Eger

Eger, a town and river of Bohemia.—(1) The town stands on the right bank of the Eger, 66 miles NW. of Pilsen by rail, and near the Bohemian frontier. It was formerly a border fortress of some importance, but its fortifications were razed in 1809; it is now the chief railway centre in north-west Bohemia. The ruins of the imperial burg or citadel consist of a square black tower, a chapel (in the Romanesque and early Gothic style), and part of the great hall. The inhabitants of Eger (17,148 in 1880) carry on considerable trade and various industries, weaving, brewing, shoemaking, &c. In the town-house Wallenstein was murdered on 25th February 1634. Eger was taken by the Swedes in 1631 and 1647, and by the French in 1742.—(2) The river Eger rises 12 miles NW. of the town of Eger, in the Fichtelgebirge, at an altitude of 2362 feet, and flows in a general east-north-east direction, joining the Elbe opposite Leitmeritz, after a course of 190 miles. It is not navigable, owing to its falls and the boulders that obstruct its channel; but it abounds in fish.