Esztergom Travel Guide, Hungary
Esztergom Travel Guide - Overview
Esztergom, this engaging city on the bank of the Danube in northern Hungary, is one of the most important Hungarian historical cities. Once the capital of the country, residence of kings and bishops, scene of many historical events, Esztergom had not lost its significance: it is still the seat of the Primate of the Roman Catholic Church in Hungary, a cultural city, abundant of fine historical buildings which reveal something of the country’s rich historical past.
Esztergom Travel Guide - Historical outline
Esztergom is one of the oldest Hungarian towns, populated since the end of the Ice Age. The city then was place for Celts, Roman legions, and also for German and Avar people. The town won significance after 960, under the rule of Geza, who established his residence here, and this is where his son, the first king of the country, Saint Stephen of Hungary was crowned. Esztergom was the political, religious and economical center and the capital of Hungary until the middle of the 13th century, when the town was destroyed by the Tatars. After its restoration, Esztergom witnessed another flourishing period and another decline with the Turkish conquest in the 16th century, then liberation from Turkish rule came in the late 17th century, followed by a slow phase of progress in the 18th century when the Watertown (Viziváros) was raised, and the reconstructions of the town as a new religious center took place. The Baroque architecture from that period is among the must-see points of the city today. Esztergom regained its once significance truly only in the beginning of the 20th century, and by nowadays it is one of the most remarkable cities in Hungary, definitely one that you cannot leave out once you are in Hungary.
Esztergom Travel Guide - Sightseeing Tour
It is not surprising that the the Basilica is considered the symbol of Esztergom. The gorgeous church proudly emerging from the landscape on the bank of the Danube is a masterpiece of Hungarian Classicism. Astonishing in its sizes- the dome is 71,5 meters high-, the largest church in Hungary makes a breathtaking impression both from the outside and the inside, not to speak of the spectacular sight from the tower. The Cathedral Treasury is also compelling. You must visit the remains of the palaces from the Árpád era, in the Castle Museum, a pearl of the Roman Hungarian architecture. The Primate Palace, the City Hall, the Babits House – house of the great poet Mihály Babits -, museums like the Balassa Museum, the Christian Museum and the Danube Museum and of course the above mentioned Viziváros are among the most important points of the city that really merit a visit. Of course you cannot leave out crossing the famous Mária Valéria Bridge which connects Esztergom to the city Sturovo in the bordering Slovacia. Esztergom, with its fine architectural classics and an atmosphere which unfolds a rich cultural past, beauty and serenity, guarantees a more than nice traveling experience.
Another famous city in Hungary is Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. If you like Esztergom, you will surely find the Budapest Travel Guide interesting. The hungarian capital also offers you a wide range of the past with Budapest History. Take a look!
Things about Esztergom you may be interested in
Read our members' reviews about Esztergom
The attractions of Esztergom
review by angel posted more then 30 days ago
Esztergom is a city very close to the capital city, Budapest. I visited it many years ago with my classmates. I remember that the city is quite nice, but the best part of our sightseeing trip was the visit at the Dome. This is the highest building in Hungary and also the biggest parochial...
Read our members' travel tips about Esztergom
Esztergom Basilica
travel tip by zdanko posted more then 30 days ago
If you're in Esztergom you must visit the Basilica (the Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed Into Heaven and St Adalbert). Besides being the 18th biggest church in the world, it is also one of the highest buildings from...
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