Home to the infamous Egri Bikaver, or bull's blood wine, travelers in Hungary will find that Eger's rich traditions are often tied to this deep red beverage.
Baroque architecture reigns amid Eger's many historic buildings, with its finest structure being the Eger Castle. However, guests will likely want to visit the castle's two on-site museums before they begin their castle escapades, as the structure's storied history, especially of the battle of 1522, gives the castle a whole new meaning.
According to records, Eger Castle was defended by 2,000 local soldiers against more than 100,000 incoming Turks. Among the important soldiers in Eger's Istvan Dobo army, many were women, who played a pivotal part in the castle's stronghold. According to legend, this is also where the town's wine's name originated. Istvan Dobo supposedly fed his solider's the red wine, and as they re-entered battle with stained red faces, the Turks believed the Eger soldiers had gotten their strength from bull's blood - and so the name remains.
Travlers wanting to enjoy some of the empowering vino themselves can pair the fine red with a number of Eger dishes. Classic Hungarian/Germanic food can be devoured at the HBH Bajor, while carnivorous guests can get their fill of fresh game at Feherszarvas Vadasztanya.
Taste bull's blood in Eger
Posted on Tuesday, Feb. 7th, 2012
