Immerse Yourself in the History and Art of Eger

While I was halfway to my first destination, I found this cosy Cafe and stopped for breakfast. I really enjoyed the freshly made pastry with a strong cup of coffee.
Opening Hours Monday - Friday 09:30 am - 20:00 pm Saturday - Sunday 10:00 am - 19:00 pm

I am here in one of the most beautiful cities in Hungary. I park my car and continue my discovery by walking. I can’t wait to see the places that I chose for today, so let’s go.

Just a short distance from the car park I came across this building. The minaret belonged to the former Kethuda mosque. The minaret dates back to the 19th century and is a great example of Turkish architecture that still stands today. The 40 -meter -high minaret was built in 1596. The minaret was restored by the National Committee of Monuments in 1897 based on the plans of István Möller. A spiral staircase leads up to the balcony with a picturesque view of the city.
Opening Hours vary according to season, so please check here.

Continue my journey in the city, my next destination is Egri Basilica. King Szent István founded the diocese of Eger in 1004. Then the building of the Basilica began on the site of today's castle first in Romanesque, then Gothic and finally Classicist style. During its history, it was destroyed several times. As the population of the city of Eger and the diocese grew, it became necessary to build a larger church. The Cathedral was built by Eszterházy bishop and then Joseph Hild from 1831 until 1836 and consecrated on the 6th of May, 1837.
As I am discovering this beautiful building, I found many incredible creations carved by Casagrande Marco. These are the statue of Faith, Hope and Love on the facade, the inner space’s reliefs, and the angel statues. On the side altars, I saw pictures depicting St. Stephen and St. László created by Luke John Kracker. Then, I came across the organ was built in 1864 and was last modernized in 2000. While I am continuing my exploration, I see other features such as the sanctuary from 1910, the dome with frescoes depicting the Book of Revelation created by Stephen Takács in 1950, the entrance bronze gate which was created for the millennium of the diocese, and the stained windows.
This building is just breathtaking and gives a majestic atmosphere.
Opening Hours Monday - Sunday 8:00 am - 18:00 pm

Next, I am walking around the Baroque-styled Stephen Dobó square which is already mentioned in the 18th-century records as a city market. It gained its present role only through a long development and the relocation of local trade. During the walk in the main square, I was surrounded by a historical atmosphere.
The central element of the square confirms this. It commemorates the namesake István Dobó who was the castle captain for the Egri Castle. The prestigious sculpture ensemble was created by Alajos Stróbl in 1907. The figure of the famous castle defender raises his sword ready for action. His figure radiates dynamism and emotion from every angle. I also see an Eger warrior on the right side and the iconic figure of a woman throwing stones at the Turks on the other side.
There is also a fountain at the front of the square.
After discovering this beautiful place, it’s time for lunch.

Staying on the square, I’m sitting in this cosy restaurant which is situated in a pleasant environment. The service is nice and friendly. I ordered the deer ragout soup in a bread loaf and it was delicious.
Opening Hours Monday - Sunday 10:00 am - 22:00 pm

After my delicious lunch, I’m heading to my next destination. The Eger Castle gives home to the Stephen Dobó Castle Museum which offers various exhibitions since 1958. The mission of the museum is to collect, preserve, process and present the diverse, experiential heritage of the archaeological, historical, numismatic, ethnographic, fine arts, applied arts, and literary heritage of Eger and Heves counties.
I begin my discovery on the upper floor of the Gothic Bishop’s Palace with the history of Eger Castle from the era of Saint Stephen until Rákóczi's War of Independence. I’m gaining an insight into the everyday life in the fortress by describing the famous siege by the Ottomans in 1552, the outcome of the fateful battle in 1596 and the events of the expulsion of the Turks 91 years later. The models, the dress reconstructions and sound effects provide me with an incredible experience.
Next, I am heading to the Dobó Bastion. This new interactive exhibition presents the pieces of the Péterváry collection. It features a wide range of weapons from the Middle Ages to the World War I, from Europe to Africa and the Middle East. In addition to the Ottoman weapons and the contemporary Hungarian arms, the exhibition also shows the development of weaponry and the revolutionary impact of gunpowder. Finally, I visit the Ruin Garden. Between 1001 and 1009, Saint Stephen founded the Eger Bishopric. The Cathedral was built on the castle hill during the 11th and 12th centuries. In the 14th century, the castle was reconstructed and received a Gothic style which was converted into a bastion in 1542.
As I’m walking from the Ruin Garden towards the Dark Gate, I see the most important architectural remain of Eger’s early history called Rotunda. The round chapel which is approximately 7 meters in diameter was part of the Bishop’s mansion. It was destroyed during the construction of the church. As a result, only the foundation walls remained in place. During an archaeological excavation, there was an empty constructed tomb found here with a stone plate cover. The location and the head support found in the tomb indicate that a high-ranking church dignitary was buried here.
Opening Hours vary according to season, so best to check here.

It’s time for a bit of pampering and relaxation. My final destination today is the Turkish Bath. Its dates back several centuries. The Turkish pool was built between 1610 and 1617, during the Turkish occupation and it is the oldest part. The rest of the bath was gradually added to the original Turkish structure over the centuries. The highlight of the building is the dome, renovated in 1980, which is covered with about 200,000 gilded mosaics. As I’m walking into the Turkish Bath, the inside also evokes the authentic Turkish atmosphere. Three pools filled with the rare radon healing water which erupts from springs hidden under its artificial stone floor laid with gaps. By talking with the staff I found out the real benefits of the Turkish bath. It not only cleans you, but the high humidity of the warm air relaxes the muscles, stimulates blood circulation and destroys harmful bacteria and pathogens.
While I am here, I try the traditional Turkish massage called Hamam which is in fact, a purification ceremony that reminiscent of the Turkish spa culture. The essence of the hamam is to completely cleanse the skin with perfumes based on a Turkish recipe.
It was great to immerse myself in the enchanting water of the spa, which evokes both the luxury of today and the past. I enjoyed a pampering hammam massage as well as I recharged by spending time in the sauna and steam room.
Opening Hours Monday - Tuesday 16:30 pm - 21:00 pm Wednesday - Thursday 15:00 - 21:00 pm Friday 13:00 pm - 21:00 pm Saturday - Sunday & Holiday 09:00 am - 21:00 pm
Book a massage here.

Next, I pick up my car so I can continue my journey to have a delicious dinner in a unique restaurant.

Finally, I come across this unique restaurant. The combination of the region's finest flavours and the treasures of Matyó folk art gives an exceptional dining experience. The wooden decoration of the facade was created by Mátyás Kiss and the decorations were made from the works of local industrial artists.
The menu is mouth-watering. I decided to try the beef stew in red wine with ewe-cheese noodles. Of course, it was full of flavour and delicious.
Opening Hours Monday - Thursday 12:00 pm - 20:30 pm Friday - Saturday 12:00 pm - 22:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 20:30 pm

After the delicious dinner, it is time to check in at my hotel. The place is both homely and authentic, yet charmingly modern. The folk art also appeared in its decoration and style. After occupying my room, I got ready for tomorrow and spent the rest of the evening relaxing.