Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE SIEGE OF EGER
The story of the Turkish attempt to take Eger Castle is the stuff of legend. Under the
command of István Dobó, a mixed bag of 2000 soldiers held out against more than
100,000 Turks for a month in 1552. As every Hungarian kid in short trousers can tell
you, the women of Eger played a crucial role in the battle, pouring boiling oil and pitch
and hot sand on the invaders from the ramparts and 'murder holes'.
Also making a star appearance was Eger's wine - if we are to believe the legend. Ap-
parently Dobó sustained his soldiers with the popular ruby-red local vintage. When
they fought on with increased vigour - and stained beards - rumours began to circu-
late among the Turks that the defenders were gaining strength by drinking the blood
of bulls. Egri Bikavér (Eger Bull's Blood) was born.
Géza Gárdonyi'sEgri Csillagok(1901), which can be found in English translation in
many Budapest bookshops asEclipse of the Crescent Moon,describes the siege in
thrilling detail.
EATING & DRINKING
CREPERIE
PALACSINTAVÁR
Fazola Henrik utca; mains 1590-1960Ft; noon-11pm Tue-Sat, to 10pm Sun)
Pop art and groovy music fill the space of this eclectic eatery. Savoury meat
palacsinták
-
Hungarian crèpes, for lack of a better word - are served with an abundance of fresh veget-
ables and range in flavour from Asian to Italian. There's a large choice of sweet ones too.
HUNGARIAN
SZÁNTÓFER VENDÉGLŐ
Choose the 'Plough' for hearty, home-style Hungarian fare. Farming equipment and cooking
utensils hang like prize trophies on the walls, and a covered courtyard out back is perfect for
escaping the summer heat. Two-course weekday lunches are a snip at 890Ft.
HUNGARIAN
MACOK BISTRO & WINEBAR
mains 1490-2950Ft; noon-10pm Mon-Thu, to 11pm Fri & Sat, to 4pm Sun)
This very stylish bistro in the Imola Udvarház Hotel at the foot of the castle, with its invent-
ive menu and excellent wine card, gets consistently rave reviews. We'll come back in partic-
