Valley of the Beautiful Women | Eger

Information

Landmark: Valley of the Beautiful Women
City: Eger
Country: Hungary
Continent: Europe

Valley of the Beautiful Women, Eger, Hungary, Europe

The Valley of the Beautiful Woman (Szépasszonyvölgy) is a world-renowned wine district in Eger, Hungary, consisting of a concentrated cluster of approximately 200 wine cellars carved directly into volcanic rock. It is the primary destination for sampling the region's famous "Egri Bikavér" (Bull's Blood) and "Egri Csillag" (Star of Eger) wines.

Visual Characteristics

The valley is a natural horseshoe-shaped depression where the landscape is defined by "cellar rows." Most cellars feature modest, small-scale stone or brick facades-often decorated with ornate wooden doors and wrought-iron signs-that open into long, narrow tunnels extending deep into the hillside. The central area is a landscaped green space with walking paths, benches, and outdoor restaurant terraces. Inside the cellars, walls are typically covered in a thick layer of "noble mold" (Cladosporium cellare), which is essential for regulating humidity and temperature.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Szépasszonyvölgy, 3300 Eger, Hungary.

Distance: Approximately 1.5–2 km (a 20-minute walk) southwest of Eger’s Dobó Square.

Transit: A popular sightseeing "train" (kisvonat) runs regularly from Eger's city center (near the Cathedral) to the valley. Taxis are also readily available for the 5-minute drive.

Parking: Large paid parking lots are located at the entrance of the valley for those arriving by car, though walking or transit is recommended for those participating in wine tastings.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The cellars are excavated into rhyolite tuff, a soft volcanic rock formed from prehistoric ash. This material allows for easy carving and maintains a constant year-round temperature of 10–15°C (50–59°F). While wine production in Eger dates back to the 11th century, the first written record of the valley's name appears in 1843. The cellars were originally used as simple storage but evolved into public tasting rooms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Key Highlights & Activities

Wine Crawl: Visitors can walk from cellar to cellar (many of which are numbered for easy navigation, such as the highly-rated Cellar No. 2 or Cellar No. 46) to sample individual glasses for as little as 400–600 HUF.

Dining: Several large restaurants, such as Kulacs Csárda and Ködmön Csárda, serve traditional Hungarian dishes like Goulash and Pörkölt.

Festivals: The valley hosts major events during the autumn harvest (September/October) and various outdoor concerts at the Márai Center cultural venue located in the heart of the valley.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms: Public restrooms are available near the main entrance and within larger restaurants.

Connectivity: Strong 5G and 4G cellular coverage is available throughout the valley, though signal may drop once deep inside the stone-carved cellars.

Shade: The valley floor is well-shaded by mature trees, and many cellars provide covered outdoor seating.

Best Time to Visit

Season: Autumn (September to October) is the peak season due to the grape harvest and vibrant foliage.

Photography: Late afternoon provides the best light for the valley floor, while the cool, dimly lit cellar interiors provide atmospheric shots year-round.

Crowds: To avoid large tour groups, visit on weekdays or during the early afternoon (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM).

Facts & Legends

The name "Valley of the Beautiful Woman" has several legendary origins:

Goddess Worship: Some believe it was a site of sacrifice to a Venus-like ancient goddess of love.

The Famous Hostess: A popular tale tells of a famously beautiful woman who once sold wine in one of the cellars, drawing men from across the region.

Bull's Blood: Legend claims that during the 1552 Siege of Eger, Hungarian soldiers drank so much red wine that it stained their beards; the attacking Turks, seeing this, believed the Hungarians were drinking actual bull's blood to gain superhuman strength.