Eger Things to Do

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After Esztergom's Basilica, which is the tallest building in Hungary, Eger's saffron yellow Basilica is the second biggest church in the country. To be honest, on the outside, it's more impressive than beautiful, but step inside and it's a whole different story. The frescoes in the basilica are more incredible than any in this already impressive city, but to top it all the delicately balanced distribution of natural light through the many arches of stained glass show it off perfectly.

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The pastel pink Minorites Chuch is a very beautiful example of baroque architecture, and something that is quite out of place with this Franciscan Order's oath of poverty. But it gets better inside. The frescoes on the high arches of the church's interior ceiling are surpassed only by those inside Eger's basilica, and they are quite something in themselves.

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This 40m high minaret is about all that is left of the Turkish century in Eger. It's also one of only three Ottoman minarets left standing in all of Hungary. More than this it claims to be not only the northernmost Ottoman minaret, but the most northerly building of the Ottoman empire still standing.

You can climb the 97 sandstone spiral steps to its balcony to view the roofs of the city.

On the edge of the city center is the beautiful lemon yellow St. Bernard Church of the Cisterian Order. It was here that I saw the medieval parade start, with soldiers, flag carriers, jesters and stilted acrobats. This probably has something to do with the fact that the first Catholic thanksgiving service that was held in Eger after it was liberated from the Ottomans took place here, on the site of what was then a Mosque. After 91 years of occupation you'd want to celebrate that.

Very important cathedral, being the second largest in Hungary, which received its rights to be called 'Basilica' by the Pope on 14 March 1970. The foundations were commenced in February 1831 and with great speed, the roof-raising ceremony took place in ctober 1833, with completion five years after starting! As with many great projects, the expense ran higher than anticipated, necessitating several major changes were made, such as colonnaded wings of the facade were eliminated.

The interior decoration was finally completed in 1950. There are many styles inside, due to the many years it took, but include frescoes and fourteen tableaux of the Station of the Cross.

The organ was supplied by the Salzburg Moser Co. at the end of the 19th Century, and there are organ presentations between 15May - 15Oct.

A very beautiful Baroque church on Dobo' Square. The brochure says it has a unique interior, but unfortunately, due to limited time (and being with 3 males who are not interested in churches) I missed it.

Its bell chimes at 11:00, 15:00 and 18:00 every day.

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The Castle of EGER is the most important site of the area, and little or much time can be spent here, as it is extensive.

The history of the castle began in the 11th century in the era of Saint Istvan, the first Christian King of Hungary. It became involved in the Turkish seige of 1552. Prince Ferenc Rakoczi used the castle as a stronghold of the rebels in the war of independence, 1703 - 1711. In 1783, it became the property of the church. Renovations began in the 1960s.

Opening hrs 1Apr-31Aug 8am-8pm; 1Nov-28Feb 8am-5pm; Mar and Oct 8am-6pm; 1Sep-30Sep 8am-6pm

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The down town area is very small indeed though it is also quite pretty. Especially the cobbled streets leading up to the castle area. You don't need to set aside much time to take a quick walk around. Nevertheless, if you come in the wintertime remember that the sun goes down very early so you should aim to get there as early as possible. In December it gets dark at 4 though it is pretty at night thanks to all the xmas decorations too.

If I were you I would miss out the people's garden which is Egar's park, especially in wintertime as it is nothing special. There is, however, something of interest situated in the park and that is Eger's outdoor thermal baths! So if you remembered your swimsuit give it a go! (I forgot mine).