Esztergom – the Hungarian Rome

Esztergom is a Hungarian city located towards the northern area of the country, within the region of Central Transdanubia, and at no more than 50 kilometers from Budapest. This city is called in several different ways in other countries, such as, for example, Gran in German, Ocrpopoh in Serbian, Ostrogon in Croatian, and Ostrihom in Slovak.

Between the 10th and the 13th centuries the city of Esztergom was the capital of Hungary as well as the Royal Seat of the country. Since then, this city has been one of the most popular and visited spots in this country, and therefore is a must for every tourist who goes to the north during a vacation in Hungary.

The city of Esztergom has the peculiarity of being home of the largest ecclesiastical museum of Hungary, the Keresztény Museum, as well as the biggest church in the country, known as the Esztergom Basilica. Both these spots are among the main attractions of not only this city but the entire northern region of the country as well, and tourists who visit this area of Hungary should not miss them.

Other iconic attraction tourists could find in Esztergom is the Maria Valeria Bridge. This bridge was originally constructed towards endings of the 19th century, around the year 1895, but was almost completely destroyed in 1944 during World War II. After that, At beginnings of the 21st century, it has been re-constructed, and although it is not the same it originally was, due to its past and history it is considered one of the main attractions this city offers.

According to historians, the origins of Esztergom as a city can be traced back to as long ago as the Middle Ages. Due to the fact that it is one of the most antique cities in Hungary, it counts with a very rich and interesting past, and is full of historical spots and constructions. This city has been home of many famous kings, churches, palaces, important events, and disasters such as what is known as the devastation of the Turkish hordes and the raids of the Tatars.

Map of Esztergom in Hungary