Trip to Eger, Hungary

Last sunday, I went on a day trip with some school mates. The trip was organised by the student union called FMSA(foreign medical student association). It was quite a bargain so I jumped on the opportunity to go.

We went to Eger, a city in the north of Hungary. Eger is known for 3 things........

1. The architecture 

2. Wine 

3. Thermal bath

We visited the Famous Eger Basilica (I  dedicated an entire post to this, click here), the Eger Castle, the city centre and the thermal bath. 

The Eger castle. I know what you are thinking........it doesn't look like a castle. Thats because all that is left of this castle is its walls. In 1552, the Turkish army of 80,000 soldiers attacked Eger castle (which was protected by only 1,935 Hungarian soldiers) in what  is now know historically as the "Siege of Eger", the Hungarians prevailed against the Turks.

However in 1596, a bigger army of Turks attacked Eger again and they ruled Eger for 91 years. Then in 1701, the Austrians exploded half of the Castle. Sorry for the lesson in history, but I find it very interesting.

The southern gate.

Up and up we go......

Me, a gun and the Hyppolit gate behind

The group from School.

The view of Eger from up the Castle. The building on the right is the Eger Basilica and on the left is the Eger minorite Church.

The Eger Castles walls.

We just walked around the city exploring more...

In Dobó square, you'll see these

The Eger Minorite Church.

I had a big bowl of Goulash for lunch and it was AMAZING :))

A little river that runs through the city.

At the end of the day, the whole group from school had dinner at a local restaurant.

I don't know what this meal is called, but it is a local Hungarian dish and it was nice.

Eger Wine

Dessert

When we were ready to leave it began to snow again. All in all, it was a very good trip. I was exhausted at this time.

Less I forget, I also got some souvenirs

Wine of course included. I got two bottles of Eger wine, one white and the other red.

Thanks for reading...................

The Prague Castle.

Prague castle is the biggest ancient castle in the world (according to Guinness book of records).  It has been the seat of the ancient Czech kings throughout the ages.

The Prague castle complex comprises 3 courtyards and many other buildings, including St. Vitus Cathedral (it is the most recognisable landmark in the city )of which I have a ton of photos. There are also several palaces, Museums, art galleries, cafes, and a monastery.

The view at the entrance to the Castle complex.

It is free to wander around the courtyards. It is even free to enter the St. Vitus Cathedral. However, you will only be allowed to stay at the back, you will not be allowed to go any further. To see the entire building, a ticket must be purchased.

The gate.

Taken from the second courtyard. You can see the top part of the St Vinus Cathedral.

The second courtyard.

I went to the ticket office to get a ticket to go into the St. Vinus Cathedral and I was told that I they only sold combination tickets (for 4 buildings in the complex). Since my trip was seriously budgeted, I told the sales officer that I didn't want to go into any other building, just the St. Vinus Cathedral, but he said they didn't sell single tickets. Then I became so sad, because I really wanted to go in. When all this was happening, there was a young police officer or a castle guard or someone that worked there (I really don't know, but He was in uniform). Well, he heard my entire conversation with the Sales officer and he came and told me to please come with Him. I was shocked, but I followed. While we walked towards the Cathedral, we exchanged greetings. He took me into the Cathedral, said a few words to the Ladies checking the tickets and led me right through, without paying anything O_O. I was so overjoyed, thanked him, shook his hands and he told me to enjoy the rest of tour and I said thank you. He turned and left. It took me about 10 seconds to come to terms with what just happened and then I continued with the tour. This is just an example that there is still some GOOD in this crazy world.

Anyway, back to the post.....................

The St. Vinus Cathedral.

To many people, St. Vinus is the Prague Castle. The is understandable because it is the most beautiful building there and it fills the skyline of the Castle complex. Work on the cathedral was commissioned by Charles IV and started in 1344. It was completed between 1873-1929, meaning it took nearly 6 centuries to complete. Having said that, the work speaks for itself, so I guess it was well worth all the time it took.

Now moving inside.......................

The ceiling.

From an angle.

I was able to produce so 'Bokeh'

I hope you enjoyed this post. Watch out for more photos on other parts of Prague

Stay Blessed :))