The largest and most beautiful city in Hungary began with the small Celtic village of Ak-Inc, which grew up on the banks of the Danube in the 1st century BC. But today's Budapest appeared on the map of Europe in 1873 as a result of the unification of three cities: Pest on the eastern bank of the Danube, as well as Buda and Obuda, which lie on the western bank of a large European river. In our review, we will find out what this city is famous for, and most importantly, we will introduce the main attractions of Budapest, their photos and descriptions.
1
Buda Castle (Royal Palace)
The magnificent residence of Hungarian kings has been towering over the Danube for many centuries, and the first fortress on this site was built in the middle of the XIII century by order of King Bel IV.
After the loss of independence, and the capture of Hungary by the Turks, the fortress was used for military purposes. Military barracks and stables were placed here, and most of the premises were simply empty.
By 1980, the Royal Palace and its interiors were completely restored and open to visitors by tourists and numerous guests of Hungary.
2
Chain bridge
This beautiful and unique attraction of the capital is also called Secheni Lanzhid, and a chain bridge was built in 1849.
Having connected the two parts of the city, the chain bridge became the first permanent bridge over the majestic waters of the mighty Danube. An amazing engineering construction owes its second name to Count Istvan Secheni, who invested a lot of money and effort in the construction of the bridge.
The bridge is of great importance in the history of Hungary, since its construction was the first step in uniting Buda and Pest into one big city.
3
Szechenyi Bath
The architecture of Budapest, like a frozen time, represented by different eras and architectural styles. So the largest thermal complex in Europe, built in 1913, is a unique architectural monument of the early twentieth century.
The halls of the bathhouse, decorated with mosaics, original stucco moldings, sculptures and paintings on a water theme, are located under a huge dome. The complex provides many services, and in total there are 11 baths and 5 pools.
In addition, there are gyms and massage rooms, a solarium. After procedures and entertainment, everyone can have a great time in the cozy cafeteria.
4
Vajdahunyad Castle
Budapest is filled with magnificent buildings, among which the beautiful, comfortably located in Varoshliget Park stands out. The castle was built to commemorate the millennium of independence of the Hungarians, in 1896.
This monumental pavilion combines various architectural styles, from strict Gothic and airy Romanesque to ornate baroque.
After the anniversary celebrations, the beautiful pavilion was dismantled, but at the urgent request of residents, it was rebuilt in 1908, and now it houses the exposition of the Agricultural Museum.
By the way, most-beauty.ru has an interesting article about the most beautiful castles in the world.
5
Hungarian Parliament Building
The outstanding Hungarian architect Imre Steindl presented the design of the building in which the Hungarian parliament was to be located.
In the 90s of the 19th century, a magnificent architectural creation grew up on the eastern bank of the Danube, which perfectly combines elements of the Neo-Gothic and Parisian Boz-ara style.
Modern designers have created a unique illumination system, so the building looks especially beautiful in the dark, so Budapest can rightly be considered the most beautiful night city on the banks of the Danube.
6
Fishing bastion
A monumental bastion was erected on the ramparts in the western part of the city between 1899 and 1905. The architectural structure is a large area, which is surrounded by a gallery with baths.
The total length of the gallery is 140 m, and the bastion itself consists of 5 small towers and one large, which acts as the center of the architectural composition. In the heart of the installed statue of St. Stephen.
Despite its formidable name, the bastion was never a defensive structure, and it was called so because in the Middle Ages there was a large fish market surrounded by a stone wall.
7
Hungarian National Gallery
To plunge into the beautiful world of painting will help the national gallery, which has its expositions and exhibition halls in the building of the Royal Palace.
More than 100 thousand exhibits of the gallery cover various periods of the development of painting and sculpture, from Gothic to contemporary works of art.
The gallery is so huge that it is simply impossible to view all the halls in one visit, so they come back here again and again to fully enjoy the masterpieces of painting, sculpture and national applied art.
8
Heroes Square
The most famous and beautiful central square of the Hungarian capital, on which all the streets of the city converge, will amaze the tourist with its size, and has long become the hallmark of Hungary.
The real decorations of the square are several monuments, including the Millennium Monument and the war memorial. Two buildings complete the architectural composition - the Museum of Fine Arts and the unique Museum of Modern Art.
The square was inaugurated in 1896, and the celebration was attended by over 50,000 people, at a time when the total population of Budapest was just over 700 thousand inhabitants.
9
Hungarian Opera House
The Budapest Opera acquired its own building in 1884, when, according to the plan of the architect Miklos Ibl, a beautiful building was erected in the old city that amazes visitors with its splendor.
Famous Hungarian painters took part in the painting of the facades and internal walls of the opera, and a beautiful bronze chandelier weighs in the concert hall. Marble sculptures meet visitors in the halls.
The concert hall, which has excellent acoustics, can accommodate up to 1260 spectators at the same time, and the most famous opera artists performed on its stage. If you mention interesting facts about Budapest, it is worth noting that the opera hall has the shape of a horseshoe.
10
Basilica of St. Stephen (Istvan)
A sacred place for every resident of the country, a Catholic cathedral, built in honor of the famous King Stephen I, was built in the second half of the XIX century and was consecrated on November 9, 1905.
In shape, this monumental building is an equilateral cross, and bell towers are attached to the main structure from two sides. One of the bells weighs 9 tons, and its sound is heard not only in the city, but also in its environs.
