Eger

Eger is a city in northern Hungary, the county seat of Heves, located in the Bükk foothills along the Eger stream. It is a regional center known for its historic old town, wine production, and thermal baths, with a population of around 50,000 residents.

Historically, Eger grew from a medieval settlement into an important fortress town. The Eger Castle (Egri vár) dominates the skyline and played a notable role during Ottoman conflicts, including the successful defense in the late 16th century under Captain István Dobó. The city bears Ottoman legacies alongside Baroque and neoclassical architecture, and it houses landmarks such as the Minaret of Eger, a late 17th-century Ottoman-era minaret that is among Europe’s northernmost examples of the style. The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption is another major religious landmark in the city center.

Culturally and economically, Eger is closely associated with wine. The surrounding region is renowned for Egri Bikavér, the robust red wine known in English as Bull’s Blood of Eger, produced from a blend of local grape varieties. The Szépasszonyvölgy, or Valley of the Beautiful Women, features numerous wine cellars where visitors can taste regional wines. Tourism is strengthened by the historic core, wine culture, and spa facilities.

In addition to its heritage and viticulture, Eger hosts higher education institutions, including Eszterházy Károly University, and offers thermal baths and cultural events that attract visitors year-round.