Eger Things to Do

Next to the cathedral (north of it) stands the Eger's Archbishops' Palace, which has been the residency of the Archbishop of Eger since 1804. Now there is a great rococo chapel there and a little archiepiscopal collection (entrance 200/100 forints, ~0,8/0,4 euro).

In the gorgeous inside of Eger's Cathedral you can admire many decorations, paintings, reliefs, stained glasses, sculptures and skillfully realized details. The main alter-piece "St. John boiled in oil" was painted by Joseph Donhauser in 1835. The famous organ (the biggest in all the country) was made in Salzburg and are very often used: it is sounded daily at 11.30 a.m. (12.45 on Sundays) from May 15 until October 15.
But what I found really impressive was a painting on the main copula's ceiling. Just turn your head up!

For more pictures - look at my travelogue

Total length: 93 meters. Total width: 53 meters. Height: the western towers: 53 meters, the main copula: 40 meters, 8 corinthian columns at the entrance: 17 meters. Stairs leading to the cathedral - 40 or so. 4 figures of saints and Hungarian kings at the stairs and 5 more (saints and angels) on the top.

The inside - look at my travelogue

The Eger Cathedral (also called the Basilica) is the second biggest one in all Hungary. It stands at the Eszterhazy square and dominates the whole Old Town. One of the most magnificent examples of the Hungarian neoclassicism, had been built in years 1831-1836, by Jozsef Hild, a famous architect from Pest to order of Eger's bishop Laszlo Pyrker.

The inside - look at my travelogue

Eger Castle, visible from just about anywhere in Eger, can be reached by walking northeast out of the square; enter it via the path out of Dozsa Gyorgy ter. You can just wander around the grounds, which are always open, or explore two museums on the premises. The Istvan Dobo Castle Museum displays a history of the castle and some Turkish artifacts. The Eger Picture Gallery is particularly worth a visit for those who have not yet seen the Hungarian National Gallery in Buda; the same fine 19th-century Hungarian artists are featured in both museums. The museums are open Tuesday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm. Admission to both is 400 Ft ($1.45).

The garden was owned by the archiepiscopacy of Eger. The garden used to be much bigger than it is now. It was built by G?bor Erd?dy between 1730 and 1735, and fenced in 1769. The portal on Klapka Street still exists. This two-leaf gate with a footpath crossing in the middle was constructed according to Jozsef Francz's design. The railing was made by Henrik Fazola. The layout of the garden is of French style, with some plane trees that are several hundred years old.

The College was being built from 1765 to 1785. When taking over the construction project Jakab Fellner made some minor changes to the original plans prepared by Jozsef Gerl. According to the plans the building would have been suitable for a four-faculty university, but neither Maria Theresa nor Joseph II gave their permission to such an institution. Thus the building was used for teaching theology and law, and also for training teachers. At present Teachers' Training College is operating in the building, and the diocesan library may also be found there.

The Minaret built in the Turkish era is thought to date from the early 17th century and was part of a mosque which has been totally destroyed. The Minaret, 115 feet high, contains a spiral staircase up to the roof balcony from which the muezzin used to call the Moslems to prayer.

Among all the buildings of this type, the minaret of Eger is found in the northern-most point of the former Ottoman Empire. During the Turkish occupation Eger became the seat of a vilayet which is a Turkish domain including several sanjaks.

Another remainder of the Turkish period is a bathing pool. The open air bath, set in an attractive park, is also fed by thermal springs.

The Minaret is open daily from 10am to 6pm, but the ticket taker in the little booth at the Minaret's base is not always faithful to these hours. If no one is there, you might ask at the nearby Minaret Hotel.