The Eger Minaret is the northernmost surviving monument of the Ottoman Empire in Europe — a slender, 40-metre sandstone tower rising above the rooftops of a charming Hungarian city. Climb its 98 narrow steps and you will be rewarded with a bird's-eye view over Eger's terracotta rooftops, church spires, and rolling vine-covered hills.

Standing at the junction of four streets, the tower is impossible to miss. Its broad base tapers elegantly upward, and at 26 metres an intricately crafted wrought-iron balcony rings the shaft — the same balcony from which a muezzin called out in 2013 for the first time in centuries. The atmosphere around the minaret shifts beautifully with the seasons: lively summer mornings, golden autumn light from the surrounding wine country, and crisp winter silhouettes against a pale sky all make this a rewarding visit year-round.

• Eger city centre (minaret square) — a short walk of just a few minutes from anywhere in the old town, easy level. The tower is very well signposted.

• Entrance to the minaret is ticketed — check current prices locally before visiting.
• The interior spiral staircase is very narrow and steep (98 steps) — not recommended for those with claustrophobia or very young children.
• Best light for photography: early morning or late afternoon for warm, soft tones over the rooftops.
• The stone cone at the top was added in 1897 to a design by István Möller, funded by public donation.

Here is a story worth sharing: in 1687, after the Ottomans were driven out, the Hungarians tried to pull the minaret down using 400 oxen — and failed. Instead of demolishing it, they simply planted a cross on top of the crescent moon, a quirky detail you can still spot today.