Budapest Castle Hill
Crowning the hilly west bank of Budapest ‘s Buda district is Castle Hill, a district rich in historic sites and famous for its magnificent panoramas.
Flickr – archer10 (Dennis)
The Castle District is one of the Hungarian capital’s most popular tourist attractions, and may be worth more than a day’s stroll through the winding streets, admiring the beautiful architecture and enjoying the breathtaking views over Pest, the other part of the city.
In fact, it’s a good idea to return in the evening, especially for a bite to eat, when the crowds of tourists have left and it’s just you, the locals and the artists playing music. The atmosphere blends in perfectly with the surroundings.
Budapest Castle is of course one of the things to do in Budapest, but the Buda district also has its own things to see and visit. Here’s a short list:
The Habsburg Gate and the Turul
This is the gate through which you enter the castle grounds. On the left in the photo, you can see a large eagle with its wings spread: this is the Turul, the most important mythological bird in the Magyar origin myth.
Flickr – ruminatrix
The Royal Palace (Budapest Castle)
As its name suggests, the Royal Palace was once the residence of the Hungarian kings. Rebuilt several times due to wartime destruction, and constantly renovated, today’s palace is a blend of architectural styles.
Flickr – Omar A.
No longer used as a royal residence, the palace now houses the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. The gallery exhibits an important collection of Hungarian paintings, drawings and sculptures.
Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy
Just opposite the main entrance to the palace is a statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy, hero of the wars against the Turks. The statue was actually commissioned by the town of Zenta(Senta in French), but as the town could not afford to pay for it, it was bought back and erected here instead.
Wikimedia – Karelj
King Matthias Fountain
In the west courtyard of Buda Palace is the Matthias Fountain. The fountain tells the story of Ilonka (heroine of a famous 19th-century folk song by Mihály Vörösmarty) and how she fell in love with King Matthias when he was hunting incognito.
Flickr – aatflickr
King Matthia stands on the highest rock, a dead stag at his feet. On the rocks below, his lieutenant blows his horn, while another hunter rests. Three dogs complete the central part of the fountain.
Ilonka (right) and Galeotto Marzio (an Italian chronicler who lived at the court of King Matthias, left), flank the fountain on either side.
Not far from the fountain, you’ll find another statue called Csikós, sculpted by György Vastagh.
Wikimedia – Derzsi Elekes Andor
Sándor Palace
Sándor Palace was the official residence of the Prime Minister until 1944, and is now the residence of the President of the Republic. This neoclassical building is nicknamed the White House.
Wikimedia – Varius
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to watch the elaborate, choreographed changing of the guard.
Wikimedia – Einstein2
Opposite the palace is an area of medieval excavations, and next door is the Várszínház, a theater that was once a monastery.
Place de la Trinité
Place de la Trinité is essentially the main part of the old town. In the center of the square stands the Trinity Column, commemorating the end of the plague epidemic. The column is adorned with small statues of angels and larger statues of saints, crowned by a sculpture representing the Holy Trinity.
Flickr – Budapest Moments
The square is surrounded by the Central Archives, Matthias Church and Old Town Hall.
Matthias Church – Flickr – \ Ryan
The Fishermen’s Bastion
The Fishermen’s Bastion is one of the most beautiful observation terraces you may have visited so far. Its neo-Romanesque architecture features seven conical turrets, representing the seven original Magyar tribes that settled the Pannonian Plain in 896.
Flickr – Duda Arraes
The bastion was named after the fishermen’s guild that was supposed to defend the area from invaders during the Middle Ages.
Wikimedia – mikkamakkax
The Fishermen’s Bastion is unlike anything you’ll see in Budapest, and is a great place to enjoy a panoramic view of the Danube and the Hungarian Parliament building.
The rest of the neighborhood
Beyond the Place de la Trinité, few tourists venture into the streets, yet they’re more like those of a small town. You can admire the Porte de Vienne, for example, and take the stairs up to the top of the gate. You’ll get a view of the city’s hills.
Flickr – James Byrum
Other monuments to see include several churches and beautiful buildings.
Another attraction is the labyrinthine Budapest Catacombs beneath Buda Castle. Here we learn that Dracula was imprisoned here by King Matthias.
How to get to Buda and the castle Information
The best way to get to Buda Castle is to take the Clark Ádám tér funicular, located at the end of the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd). The round trip by funicular will cost you around €5. You can also go up on foot, which is much more pleasant and not too difficult.
Here’s a map to locate Budapest Castle, but you can’t miss it – it dominates the Danube.
Admission to the Hungarian National Gallery costs 1400 forints (€4.5). You also have to pay to enter the Matthias Church and the highest terrace of the Fishermen’s Bastion. If you want to eat or drink in Buda, you’ll have no trouble finding a restaurant or café.