What to do and see in Eger, Northern Hungary: The Best Shopping

What to see in Agria Park The Water Tower The water tower of the Hungarian Royal Tobacco Factory, along with the other buildings of the factory, was built in 1896, and continued to supply water for the factory establishments until 1936. The water came from the springs of the Tagos fields on the Northern slope of the Várhegy, and reached the tower through a cast-iron pipe by means of gravitation. Feeding the water tank was made possible with a pump in the 27-metre deep well on the market place beside the tower, the operation of the pump and the well-house itself presenting a curiosity in the history of technology. The crystal clear water was also suitable for consumption by the factory workers. The water tower has undergone repair several times, and following privatization, in the course of the general reconstruction of the factory, it was restored according to the original design. It was at that time that a walled-in message in a bottle from 1943, which is now on display in the Tobacco Factory Commemorative Collection, was found. Zsolnay Ornamental Fountain The ornamental fountain was completed in 1996 as part of the centenary celebrations of the 100-year old Eger Tobacco Factory, based on the winning designs of sculptor George Kungl. The work of art is covered in a unique weather durable Zsolnay-glazing, and depicts one of the symbols of Eger, the famous water tower of the Tobacco Factory. Its base is embraced by tobacco leaves, while smoke is puffing out at the top. During the construction of the shopping centre, the ornamental fountain was carefully wrapped and saved, and now it is for all to see on its original site, in the ornamental park with ancient trees. Tobacco Factory Commemorative Collection Unprecedented in the country, the István Dobó Castle Museum was given the opportunity to present, in the form of an exhibition and on its original site-in a shopping centre!- the history of the Eger Tobacco Factory, in operation between 1896 and 2004. Walking through the commemorative collection, looking at the numerous old photos and objects, the visitors can learn about the process of cigarette production, and are given a glimpse into how those factory workers may have lived. Visitors to the Commemorative Collection are welcome every Saturday from 10am to 6pm. What we pride ourselves on In 2009, the shopping centre was given the Construction Industry Award of Excellence, one of the honours of the highest rank in the Hungarian construction industry. In the same year, WING Zrt, the company responsible for the development of the building, was given the FIABCI special award for the shopping centre by the Hungarian section of the International Real Estate Federation. Also in 2009, at the CNBC Arabia European Properties Awards, the complex was awarded the title of Shopping Centre of the Year, whereas earlier it was also chosen as best shopping centre in Europe by the CIJ international real estate magazine.