Eger Things to Do

1 more image

This is the best thing to do in the town!!! HONEST and it only costs 200ft (less than a euro). Unfortunately this was the first thing we did in Eger so everything was an anti climax after.

However if you are claustrophobic, scared of heights or prone to panic attacks just admire it from the bottom as it is a harrowing climb up 72 spiral stone steps (it is 40 meters high) and a slow climb down. You must also be very thin to fit comfortably up it.

After I went up 3 spirals I was really to give up, luckily I didn't as the view is stunning from the top and it gives you a great sense of achievement. Though there is not much room to stand on the small 'balcony' circling the top so go up in twos of threes.

This used to be the look out tower to spot oncoming invaders. It was once someone's job to climb up and down it everyday. Lucky them. It was built in the 17th century and it is the most Northern Turkish Minaret in Europe.

The Valley of the Beautiful Women, with its numerous wine cellars, is a popular destination for visitors to Eger. The origins of the valley's name are uncertain, though some historians link it to a famously beautiful woman who used to sell wine in the cellars centuries ago. It's located on the outskirts of Eger, about 20 minutes walk from the city centre. We visited the valley during our visit to Eger and there's more information here in my travelogue.

The Lyceum is opposite the Basilica on Eszterhazy Ter. It was built in the 18th century as a University and is now a teachers college. The Lyceum is home to a library with over 20,000 volumes, including valuable manuscripts and the only letter by Mozart when he was in Hungary. Another important part of the Lyceum is the Astronomy Museum on the top floor, which contains old astronomical equipment and an observatory.

1 more image

One of the most interesting sights in Eger is the minaret. This was part of a mosque constructed by the Turks following their victory in Eger in the 16th century. The mosque was later destroyed in the 19th century, leaving only the minaret as a reminder of the 90 years of Turkish rule. The minaret is 40 metres high has 14 sides and is the northern most Turkish style minaret in Europe. There is a small viewing platform at the top.

2 more images

The Basilica is probably Eger's most prominent building. The style is neoclassical and was designed by Hungarian architect József Hild and was built in the 1830s. The inscription above the pillars reads Venite Adoremus Dominum (Joy to the World). The yellow facade and the numerous statues of saints surrounding the neoclassical columns all combine to make it one of Hungary's most beautiful churches.

Unfortunately I don't have photos of the most important sights but don't worry, you cannot miss them once you are there.
These are: the castle, the city center itself, the Cathedral, a Minaret and - for wine-lovers - the Valley of the Beautiful Women (Szepasszony-volgy).

If You Like wine - This place is like paradise :)Yhe most known wine from this region is called EGRI BIKAVER. In My opinion - is one of the best wine from Hungary.
Many private cellars are in NICE WOMAN VALLEY, restaurants with traditional hungarian foods and live music ( gypsy musicians). Wine is cheap and in some cellars having Very Good taste ( i like red wine from cellar Number 46:)

About a 20-minute walk from the town centre takes you to the Valley of the Nice Women.

Nothing to do with women, the valley is full of little wine cellars embedded into the hillside, each offering a variety of local wines at a very cheap price -- there are a few touristy restaurants there too.