The colorful mosaic, which decorates the walls and columns of the cathedral, as well as the magnificent painting of the great Hungarian masters, amazes. The altar is decorated with gilded carvings and decorative ornaments.
11
Gellert
Having opened a guide to Budapest, any tourist will find in it a mention of the beautiful mountain Gellért-hegy, which offers magnificent views of the city itself and the waters of the Danube.
The height of the hill is 235 m, and in the Middle Ages it was completely covered with vineyards. It was here at the foot of Gellert that the winemaking center was located, whose products were successfully sold in the vastness of Europe and Asia.
The mountain was named after the great martyr Gerard, a Catholic bishop and enlightener who was brutally murdered by the pagans. Since ancient times, healing springs have been beating near the mountain.
12
Citadel
At the very top of Mount Gellert is a statue of liberty, and next to it is a citadel built during the Hungarian uprising against the dominance of the Habsburg authorities.
The uprising of the patriots was suppressed, and in order to easily control these territories, the Austrians built a fortress here. From the top of the mountain, all areas of the city were clearly visible and fired upon.
After independence, the Hungarians wanted to demolish the citadel, but only the main gate was destroyed. During the two world wars of the twentieth century, the citadel was again used for its intended military purpose.
13
Hungarian National Museum of Ethnography
To understand all the intricacies of Hungarian history, as well as the mentality of the Hungarian people, you must visit the Museum of Ethnography.
Its expositions contain unique household items of the Hungarian people, archaeological artifacts of the Roman and medieval periods of history. In total, today in its halls there are more than 1 million exhibits, among which there are a lot of weapons and clothes.
It was opened at the very beginning of the XIX century, and today it is one of the most visited places in Hungary.
14
Margaret Island
According to reviews, Budapest is one of the best places in Europe for tourism and entertainment. But, tired of the bustle of the city, you can relax on the beautiful and calm island of Margit.
You can go to the island, which is conveniently located in the Danube, along the Arpad bridge. This green oasis will charm the silence of parks and alleys, and bike lovers will appreciate the quality of bike paths.
History buffs can explore the ruins of an ancient monastery, as well as visit the grave of Princess Margarita. Note that it was in honor of her that the inhabitants named the island.
You can learn about other no less beautiful islands in the world in this article.
15
Matthias Church
The beautiful Catholic Church, consecrated in honor of St. Matthias, was built on the site of the early temples in a magnificent neo-Gothic architectural style, at the very end of the XIV century.
The time for construction was chosen on the Buda hill, and its facade faces the beautiful Hagia Sophia. According to legend, the first church was built by Istvan I.
Note that the modern interior of the Catholic Church was created in the 19th century, because it sharply states with the external architecture of the assignment.
16
Central market
By visiting this place, you can simultaneously enjoy the unique attraction of the city, as well as purchase souvenirs with images or symbols of the Hungarian capital.
The building, built in 1897 from red brick, looks more like a palace. Its facade is decorated with large stained glass windows, and the roof is covered with colorful tiles.
The total area of the shopping arcade is 10 thousand square meters, and you can buy almost everything here, from food to the magnificent products of local craftsmen.
17
Vaci street
In the heart of Budapest, in its historical part, there was a main street, especially popular among tourists, where real passions and emotions boil.
This is truly a corner of social life, where majestic buildings, numerous souvenir shops and wonderful cafes are located, offering visitors to taste national cuisine.
As walking along the Arbat in Moscow and walking along Vatsi street, a person simply does not notice how time flies.
18
Museum of Transport
Budapest can rightly be called the city of museums. Everyone will find here an institution to their liking and interests. In the suburb of the capital, the small town of Sendertne, the Transport Museum, with its unusual and rare exhibits, was not lost.
In its halls, comfortably housed in the old depot, you can get acquainted not only with the history of the development of public transport in Hungary, but also touch the cars of the past, sit in the car of the old metro.
The museum, which officially opened in July 1992, has collected more than 60 rare vehicles of various historical eras.
19
Great Synagogue
Budapest also has its own historic Jewish quarter, where to this day a large number of Jews live. It is located in the eastern part of the city in the Pest district. The large synagogue, built here at the end of the 19th century, is the largest synagogue in Europe.
The height of the towers of the building is 44 meters, and the area of its premises is about 1200 m². In addition, the building of the Jewish Museum adjoins the synagogue, which can be visited by any tourist regardless of religion.
20
Shoes on the Danube Embankment
We conclude our journey on the Danube embankment, at the most exciting, disturbing and, perhaps, the most sad memorial of the country.
During the Second World War, mass executions of Jews took place in Budapest. And in order to save bullets, people simply tied, and shot at one who, dropping, dragged the rest into the water. Before the shootings people were undressed.
Male and female shoes, children's shoes stand on the banks of the Danube, as an eternal reminder of that terrible and tragic period of world history. And the silent shoes on the embankment literally scream that this would not happen again.
Completion
Now our reader knows in which country Budapest is located, and most importantly on the pages of the site take a walk on the virtual map of Budapest sights. As you can see, the capital of Hungary is rich in beautiful places, attractions, historical and architectural monuments. We hope this article will help you choose what to visit and what to see when you first get acquainted with this beautiful city.
And here is the map of attractions that we described in our article in Russian:
Article author: Valery Skiba