Eger Castle & Wine

Overview

Eger Castle earned its place in history in 1552, when a small defending force repelled a far larger Ottoman army, and it now houses a history museum. At its foot lies the Valley of the Beautiful Women, Hungary's most famous wine region, with hundreds of cellars cut into the tuff rock where the celebrated Egri Bikavér, or Bull's Blood, can be tasted. In the town, Baroque cathedrals and an Ottoman minaret stand side by side.

History

The siege of 1552, in which some 2,000 defenders under István Dobó held out against a much larger Ottoman force, became a founding legend of Hungarian resistance and was celebrated in a famous 19th-century novel. The castle fell to the Ottomans in 1596 and remained in their hands until 1687. The wine cellars of the Valley of the Beautiful Women have been dug into the volcanic rock since the 18th century.

Highlights

• •The castle's history of heroism
• •Wine tasting in the Valley of the Beautiful Women
• •The Baroque cathedral

Practical tips

• •Allow half a day for the castle and cellars
• •Wine tasting is best combined with a meal

Practical information

Best time

April to October

Tickets

About HUF 1,400

Opening hours

Varies by attraction

Local food

Goulash soup, chimney cake and Tokaji sweet wine

Getting around

Eger and Tokaj are reached by train from Budapest

Visa

Hungary is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Budapest is a popular destination, so book an appointment early.

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