775, based on the designs of Joseph Ignaz Gerl and Jakab Fellner, during the episcopacy of Count Károly Eszterházy. The classicist-style southern building complex was constructed by Archbishop János László Pyrker.
One of Hungary's 7 architectural wonders. After the Turks left the city of Eger in 1687, Bishop György Fenessy returned to the city but no longer wanted to live in the castle. He bought two building plots in Eger to construct a palace, and the necessary tufa stone for the new palace was mined from the hill behind the building site. This is how the vast cellar system was created, where the tithe (church tax) of wines from vineyards stretching from Hatvan to Munkács was stored. The cellar system stretches nearly 4 kilometers under the city, from the Hatvani Gate to the Rác Gate. The most beautiful part of the cellar is the columned hall, where 7 x 7 cellar branches form a checkerboard-like pattern across the space. The entrance to the City beneath the city is located in Eszterházy Square, in front of the Basilica.
Eger Castle is now a protected monument and functions as a museum. Its permanent exhibitions showcase the history of the castle, its underground fortress system, and medieval methods of punishment. A separate room is dedicated to the heroes, and the stone collection displays the remains of destroyed cathedrals. The most famous historical event related to Eger Castle is the 1552 Turkish siege, during which the defenders, under the command of Captain István Dobó, repelled the much larger Ottoman army. By the time the Ottomans withdrew from the castle, most of the walls had been severely damaged. During the several decades of reconstruction, the castle was significantly modernized, and the garrison's size was increased to 7,000 soldiers. Today, Eger Castle is one of Hungary's most popular tourist attractions, often hosting various cultural events and celebrations.
The Valley of the Beautiful Woman (Szépasszonyvölgy), with nearly 200 cellars, is the largest contiguous wine cellar area in Eger. The cellars are carved into volcanic rhyolite tuff, which is found several hundred meters thick at the outskirts of Eger and is highly malleable. An additional advantage is that the wine can be kept at a constant temperature of 10-15°C throughout the year. The mosses and noble mold living in the cellars create a unique atmosphere, which aids in the aging of the wine and the development of its flavor.
The Eger Turkish Bath is a small time travel to the past: the oldest pool in the bath, the Turkish Pool, was built as early as 1610! With remarkable speed. The church was consecrated in 1837. The most unique pool of the building is the Great Mirror Pool, whose charm is enhanced by the ornate golden dome towering above it. Once we've enjoyed the view, let's take a look downward as well, because that's where the next surprise awaits! The pool is fed by its own spring, and the radon-rich healing water bubbles directly up to the surface through the gaps between the stone slabs, providing a truly unique bathing experience. Let's try all 6 pools of the Turkish Bath, and then give in to temptation by choosing from the various massages, steam bath, or even the sauna for some pampering! Due to the radon content of the healing water, the maximum stay at the Turkish Bath is 2.5 hours. However, if we wish, we can extend our visit by accessing the adjacent Thermal Bath – there is direct passage between the two facilities!
The Eger Thermal Bath is one of Hungary's most beautiful bathing destinations. Located in a charming, wooded area, it is just a few minutes away from the city center of Eger. The covered and open-water experience island, located in the center of the five-hectare park, with 13 pools and sports fields, is a paradise for those seeking healing, sports, and entertainment. On the bath's premises, healing and entertainment coexist particularly well. The layout was designed so that the healing pools in the northern part, offering a peaceful environment, are located farther from the active, more dynamic pools with experience elements, which are situated in the southern part of the area. The thermal bath has direct access to the Turkish Bath.