Eger Minaret
Heves
The Eger Minaret, located in northern Hungary's city of Eger, is a significant Ottoman-era monument and one of the northernmost minarets remaining in Europe. Constructed in the early 17th century from red sandstone, it originally served as the call tower for the Djami of Kethuda mosque, which no longer exists. The minaret stands 40 meters tall and features a spiral staircase of 98 steps leading to a balcony 26 meters above ground, providing unique vistas of Eger. It is the tallest and best-preserved of Hungary's three surviving Ottoman minarets. After the Ottoman occupation ended in 1687, the mosque was converted to a Catholic church and later demolished, but the minaret survived attempts at demolition, including a failed effort using 400 oxen. The tower's original dome was destroyed by lightning in the early 19th century and replaced with a tin roof, and later restored with a stone cap in 1897. The minaret symbolizes Hungary's historical Ottoman period and modern Hungarian-Turkish relations. Since 2016, a muezzin has been permitted to call the Muslim prayer from the balcony, reviving its original function after more than three centuries.
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Astuce: Visitors should climb the 98-step spiral staircase to the balcony for panoramic views of Eger. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but booking in advance is advised during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The minaret is accessible daily with specific opening hours available on the official website.
Faits intéressants
- •The minaret is one of the northernmost Ottoman minarets remaining in Europe.
- •It is the tallest and best-preserved of the three surviving Ottoman minarets in Hungary.
- •An attempt to demolish the tower using 400 oxen failed due to its sturdy construction.
- •The original dome was destroyed by lightning and replaced with a tin roof in 1829.
- •In 2016, a muezzin resumed calling the Muslim prayer from the minaret after 327 years.
Histoire
The Eger Minaret was built in the early 17th century after the Ottoman conquest of Eger in 1596, serving as part of the Djami of Kethuda mosque.
The mosque was mentioned by the traveler Evliya Çelebi in 1664.
After the Austrians recaptured Eger in 1687, the mosque was converted into a Catholic church dedicated to St.
Joseph and later became a hospital chapel before being demolished in 1841.
The minaret survived demolition attempts, including an effort involving 400 oxen.
Its original dome collapsed due to lightning in the early 19th century and was replaced with a tin roof in 1829.
Restoration efforts occurred in 1897 and 1962, preserving the minaret as a national monument and symbol of Hungarian-Turkish heritage.
Guide du lieu
Spiral Staircase17th century
The interior features a narrow spiral staircase with 98 steps leading visitors to the observation balcony 26 meters above the ground, offering panoramic views of Eger.
Observation Balcony1897 (restoration)
Located 26 meters above ground, the balcony is surrounded by a wrought iron railing added during the 1897 restoration, providing visitors with unique city views and a sense of the minaret's original function for the Muslim call to prayer.
Stone Cap (Dome)1897
The minaret's original dome was destroyed by lightning in the early 19th century and replaced with a tin roof in 1829, then later restored with a stone cap in 1897 to protect the tower and preserve its historic silhouette.
Contact
Téléphone: 06 70 202 4353