‘Hungarian Rome’ chosen among the most astonishing underrated cities in the world

Architectural Digest has published its list of the top 13 most beautiful yet underrated cities in the world. A Hungarian town took the first place as the world’s most astonishing underrated city. This special town has unique architecture and was named the ‘Hungarian Rome’. Nowadays, many visit the town to explore its castle, the basilica, and nearby baths and taste its famous wine.

Beautiful underrated cities in the world

As Lelépő writes, your travel experiences shape how you perceive some of the world’s most underrated cities, often overlooked but rich in beauty and history. Architectural Digest highlights such hidden gems, including Eger in Hungary. These lesser-known destinations span the globe, from a once royal-favoured town in Germany to an Algerian settlement built around a sacred cave. The list also features a tranquil Spanish village popular with celebrities and a small town in Oregon known for its vibrant scientific community. These underrated cities deserve far more recognition for their unique charm and cultural significance.

Eger in Hungary topped Germany’s Goslar, Mallorca’s Deia, and China’s Lijiang in a recent Architectural Digest ranking of underrated cities in the world. The list also features hidden gems such as Procida in Italy, Schiedam in the Netherlands, Symi in Greece, and Ghardaia in Algeria. Other notable mentions include Nagano in Japan, Ashland in Oregon, Orvieto in Italy, Cajamarca in Peru, and Swakopmund in Namibia. These underrated cities showcase unique cultures, landscapes, and histories that are often overlooked by travellers.

The ‘Hungarian Rome’

Eger, a picturesque historic town in northern Hungary, has topped the list of the world’s most beautiful yet underrated cities. The town of Eger is known for its medieval castle and impressive Baroque architecture. Due to its abundance of churches in the 18th century, Eger was once named the ‘Hungarian Rome’. Beneath the city lies over 100 kilometres of tunnels, originally used during the Turkish wars and now repurposed as wine cellars. This historic and architectural gem is a must-visit for travellers exploring underrated cities in the world.

Eger, Hungary. Photo: depositphotos.com

Eger, basilica, view, building underrated cities in the world

Photo: www.facebook.com/csodasmagyarorszag

About Eger

Eger’s history stretches back over a thousand years, with the city playing a pivotal role in the defence of Hungary against the Ottoman Empire. Eger is most famous for its heroic resistance during the 1552 siege, where a small Hungarian force defended Eger Castle against a vastly larger Turkish army. Today, visitors are drawn to its well-preserved castle, the grand Eger Basilica, and its thermal baths. Additionally, Eger is celebrated for its wine, particularly the robust red blend known as Egri Bikavér, or “Bull’s Blood.” This legacy, paired with the city’s charming ambience, makes Eger a cherished destination in Hungary.