Minarets, fire lookout towers and steeples for adrenaline junkies

From the top of the 13th century building the whole downtown is clearly visible. The 48-meters-high tower survived the storms of history and the damages caused by natural forces. Although in the past centuries it has been rebuilt several times, its appearance hardly differs from the original medieval tower. The city’s well-known symbol was originally a watchtower, however, over time, it was converted into fire tower. A long winding spiral staircase leads us to the balcony running around the tower, from where we can see the historical parts of the city from bird's-eye view. Antal Csernák’s music played in every quarter of an hour makes the experience unforgettable.

The minaret built at the end of the 16th century originally was part of the Djami of Kethuda Mosque, which functioned as a catholic church after the Ottoman occupation, later on as hospital, and in 1841 it was demolished at last. A similar destiny awaited the tower, but it was saved as a monument in the end. It has an exceptional historical value, it is one of the few minarets which had survived the past centuries in Hungary intact. The Eger minaret is 40 metres tall, 97 stairs lead to the balcony running around the tower, and from the crescent on its top, a cross rises to the sky. For those, who are afraid of tight, confined spaces or can't handle the altitude the minaret offers a wonderful sight from outside.

Archaeological discoveries have shown that churches have always stood on the place of the greatest Reformed church in Hungary. The works on the building now visible have lasted for nearly 20 years, finally they ended in 1827. The two 61 metres tall towers make an imposing sight, the church building is almost hidden behind them. In the east tower we might arrive up to the loft by elevator. Walking on the stairs it is possible to see biblical scale models, while the room hidden in the building awaits visitors with a biblical history model exhibition. From the panoramic sidewalk built on the top of the tower we may admire the city and the church’s roof structure. The west tower hosts on of the biggest bells of Hungary, the Rákóczi Bell, while from the exhibition room located at the top floor we may enjoy Debrecen’s panorama in each of the four directions.

The highest building in Hungary is located in the Mecsek Hills, on the top of Misina Peak. In the tower, at about the height of 22 stories, a restaurant and a coffee bar welcome guests, who may enjoy the beautiful panorama while tasting delicious dishes. Above the restaurant there is an open lookout point where visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of Mecsek Hills and the city below them 610 metres above sea level. An interesting fact about the building is that it was inaugurated on the same day as the World Trade Center in New York, thus on 4 April 1973.

This speciality of industrial history is hosted by a nice recreation park. The first water tower in Hungary made of reinforced concrete has been performing its original function for more than one hundred years, it is able to store 1000 cubic metres of water to this day. Those who decide to climb the stairs are welcomed by a physics history exhibition, colourful soda water bottles and a beautiful panorama. In the tower documents were also given place that provide an insight in the history of the unique building. Although for the modern era the building is not as astonishing as it was in its time, due to combination of modern and Art Nouveau elements the water tower still offers a special sight today.

The stumpy tower is located in the heart of Győr downtown, at the top of Káptalan Hill. The building complex was built by Stephen I of Hungary, but in the foundations of the castle traces of Roman constructions can be discovered as well. In the tower we might get to know the history of the Bishop’s Castle’s building, and see the portraits and the coats of arms of the bishops of Győr. A narrow spiral staircase leads to the top level of the building where we may see old photographs of the city of Győr, and finally, arriving at the lookout point the splendid view of the modern city opens up to us.

The primatial basilica’s dimensions are impressive, its view is extraordinary. The basilica’s tympanum is held by 8 enormous columns, above the facade a monumental dome is visible. The interior of the building is also richly decorated, a narrow spiral staircase leads to the turquoise dome. Reaching the balcony at the top of the dome after climbing the 400 stairs, the height and the panorama almost make us feel dizzy. The highlight of a visit in the basilica is certainly the dome, which have been held by Hungary’s thickest walls for more than 150 years.