Budapest

Budapest is renowned as being the location of one of the most beautiful World Heritage sites. The magic of the capital lies in the combination of its ideal location along the Danube, its natural beauty, and its outstanding architecture. It was built in the middle of the central Danube basin at the junction of the most favorable river-crossing and at the meeting-point of territories with varying geographic features. The Romans founded outposts in the city 2000 years ago because of its strategic location, but the modern-day city was formed only in 1873, with the combination of the three cities of Buda, Pest, and Obuda. The panorama of the city unfolds from the Chain Bridge, the Citadel, or the Castle Quarter.

The part of Budapest that is classified as a World Heritage site includes the banks of the Danube, the Castle district, and Andrassy Avenue. The castle quarter includes the royal palace, Matthias Church, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. The Castle of Buda is one of the symbols of the nation and has witnessed wars and occupation from the 13th to the 20th centuries. It has undergone many transformations. It was converted into a mosque, for example, during the Turkish occupation. It was destroyed three times and then rebuilt, each time in the architectural style of the age. The last time was after the Second World War. Only a ten-minute walk along the Buda hillside from the Castle is the Fishermen’s Bastion, which finished construction only last century. It was built on the site of a fish market and the walls protected by the guild of fishermen. Although only ornamental in purpose, it attracts visitors and inhabitants alike because of the excellent view it affords over the city. This Castle Hill was settled as early as the 13th century, when it was chosen as the royal seat.

We climbed Gellert Hill one afternoon shortly after the snow had fallen, and it offered super views over different areas of the city. The monuments on the hill recall different periods in history: the statue of St. Gellert that of pagan times, the Citadel that of Habsburg Oppression after the 1848-49 War of Independence (it was built to better keep an eye on the Hungarians from the hilltop), and the Liberty Monument the period after WWII.

Budapest has an incredible mélange of architectural styles. It’s not just by neighborhood, either. It changes house by house, building by building. Many buildings are painted with designs, and we couldn’t help but marvel at the many varied shapes of the rooftops.

One avenue that illustrates different architectural styles admirably is Andrassy Boulevard, which was actually modeled on the Champs Elysees in Paris. Magnificent houses and mansions line this street, as well as the Opera House and St. Stephen’s Basilica. At the beginning of the street is Heroes’ Square, which is the most spectacular square in the capital. It was built to commemorate the 1000 year anniversary of the conquest of Hungary. Its 108-ft.-high column in the center of the Millenium Memorial can be seen from afar. On either side are quarter-circular colonnades, monuments to great figures in Hungarian history, and Palace of Arts and Museum of Fine Arts. Since the 1956 insurrection, it has been the place where all protests and marches start.

Despite evidence by daytime of some work that needs to be done, the city becomes glittering at nighttime, its palaces, bridges, and monuments shown off to their best.

The panorama of the famous Chain Bridge, with the Buda Castle rising above on the hillsides, has drawn many visitors to the city. The oldest bridge in Budapest (built from 1839-49) and a symbol of the city, it is even prettier by nighttime, and the view it offers of the Castle Quarter, with the Gellert statue, the Castle, and the Fishermen’s Bastion on the Buda side and the Parliament and several churches on the Pest side is breathtaking. The Parliament as seen from the Chain Bridge or from the Buda quarter across the river is fairy-like. The largest building in the country, its spires extend 96-m. into the sky and it is as a castle out of a fairy tale. In fact, this entire quarter by the river is an outstanding testament to how man has successfully and harmoniously integrated his architecture, cities, and life into the natural habitat of the river and the surrounding region.

Budapest is unique in that you will find side by side the remains of Roman fortresses, Turkish baths, and buildings in the Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles. The city justly holds the title “Queen of the Danube.” Despite its progress and development, Budapest has retained its old charm and magic. The pleasing harmony of differing architectural styles combines with the baths, the cafes and bars, and the Hungarian hospitality to provide an unforgettable experience.