Our historical sites
Ópusztaszer is a village in Csongrád county, in the Southern Great Plain region of
southern Hungary. It is most known as the location of the National Historical Memorial Park.
Beautifully nestled in the Pusztaszer Protected Landscape, the Heritage Park marks one of the
most sacred and important historical sites in Hungary, Ópusztaszer, where in the year 896 the
modern nation of Hungary was born. Ópusztaszer is the cradle of the state of Hungary.
Through its history, it strengthens the nation, and gives hope to future generations. According
to Hungarian tradition, it was at this place, around 896 AD that Chief Árpád, the Duke of the
Magyars and his chieftains (his leading men) pitched up their tents, and codified the common
laws of their new country. Thus, today’s Heritage Park is far more than a tourist attraction: it
is the place where all Hungarians (Magyars) can turn to in order to strengthen their national
identity, to remember and preserve their history, culture, and traditions. Here at Ópusztaszer
Heritage Park history is brought to life for thousands of visitors annually through familyoriented presentations, original costumes, and thrilling events and adventures.
Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region (short Tokaj-Hegyalja or Hegyalja) is a historical wine region
located in northeastern Hungary. Tokaj has been declared a World Heritage Site in 2002
under the name Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape. However, its fame long
predated this distinction because it is the origin of Tokaji aszú wine, the world's
oldest botrytized wine. Historical records show that vineyards had been established in Tokaj
as early as the 12th century. Magyar settlers arrived in Tokaj from the end of the 9th Century
and there is an alternative theory that viticulture was introduced to the region from the east,
possibly by the Kabar tribe. The Magyars themselves seem to have had an ancient tradition of
wine-making. Tokaji wine became an increasingly important commodity for the region from
the 17th century. Tokaji wine was then served at the Versailles Court, where it became
known under the name of Tokay. In the 18th Century, Tokaj reached the height of its
prosperity. There are now almost 600 wineries in the region, of which about 50 produce the
full range of wines.
Eger is the second largest city in Northern Hungary, the county seat of Heves, lying between
the Mátra and Bukk mountains. Eger is best known for its castle, thermal baths, historic
buildings (including the northernmost Turkish minaret), and red and white wines. Eger has
been inhabited since the Stone Age. Today's Eger was formed in the 10th century by
St. Stephen (997–1038), the first Christian king of Hungary, who founded anepiscopal see in
Eger. The first cathedral of Eger was built on Castle Hill, within the present site of Eger
Castle. Eger grew up around its former cathedral and has remained an important religious
centre in Hungary since its foundation. The 14th-16th centuries were an age of prosperity for
Eger. The bishops of Eger built beautiful buildings in the city during the 18th and 19th
centuries. The Castle of Eger is a castle in Eger, Hungary. Historically, it is known for its
repelling of the Turkish attack in 1552 during the Siege of Eger. The first castle was built on
the high hill named Várhegy at Felsőtárkány near Eger.
During the Mongol invasion in 1241, this castle was ruined, and the bishop of Eger moved it
to a rocky hill in the city of Eger. On the hill, a new castle was built, and it developed rapidly.
In 1470 a Gothic palace was built. In 1552, a Turkish army of 35,000-40,000 soldiers attacked
the castle which had 2,100-2-300 defenders. The siege failed as the Turks suffered heavy
casualties. A total of 1,700 of the defenders survived. After that Turks sieged the castle again
in 1596, resulting in victory of Turks. In 1701, the Austrians exploded half of the castle