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Situated in the north-eastern part of Hungary between the Bükk and Mátra Mountains, in the southern valley of the Eger stream, this town is not only the center of Heves County but of the County Archdiocese as well. The surroundings of Eger with their historic monuments and therapeutic baths are home to some of the most famous wineyards in Europe producing such world renowned brands of wine as the “Leányka” and the ”Bikavér” (bull’s blood).
Although the exact date of the city’s establishment is unknown, the first Hungarian king, St. Stephen (1000-1038) founded a bishopric here in the first decades of the millenium; this, along with its functioning as a county seat contributed to Eger’s future development and significance. The fortress whose construction began in the l3th century further increased Eger’s reputation and the town achieved lasting fame when 2,000 soldiers led by Captain István Dobó withstood a month long siege, successfully defending the strategically vital fortress from the onslaught of 150,000 Turkish troops, thereby stopping the Ottoman Empire's advancement towards Western Europe – the heroic deeds inspired several outstanding works of art and became a symbol of Hungarian patriotism and valor.
In the 18th century, after 100 years of Turkish occupation Count Károly Eszterházy, the Bishop of Eger launched an ambitious city planning effort resulting in the construction of new churches, monasteries, the "Lyceum" building, the little and big provostial palaces and the county hall; the outlines of the present Baroque city center were established as well. Due to episcopal patronage of the arts, by the end of the century Eger was not only ranked 6th among Hungary’s towns, but became one of the most important cultural centers of the country with a unique school-town charm. In the 19th century the stagnant economy and underdeveloped industry pushed the town out of the mainstream, making it a less preferred trading destination point; Eger developed a quiet middle-class, small town appeal prevalent to this day. The town did not enjoy another period of prosperity until the mid l960's and nowadays Eger, with a population of almost 70,000 is a major tourist attraction – its thermal baths, spectacular city center and legendary hospitality along with the impressive castle evoking images of the heroic past make Eger one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hungary.
Hotels in Eger:
Hotel Szent Janos*** (3300 Eger, Szent János u. 3.)
Hotel Aqua Eger*** (3300 Eger, Maklári út 9.)
Hotel Senatorhaz*** (3300 Eger, Dobó tér 11.)
Hunguest Spa Hotel Flora*** (3300 Eger, Fürdő u. 5.)
Korona Wellness Hotel**** (3300 Eger, Tündérpart 5.)
Panorama Hotel**** (3300 Eger, Dr. Hibay K. u. 2.)
Arany Trofea Hotel*** (3300 Eger, Széchenyi u. 41/B.)
Hotel Eger & Park*** (3300 Eger, Szálloda u. 1-3.)
Hotel Szent Istvan*** (3300 Eger, Legányi út 12.)
Szent Lőrinc Hotel** (3300 Eger, Kistályai út 18.)
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