Szépasszony Valley Eger – Wine Tasting, History and 150 Cellars
Szépasszony Valley is just 10–15 minutes from the city centre – and once you're there, it's hard to leave. 150 wine cellars, Egri Bikavér, and a place whose legend stretches back centuries.
Szépasszony Valley – Where wine meets history
The number one place for wine tasting in Eger is Szépasszony Valley, just 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the town centre.
Eger is famous for its fine wines and its historic wine region. What fewer people know is that the celebrated viticulture around the city was established in the 13th century by Italian and Walloon settlers. According to legend, one reason the small Hungarian garrison proved so formidable against a Turkish force thirty times its size in 1552 was that the Hungarians were drinking Bikavér — and this terrified the Ottomans, who didn't consume alcohol.
By the 16th century, wine production in Eger was well established, and the church tithe known as the dézsma could even be paid in wine to the archbishopric.
The cellar system
There is no other settlement in Hungary with as many underground vaults and cellars as Eger. These cellars didn't all come into being at the same time or for the same purpose:
- Some were cut out for wine storage
- Some were built for defensive purposes
- The baroque buildings of the old town were partly constructed from tuff stone quarried from underground
The cellar network stretching beneath Eger is nearly 130 km long. The most beautifully situated and atmospheric row of cellars is undoubtedly the one in Szépasszony Valley.
The legend of Szépasszony Valley
The first archival record of the name Szépasszony Valley dates from 1843. Several stories have grown up around the origin of the name:
- According to folklorist Ferenc Bakó, the "Szépasszony" (Beautiful Woman) was a goddess in the ancient religion, a Venus-like figure — the goddess of love — to whom offerings were made at this spot
- Some farmers spoke of a famously beautiful woman who sold fine wines here from one of the cellars
- Others say the valley was named after the flirtatious wife of a local nobleman
"Bandázás" – socialising in the 19th century
The land in Szépasszony Valley belonged to the Bishop of Eger, so cutting a cellar required his permission. From 1774, landowners could receive plots and dig their own cellars — with the result that by 1781 there were already 32 wine cellars in the valley.
A good custom quickly developed among cellar owners: they would visit each other's cellars over several days, sample each other's wine, and generally "bandázni" — carouse together. During these occasions, the womenfolk were not allowed down into the cellars; they could only bring the men some home-made sausage, fresh bread and bacon, so the festivities could continue.
The valley today
The valley now counts more than 150 cellars. Its atmosphere and the quality of the wines produced here have been praised by countless poets: Sándor Petőfi, Mihály Vörösmarty and Ferenc Móra all wrote about this place.
"Because there is something here completely intangible — a peace, a charm and a serenity that feeds on the past, on the art of viticulture and winemaking, and on the humour of the local people."
If you're in Eger, seek out Szépasszony Valley, find your favourite wine, and let the magic of the place do the rest.
📍 Website: www.egribornegyed.hu
Accommodation in Eger – the perfect end to the day
After the cellars of Szépasszony Valley have treated you to a glass or two of Eger wine, the best plan is simply to stroll comfortably back towards the town centre and let the day come to a perfect close.
The apartments at Harmónia Apartmanház are set up for exactly this — comfortable, peaceful surroundings within walking distance of the centre.
👉 Enquire about accommodation in Eger
Source: visiteger.hu
Stay in Eger
If you are planning this activity, explore our apartments, availability, and direct contact options.
Related content
Sights of Eger – Complete Guide to the City's Best Places
From Eger Castle to Szépasszony Valley, from the foot of the Minaret to the Lyceum observatory – we've gathered Eger's best sights so you don't miss a thing.
The Eger Wine Cellar System – Underground Wine Legends
Eger's 130-kilometre underground cellar system carved into tuff rock is both history and experience – where Egri Bikavér and local wine culture truly belong.
5 Reasons Why Eger Is the Perfect Summer Destination
Eger is a wonderful meeting point of history, wine and nature. We've collected the five best reasons to choose Eger as your travel destination this summer.