Eger (population about 60.000) was one of the early Hungarian
towns, with a bishop from the beginning of the 11th century.
After the Mongol horders annihilated Eger and most of its inhabitants
in 1241, settlers from western Europe helped to repopulate and
rebuild the town. But the indelible trauma for Eger was the
Turkish era, a time of siege and slaghter and despair.
Otherwise the center of Eger is meant for strolling and discovering.
Among the quaint touches are modern sculptures over the doors
of shops, whimsically announcing the of the house. One
very important specialty is wine, for Eger is the home of the
Hungarian wine most widely known abroad: Egri bikavér, meaning
Bull's Blood of Eger.
This robust red wine, as well as less famous local varieties,
may be sampled in clearly marked wine taverns in the old town,
or at traditional wine cellars where the vineyards meet the
city.
