In pursuit of women from Eger to Matyóföld

Many of us are familiar with the Egri Castle and the UNESCO-listed matyó patterns, but have we also noticed the women behind the stories?

The triumphant victory of the castle defenders also required the courage of the heroic women of Eger, and the wonderful "matyó roses" would never have been born without the competent hands of women. And that's just the beginning! There is so much more to be said about the ladies in this region... 

We are looking for women's stories in Eger, the city of heroes!

Women have already played an important role in the history of Egri Castle, because who does not remember the heroic women who fought with death-defying courage in the glorious battle of 1552?! The Archbishop's Palace is one of the gems of the city, it is the only archpriest's palace in East-Central Europe, one wing of which serves tourists, while the other still fulfills its original function. Already in the ornamental garden in front of the building, the statue of Saint Elizabeth of Árpád-házi, known for the miracle of the rose, welcomes you, but one of the great treasures of the Palace is also connected to a woman: the coronation mantle of Mária Theresa can be found here! Let's look above our heads when we visit the Archdiocese Library, as the ceiling is decorated with a beautiful fresco depicting the Council of Trent, with the image of the Virgin Mary. Not all women were saints in the past. According to an urban legend, long ago, jealous men from Eger used the Camera obscura on the top of the Lyceum to track their cheating wives or those they thought were cheating. This structure is a mirror system, with the help of which we can examine the city live, from a top view - to this day. Let's try it! Érsekkert is Eger's largest park, let's relax in it, and in the meantime visit the Mússák grove located here, where all the saplings were planted by different famous people.

Let's get to know Turkish culture! Adjacent to the Érsekkert is the Turkish bath, whose pampering services would be a shame to miss. Do we prefer the clean and powerful massage of "Sulejman" or is the hamam massage "Gül Baba Rózsakertje" more sympathetic? Let's visit the ruins of the "Sultan's Mother", that is, the Valide Sultana bath! In the past, these facilities also functioned as a community space, for example, mothers of boys took a close look at the girls intended for their sons here. Of course, the interest was not for the sight of the naked body, the "check" had a much more practical purpose - the girl whose body looked healthy and suitable for carrying a child was suitable.

Let's also think about our stomachs! Let's go on an adventure to the paradise of those with a sweet tooth, Marzipania, where all the objects on display are made of irresistible sugar mass. Among other things, there is also a painting of the wife of the creator, Oscar winner Lajos Kopcsik! Let's visit Szépasszonyvölgy and ponder the origin of the name of the district between two glasses of fine wine. According to some assumptions, the "beautiful woman" refers to one of the goddesses of the primitive religion, the goddess of love, while others believe in a simpler reason: according to the folk tale, the "beautiful woman" covered a very beautiful and, to the delight of many wine-drinking men, a very handsome lady who lived in the Valley long time ago. It's up to us to decide which version is more likable. If you're hungry, let's immerse ourselves in the exciting gastronomic world of Eger and choose from the local specialties! Try the egg soup, the egg pancake and the "frog dessert" or choose a special Turkish dish! During lunch, remember that soup came from the sky in Eger a few years ago! According to the legend, the heroic castle defender women poured pitch and hot soup on the necks of the Turkish soldiers. Fortunately, today's Eger women only serve their soups from plates.

Let's get to know Noszvaj, the fairy-tale village of the mothers!

The village near Eger with a special atmosphere has a fairy-tale path for us for every season, let's choose from them and come back later to try another fairy-tale path! Exciting fairy tale journey for lovers and families, everyone can find their favorite!

Let's entrust our secret to Lady Róza in Egerszalók!

As the saying goes in Egerszalók: "We are in Mary's apron". A small village with deep Catholic roots near Eger. Its natural features conjure up a sumptuous environment around the settlement. Europe's only Salt Hill is located in the settlement, the mineral salts deposited around the thermal water source built this miracle. Those who visit the Egerszalóki Cave Dwellings can take part in time travel. This place is also Lady Róza's home. The cave dwellings, inhabited since the end of the 1700s, faithfully reflect the past. They were furnished by the villagers from bequests, attics, and cellars. Lady Róza is sitting on a horse in one of the apartments, with a calm look on her face. Don't let it bother anyone that our mother Róza is made of textiles and is life-size. The important thing is that the secrets whispered in his ear remain silent forever, and the secret desires come true. After the confessions, the dear visitor can "travel" in the 3D Cave Cinema. This is an interesting and exciting meeting. We can find out what dinosaurs have to do with Lady Róza's residence.

Let's visit Matyó's ladies in Mezőkövesden!

When visiting Mezőkövesde, getting to know the "matyó roses" is a must, let's visit the House of Folk Arts! Let's follow the work of the ladies who work hard here, doing matyó embroidery, who will readily introduce us to the countless variations of the "matyó roses"! If we feel like it, we can even expand our wardrobe for a few minutes, as we can dress up in original Matyó folk costumes in the House. Let's walk through the Hadas district and get a glimpse into the world of matyós!

Eger

The gates of the István Dobó Castle Museum are open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from April 1st to October 31st. An adult ticket costs HUF 2,000, and a discounted ticket (for those between the ages of 6-26 and 62-70) costs HUF 1,000.

From April 1 to September 31, the Palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00, and from October 1 to March 31, it can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 16.00.

The museum library is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except Mondays and Sundays. Entrance ticket: full price: HUF 1,000; discount: HUF 500; Over 75 free.

Camera Obscura is located in the Magic Tower, which is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in November. The ticket price is HUF 1,700 for adults and HUF 1,200 per person for students and pensioners.

The Archbishop's Garden can be visited free of charge and is open 24/7.

Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday: 16:30 - 21:00; Wednesday-Thursday: 15:00 - 21:00; Friday: 13:00 - 21:00; On Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays: 9:00 - 21:00.

The Valide Sultana can be visited between January 1 and October 31 on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is no entrance fee.

Marzipánia can be visited every day from April to October from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and from November to March from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The entrance ticket costs HUF 1,000 for adults and HUF 500 for students and pensioners. With the ticket, you can also visit the Harangöntő memorial room in the building.

The Szépasszonyvölgy district of Eger can be visited free of charge. The Völgy can also be reached by sightseeing train, which departs from Petőfi Square in the city center.

Noszvaj

Egerszalók

The Sódomb can be visited free of charge throughout the year. The Cave Dwellings can be visited all year round, with the exception of December 24 and January 1, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., July 1 - August 31, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Adult ticket 600,-, child and pensioner ticket 400,- Cave cinema 400,-/person. (www.gyogyvizekvolgye.hu)

Mezőkövesd





Thermal Bath

Petőfi tér 2.

Szépasszony-valley

Egerszalók

Turkish bath

Fürdő utca 3.

Szilvásvárad

Szarvaskő