An idyllic little EU town is often forgotten about by travellers who flock to its more well-known capital.
Esztergom has always had a vital role in the history of Hungary but many visitors travelling to Budapest, where most visitors go on their first visit to the country, fail to explore its other areas. The historic town played a huge part in the country’s history and was the birthplace and where its first king St Stephen was coronated.
The town is not known widely to travellers making their first visit to Hungary, but it was established around A.D. 972 and was the capital until the 13th Century. Esztergom has always played an important role in the country’s past and a visit comes highly recommended,.
Esztergom is where the Hungarian Catholic Church is based and is home to the Basilica of Esztergom which Trip advisor describes as “a masterpiece of Classicism and the third largest church in Europe” It takes an our to reach Esztergom from Nyguati Train Station in Budapest and it is recommended by travel guides which describe it as “a picturesque Danubian city by the Slovakian border”
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It was among travellers’ most popular recommendations on travel site Tripadvisor. A solo traveller wrote: “One of my best Monday afternoons. Beautiful view both inside and outside, don’t miss to go upstairs to the cupola of the basilica. Excellent customer service of all the employers. Take the whole tour: from downstairs to upstairs, believe me, it is a unique experience. Thank you!”
Other historic locations which travellers say are worth checking out include the Castle of Esztergom, This has an exhibition which is permanent and tells is “dramatic history” using an a huge collection of pottery, coins, weapons and fragments of ancient stone columns.
One reviewer was astonished by her visit and said: “Honestly this was one of the best value for money i’ve had for a museum. It cost around 6EUR at the time i visited and the museum is huge. I got the tour with a tablet for St. Stephan’s Hall and the rest also i accessible with this ticket. I spent 3h in here and i didn’t get to see everything as they had to close.
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She added: “I suggest you see the castle cellar as its really authentic. Might be a bit biased as i’m a history fan, but if you like castles and stuff like that i really suggest you see it.”
Once occupied by the Ottoman regime in 1543 which ended what was once a flourishing Renaissance town, it was only in 1820 that change happened again and most of Esztergom’s great landmarks date to the 19th century. But travel guides say many new cafes, restaurants, and hotels have since opened and the city of Esztergom is now an attractive day-trip destination.
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Offbeat Budapest says food and drink options are plentiful. It states: “There are many options: Specialty coffee can be had at Babszem, traditional dishes at Csülök, excellent modern Hungarian food at Piac42 Bisztró, pastries at Cafe La Fonatana, craft beers at Beer Legal low-priced drinks with locals at Sörakadémia.”
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