What are some of the most historically significant cities in Hungary?
Budapest: The capital of Hungary, Budapest is known for its historic Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Parliament Building, and thermal baths. It was originally two cities, Buda and Pest, and has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Eger: A northern city famous for its baroque architecture, Eger Castle, and the 1552 Siege of Eger when locals defended the town from the Ottoman Empire. The city is also known for its thermal baths and wine (especially Egri Bikavér, or “Bull’s Blood”). Pécs: Located in the south, Pécs is a cultural hub with Roman, Ottoman, and Hungarian influences. The Pécs Cathedral, Mosque of Pasha Qasim, and ancient Christian burial chambers (UNESCO World Heritage Site) are major attractions. Sopron: Near the Austrian border, Sopron has preserved medieval and baroque architecture, with landmarks like Firewatch Tower and the Gothic Goat Church. Esztergom: One of Hungary’s oldest cities and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, it is home to Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, and the site of the country’s first royal capital.