Török Kori Minaret | Eger

The Eger Minaret is a 17th-century Ottoman victory monument and prayer tower located in the northern part of the historic city center. It is the northernmost minaret surviving from the period of Ottoman rule in Europe and one of only three intact minarets remaining in Hungary.

Visual Characteristics

The tower is a 40-meter tall, fourteen-sided slender structure constructed from carved reddish-brown sandstone blocks. It consists of a square base, a decatetagonal shaft, and a circular balcony (sherefe) reached via an internal spiral stone staircase. The original conical roof was destroyed by lightning in 1829 and replaced with a stone cap, though a modern iron spire topped with a crescent moon and a cross now surmounts the structure.

Location & Access Logistics

The minaret is situated at Knézich Károly utca 1, approximately 400 meters north of Dobó Square. It is accessible on foot from all central city points. Public parking is available directly on Knézich Károly Street or at the nearby Agria Park shopping mall. Visitors can reach Eger via InterCity trains from Budapest, followed by a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride (lines 7, 10, or 12) to the city center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction occurred around 1596 following the Ottoman capture of Eger. It was originally attached to the Mosque of Hamza Bey, which was later demolished in 1841. The sandstone used in its construction was quarried locally from the Bükk Mountains. Following the expulsion of the Turks in 1687, locals attempted to pull the tower down using 400 oxen, but the structure remained standing due to its deep foundations and high-quality masonry.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is ascending the 97 narrow, steep stone steps to the observation balcony. This balcony provides a panoramic view of Eger Castle and the surrounding baroque rooftops. Due to the narrowness of the staircase (width is less than 60 cm), only a limited number of visitors are permitted inside at one time. A small exhibition regarding the Ottoman period is located at the base.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The minaret is a standalone historical monument with minimal on-site infrastructure. There are no restrooms or food vendors within the tower; however, numerous cafes and public facilities are located in the immediate vicinity on Harangöntő Street. 5G cellular signal is strong at the base and on the balcony. The structure is not wheelchair accessible due to the extremely narrow spiral staircase.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during the late afternoon when the sun highlights the reddish hue of the sandstone facade. The tower is open daily from spring through autumn, typically between 10:00 and 18:00. It is often closed during winter months or during periods of heavy rain and wind for safety reasons, as the balcony is exposed and the stone steps can become slippery.

Facts & Legends

The cross placed above the crescent moon at the top of the spire symbolizes the Christian victory over the Ottoman Empire. A local historical oddity is that the minaret survived a demolition attempt by the townspeople in the late 17th century only because it was so well-built; when it failed to fall, it was instead consecrated as a Christian monument to prevent further destruction.

Nearby Landmarks

Kopcsik Marzipan Museum – 0.05km East

Eger Castle – 0.3km Southeast

Dobó Square – 0.4km South

Eger Town Hall – 0.45km South

Servitite Church – 0.3km North