Egri Minaret

The northernmost surviving minaret in mainland Europe is a very claustrophobic reminder of the 16th and 17th century Ottoman occupation of Hungary. Ascend the 98 very cosy steps for a view over the surrounding town.

The 40 metre high tower, that now stands alone on the corner of an old town street in Eger, was once part of a mosque established by the Ottomans during their rule of the city in the early 1600s. The majority of the original complex was destroyed or repurposed after the town was recaptured in 1697. The minaret, however, seemed to refuse being torn down, even after 400 oxen were tied to it with ropes and various attempts were made to remove it. When it seemed clear that the local Catholic church was unable to get rid of the symbol of occupation, they replaced the Ottoman crescent atop it’s roof with a christian cross and made do.

You can now make your way up to the viewing platform for a nominal fee, providing you do not suffer from claustrophobia or a fear of heights. The stariwell inside is extremely narrow and provides only just enough space for a large adult to squeeze through and work their way up the steep steps. Once you reach the viewing platform the vistas of the town make it worthwhile, though the cramped feeling continues as you circumvent the tower between the wall and guard rail, giving just enough space for one person at a time.