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Eger a charming old city between the Bukk and Matra mountains, in a valley which is a wine producing center. The most famous variety is Egri Bikaver (Bull's Blood), a rich full bodied red that has been a dinner favorite for centuries in all of central Europe. You should spend an afternoon tasting it and the sweeter Medok in the many cellars that line the Valley of Beautiful Women (Szépasszonyvölgy). Like so many Hungarian towns, Eger also has its thermal springs.
This wine fortified the gallant defenders, men and women, in the castle who held off the Turks and delayed their advance for 44 years. One ticket provides entrance to the castle dungeons and the three museums.
Like so many Hungarian towns,
Eger also has its thermal springs. After a refreshing dip, go into the hills to Szilváasvárad to watch the Lippizaner horse shows or go riding in a two or four horse carriage. You may also go to the villages, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site Hollokö among the mountains, where you can still see women wearing ancient
folk costumes.
Tokay, which lies 50km. to the north-east, in the valley of the Tisza river, has produced the most famous Hungarian wine of all. It is a white dessert wine that has been a favorite of connoisseurs and royalty, throughout Europe, for centuries. The main attraction of the small town is wine tasting, but you can also rent bikes or canoes for exploring the rivers and hills. The area in the
north-east corner of Hungary, along the valley of the Tisza river, is little visited by foreign tourists, but offers many opportunities for peaceful holidays among the natural beauty of the forests and unspoiled villages. .
Pécs, the central town of the third wine region, in the Mecset Hills 150km. (90 miles) south of Budapest, is extremely interesting for the visitor. It was occupied by the Turks for 150 years. Many ancient churches were converted to mosques, some still retain Moslem elements after reconversion to churches. Note the combination of cross and crescent on the Belvarosi Templom (Inner City Church). The statue is of János Hunyadi, leader of a victory over the Turks.
The Moslem motif continues inside the church. The baptismal font is made out of the basin in which Turks washed their feet before prayer. Quotations from the Koran adorn the wall.
The four towers of Pécs Cathedral are the city's landmark. Built on the site of the first 4th. cent. church in Sopianae, the name of Pecs in Roman times, its interior
is a treasure of decorative art, from the altar to the magnificent frescoes on the ceiling and walls. There are many other interesting churches, mosques, museums and ancient city walls. The late Roman burial site of Sopianae, as Pecs was then called, may be viewed. Frescoes of Biblical scenes (Adam and Eve, the Prophet Daniel in the lions' den, the Adoration of the Magi and Jonah) dating back to the 4th century are visible on the walls of the burial chambers, See more pictures. The town is just under 3 hours by fast Intercity train from Budapest Deli pu. station.
Pécs is also well known for the Zsolnay hand painted porcelain and Pannonia wines.
