Eger is the county capital of Heves county. The thousand years old face of Eger was formed through lengthy development. The baroque and the medieval Turkish memories created a characteristic building structure here.
The atmosphere of the city is heroic and stunning, charming and friendly. The several century years old castle of Eger sends the message of patriotism and braveness. The development of the city was greatly influenced by the clergy. They built schools, public buildings and a hospital.
The Bibliotheca Eszerhazyana (Library of the main clergy) was also founded by bishop Károly Eszterházy. The city lies in valley of the Eger creek, that flows between the Mátra and Bükk mountains. Eger is above the sea level by 180 meters. On its eastern side is the Eged and “Várhegy”, which make the western foothills of the Bükk.
The history of the Basilica goes back to King Stephen I., who founded the diocese in 1004.The former roman, then gothic church was destroyed several times. When Eger became bishopry in 1804, the humble church was tore down in 1827, when János László Pyrker was appointed bishop. After this he built the current Basilica. It was built between 1831 and 1836 under the authority of one of the most influential classicist builder character of Hungary, József Hild. The church was consecrated in 1837.
The palace is a cultural and touristic centre, found in the middle of Eger, on the Széchenyi street.The baroque style palace is decorated by rococo motives. Gábor Erdődy began building the palace between 1715 and 1732 based on the planes of Giovanni Battista Carlone. This building was significantly smaller then the current one, surrounded by gardens and pools. The current buildings were built in more parts. During the time of bishop Ferenc Barkóczy was the second floor completed. The middle wing was built between 1762 and 1775 based on the plans of Joseph Ignaz Gerl and Jakab Fellner during the time of bishop Károly Eszterházy. The classicist building were built by bishop János László Pyrker.
One of the seven building wonders of Hungary.When the Turks left Eger in 1687 bishop Görgy Fenessy returned to the city but no longer wanted to live in the castle. He purchased two lands to build a palace. To build it the stone required was mined from the hill behind the palace. So came this enormous cellar-system into being, where the tithe on the wines and the tax of the church was kept. The system runs 4km under the city. Its most beautiful part is the pillar room, where 7×7 cellar-branches meet in a chessboard-like pattern.
The Castle of Eger is now a protected monument and functions as a museum. The exhibitions present the history of the castle, its underground systems and the medieval punishment methods too.A dedicated room keeps the memory of the heroes. In an other chamber the remains of the destroyed cathedrals can be found. The most significant historic event connected to the castle is the Ottoman siege of 1552, when the defenders repelled the Ottoman forces under the command of István Dobó. By the time the Ottomans withdrew, most of the walls were seriously harmed. During the reconstruction, which lasted more decades, the castle was significantly modernised, the number of guards was increased to 7000 people. The castle nowadays is Hungarys most famous tourist-attraction, serving as the home of multiple cultural events and holidays.
With nearly 200 cellars, the Valley of the beautiful woman is the biggest connected area of wine-cellars in Eger.These cellars where carved into the rhyolite, found on the border of Eger. The main benefit is that the wine can be kept at 10-15 ˙C all year around. The moss and mold found in the cellars create a unique atmosphere and helps the ageing of the wine.
The Turkish Bath is a drop of the past. The oldest pool of the bath was built in 1610. The most special pool of the bath is the Great Mirrorpool, which is made even more so marvellous by the golden dome above it. If we are finished wondering about the ceiling let’s take a look below our feet because that’s where the next surprise is. The pool is supplied by its own source, the radon water comes up between the stone-tiles making the bath in this pool a whole new experience.After we tried all 6 pools of the bath we can choose from massages, steambath or sauna. Because of the radon content of the water we can only remain for 2.5 hours in the bath but the visit can be extended by the thermal-bath which is directly connected to the Turkish bath.
The thermal bath is one of the most beautiful baths of Hungary. Atmospheric and only a few minutes away from downtown Eger.The 5-hectare big park with its 13 pools and sport fields is the paradise for the people who want to relax, do sports or heal. The park was designed to fit both relaxation and entertainment next to each other. On its northern side are the thermal pools in a calm surrounding and the southern parts are the more exciting pools for a more active rest. The bath has direct acces to the Turkish Bath.
