US grantees monthly trip to North-East Hungary

Eger and Surroundings: U.S. #Fulbright grantees recently embarked on a captivating two-day journey through the historic and culturally rich North-East region of Hungary as part of our April meeting.

The first stop on the itinerary was the esteemed Eszterházy Károly Catholic University in Eger. The grantees toured the magnificent Ornament Hall and the serene Chapel. They also had the unique opportunity to explore the Camera Obscura and delve into the treasures of the Archdiocese Library, where the oldest handwritten kodex, a document collection of Pope Leo 9th dates back to 1048.

University history came alive as the group learned about the Ratio Educationis of 1777, which initially designated the University of Buda as Hungary’s sole operating university. Consequently, the impressive Eger building was named a Lyceum upon its completion in 1795. The long-held vision of Bishop Károly Eszterházy finally materialized in 2016 when Eszterházy Károly College achieved university status through a merger with colleges in Gyöngyös, Jászberény, and Sárospatak.

Eger’s renowned wine culture was also a highlight of the visit. The grantees learned about the extensive network of underground tunnels and cellars, stretching an impressive 130 km beneath the town. The picturesque Valley of the Beautiful Woman, with its concentration of atmospheric cellars, sparked curiosity about the origins of its intriguing name, with theories ranging from ancient goddesses to a charming wine-selling woman.

The historical exploration continued with a visit to the István Dobó Castle Museum. Here, US grantees learned about the legendary 1552 siege of the Castle of Eger, where the outnumbered Hungarian defenders, led by István Dobó, heroically repelled the Ottoman forces. This pivotal event stands as a powerful symbol of Hungarian national defense and patriotism.

A poignant shift in focus led the group to the Forced Labor Camp of Recsk (1950-1953) – National Memorial Park. The grantees learned how the camp’s existence and brutal conditions remained largely unknown until Gyula Michnay’s daring escape in 1951 and his subsequent revelations on Radio Free Europe.

The enriching tour concluded with a visit to the charming village of Hollókő, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The traditional Palóc village, with its well-preserved folk architecture and living traditions, provided a vibrant contrast to the historical sites visited earlier, leaving the Fulbright grantees with a comprehensive appreciation for the diverse heritage of North-East Hungary.