The city of Eger

The baroque village of Eger - home of the legendary Bull's Blood wine - remains one of Hungary's most popular tourist destinations outside of Budapest.
The city of Eger has an illustrious history dating back to the Romans, who called the town Agria, a name still in use, taking in the French who settled in the area in the 13th century, bringing with them their knowledge of viticulture, and the invading Turks, who came later.
Eger is most famous for its wine, whose legend is rooted in the historic siege. For over a month, 2,000 Hungarian soldiers (the number vary according to which account you read), led by István Dobó, held out against 100,000 Turks.
According to the story, when the Hungarians' spirits lagged, the innovative captain broke out the reserves of red wine in the castle cellars to fortify his men, and the Turks, seeing beards and armor stained red, became convinced that the Hungarians were drinking bull's blood for strength, and broke off their attack.

However they returned in 1596, this time captured the city and stayed until they finally withdrew in 1687.
During the festivities, you can take a break and explore. Eger is a very user-friendly town; all the main sites are within walking distance from the city center and street signs in Hungarian, German and English make things easy to find. Full of small-town charm, Eger also has sophistication of style and service.
From the square, you can walk down the winding, cobble-stone streets to the castle, which dominates the town. A tour of the casemates inside is a welcome break from the summer heat.
A guide speaking the language of your choice can be hired for a small extra charge at the entrance to the castle. the tour includes the ruins of the 12th century St John's cathedral, the museum in the Bishop's Palace, and the Hero's hall, where the tomb of the victorious captain takes pride of place.
Those interested in a fictional account of the siege and defense of the castle can buy Eclipse of the Crescent Moon, written by one of Eger's famous sons, Géza Gárdonyi.

You can also visit the Lyceum, the famous library founded in 1755. Although it's full of rare books and manuscripts, most people come to view the marvellous ceiling fresco, a masterpiece of trompe l'oeil art. Take note of the lightning bolt destroying heretical writings!
On a different scale of artwork, check out the gates of the County Hall building on Kossuth út. they are so delicate and precise that they resemble filigree lace rather than wrought iron.
The 110-foot (33-meter), 14-sided Minaret tower is the northernmost Turkish monument in Europe, and can be easily reached from the square. The mosque that was once attached to the tower was destroyed in 1841. the lookout platform at the top remains though, and it offers a fantastic view of the city. the imaginative will see, in their mind's eye, the old city in Turkish times, stained with the light of dawn or dusk as the muezzin called the faithful to prayer, so many years ago, from this very tower.