Who has ever been able to explain where love comes from? What is it that makes two people feel attracted to each other? It is a complex of physiological and psychological processes, inexplicably beautiful, uplifting and down-to-earth. It is much the same with cities, though their allure is easier to explain. We take away with us the abiding impressions of buildings, streets, squares and sights, and of course, the atmosphere, the feel of the place.
Budapest, the capital city of Hungay consists of two parts, Buda and Pest and these are crossed by the beautiful river Danube. The view of the Danube bend is a part of the world heritage, as well as the Parlament, Buda Castle and the Heroe's square.The National Hungarian Art Gallery (located in Buda Castle) is located in the castle district, a very popular place for local and also for foreign tourists. Talking about Budapest, we shouldn't miss out the 5th district which is the historical downtown of Budapest, where we could take a walk along Váci street, the most famous Hungarian shopping street, to Vörösmarty Square, where we should take a rest in the famous Gerbeaud café. The capital city is also rich in green areas; Budapest’s largest public park, Margaret Island can be an ideal place for sports, relaxing and also for nightlife. Budapest is rich in thermal water with it’s more than 70 thermal springs, which you can enjoy in one of the well known spas, like Gellért, Széchenyi and Rudas.
Just strolling around Budapest's winding back streets is an attraction in itself, but as you'll find out, this city is just brimming with attractions for you to explore.
It has some remarkable attractions like the magnificent Saint Stephen's Basilica, Chain Bridge – one of the city's most famous landmarks and the impressive 19th century Budapest Parliament building overlooking the Danube.
While in Budapest take the time to explore the Cave Chapel on Gellert Hill, the ancient Roman ruins of Aquincum, and Budapest World Heritage Sites. These heritage sites include valuable historic attractions like the Castle District, the Royal Palace, the Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church and Andrássy Avenue with Heroes Square and the Opera House.
If you get the chance a visit to the House of Terror, Dohany Street Synagogue and Margaret Island is well worth it.
Other attractions you may like to visit include outdoor areas such as City Park, Vorosmarty Square and Freedom Square or to do something on a rainy day you might like to visit Central Market Hall or Vajdahunyad Castle.
Or you could hire a car and escape the city for a day and explore the great plains of Hungary.
A SHORT HISTORY REMAKE...
Thanks to the favourable location of Budapest, the area was already inhabited in the prehistoric ages. The Celts built up a settlement at the territory of today's Óbuda.
During the first century, the Romans widened the border of their empire towards the Danube, and built up their military fortresses, Aquincum, in today's Budapest area. Around the fortresses a city has developed, which remains can be found at today's Óbuda (stone roads, amphitheatres, bastions, and fortresses).
The Roman regime collapsed at the end of the fourth century and during the migrations the area of today's Budapest became under Hun, Longobard and Avar rule.
The Hungarians occupied the Pest part of the city at the end of the conquest in the 9 th century. During the 11 th century, an important crossing place has developed at the foot of the Gellert-hill. At the end of the 12 th century, a settlement can be found in Óbuda, in Pest and around the Gellert-hill.
In 1241, the Mongols destroyed most of Pest and Óbuda. After the Tartars left the country, the Buda castle was built and during the 12 th century it became of great importance. Buda was the royal residence and citizen area, while Pest operated as a commercial centre.
In the 15 th century, during the rule of King Matthias Buda became the political, cultural and artistic centre of contemporary Europe. The Royal Palace was rebuilt, a library, a printing house and a college were opened.
From the 16 th century the city stood under the rule of the Turkish Empire, and became an Asian-type, Eastern city. Apart from the world famous Turkish Baths few remarkable monuments were raised during this period.
From the end of the 17 th century on Budapest was rebuilt step by step. The today's town hall and most of the baroque churches were erected during this period. The Royal Palace has been also renewed. Buda was the administrative, while Pest was the main industrial and commercial centre of the country.
At the first half of the 19 th century, Pest became the intellectual centre of Hungary. The development continued, the Chain Bridge was erected.
After the war of independence, The Compromise of 1867 the Hungarian-Austrian Monarchy was established and this had a very positive impact on the city's development.
In 1873 Buda, Pest and Óbuda united. Budapest developed, new bridges, parks, drains, public lighting, stone roads and underground. Before the end of the 19 th century Budapest with its 800,000 inhabitants became a metropolitan and the competed with the size and importance of Vienna. Pest turned to be the commercial, administrational, political and cultural centre of the country.
During the 2 nd World War most of the city was ruined or damaged, the bridges were all destroyed. Between 1942 and 1950 Budapest was rebuilt. In 1950 the number of inhabitants of the city has increased because the surrounding settlements were annexed to the capital.
In 1956, the entering Soviet troops made big destruction in some parts of Budapest.
Hungary was part of the Communist world until 1990. It is hard to find relics characteristic to the era, because after the transition the monuments and symbols of the regime were carried away.
Budapest is not only this!
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