Budapest

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and it is the political, economic, transport, arts and touristic centre of the country. Its historical memories, culture, relaxation and entertainment possibilities attract more than two million tourists each year. There are only a few spots in the world where so many architectural styles are represented as in Budapest. Here you can find baroque, classicistic, romantic, neo-renaissance, neo-baroque and eclectic buildings, as well. Several significant buildings (e.g. Iparművészeti múzeum (Museum of Applied Arts), Postatakarékpénztár (Post Savings Bank)) remind to the art nouveau style blooming in the early 20^th century. In the city there are 223 museums and galleries, including collections of international significance, waiting for those interested. You can view the touristic sights either on foot or by bus or ship, within the framework of organised sight-seeing tours. It is also worth booking for the events of the thematic program ships (e.g. dance ship, wine ship) being very popular with tourists. The pleasure boats departing from the city visit the most significant settlements of Dunakanyar (Curve of the Danube), e.g. Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom. Ship traffic is ensured all through the year between Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna.

River Danube crosses the city in a length of 30 kilometres. On its right side the hills of the Buda Mountains dominate, while on its left side the plain of Pest extends. Budapest has unique natural features. Caves, nature conservation areas, vineyards and more than 100 mineral- and thermal-water springs can be found in its territory. The waters springing forth naturally or due to deep drillings and having different temperatures and compositions have made Budapest a renowned spa city. In the 2.5 km long Margit-sziget (Margaret Island) to be found in the centre of the city and being closed down from car traffic parks, walkways and sports fields wait for those wishing to relax. A sports swimming pool, beach and hotel operate on the island, where in the summertime open-air theatre performances are held. Hajógyári-sziget (Ship Factory Island) to be found north to the island hosts one of the largest pop festivals of Europe.

The banks of River Danube were raised to the rank of world heritage by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in the cultural category in 1987. According to their justification, in addition to its having an outstandingly beautiful view, it very well demonstrates the different eras of the history of the capital.  The 60 hectare area extends from Margit-híd (Margaret Bridge) to Szabadság-híd (Freedom Bridge). The Castle Quarter on the Buda side is part of the world heritage. On the plateau of the Castel Hill Béla the 4^th was the first to have a castle built in the 13^th century. Budavári Palota (Budavár Castle) to be found here has become one of the symbols of the city. The panorama opening before us from the neo-Romanesque view-terraces opens up a special view to the Pest side. The Mathias Church standing on Szentháromság tér (Saint Trinity Square), otherwise called Parish Church of Virgin Mary was the venue of events (crowning ceremonies, royal weddings, etc.) of national significance during its 700-year history.

One of the most ancient inhabited places of the capital is Gellért-hegy (Gellért Hill) located south from the Castle Hill, which was considered an ideal place for settling down with its cave and thermal water springs. The sculpture of Freedom standing on the top of the hill towers over the city with a height of 170 metres. After the revolution and war of independence in 1948-49 a fortress was built on the top of the hill (this is where the name Citadel originates from) and in the 1960's it was reconstructed for touristic purposes. The attractiveness of the Citadel is primarily due to its unmatched panorama. The Gellért Spa and Hotel built in the art nouveau style at the foot of the hill also lies in the world heritage area.

The Pest side can also boast of several protected buildings, out which the most significant one is the Houses of Parliament. The monumental building standing on the bank of River Danube is nearly 270 metres long, its largest width is 118 metres and its dome is 96 metres high referring to the conquest in 896. This is where the parliament holds its sessions and where the over one-thousand-year-old Holy Crown, the sceptre, the orb and the crowning sword are kept. The Houses of Parliament, considered to be the symbol of Budapest, appears to have a neo-Gothic effect but marks of the renaissance and baroque styles can also be discovered in it. Heading south from here, the more significant buildings are the Gresham Palace, the building of Magyar Tudományos Akadémia (Hungarian Academy of Sciences), Pesti Vigadó, Belvárosi Plébánia-templom (Downtown Parish Church) and the building of the Corvinus University. Parts of this world heritage area are also Margit híd (Margaret Bridge), Lánchíc (Chain Bridge) Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge) and Szabadság híd (Freedom Bridge). In 2002 UNESCO extended the area with Andrássy út (Andrássy Avenue) connecting the downtown with Hősök tere (Heroes Square). On this avenue stands the Opera House and here runs the first underground of the European continent, opened in 1896, the year of the celebration of the millennium.

In addition to its unique touristic sights, the city ensures a number of possibilities also for those wishing to have active relaxation. For cyclers it is worthwhile to discover the cycle tracks developed on the Buda side of River Danube, from where a gorgeous view opens to the city. Swimming pools, riding halls, go-kart tracks, golf courses, caving possibilities, different sports facilities and in wintertime skate rinks and, if there is sufficient snow, skiing possibility on János Hill await those desiring to go in for some sport. Lovers of flying sports can try hang-gliding, parachuting, gliding and can also fly smaller motor aircraft. Hikers can chose form several hiking tracks in the Buda Mountains. A favourite target is Erzsébet kilátó (Elizabeth lookout) on János Hill, which is one of the most beautiful lookouts of Budapest. From the 528 m high hill you can go back to the city by a chair-lift. In the cosy streets of the downtown restaurants, pastry shops, cafés and different shops await tourists. The fireworks on 20 August, the date of the foundation of the state, the feast of trades held simultaneously in the Buda Castle and the traditional Christmas fair organised in Vörösmarty square provide unique experience both for the people living here and those coming from abroad.

Sources: http://hu.wikipedia.org/, http://www.magyarorszag-szep.hu/, http://www.budapest-regio.hu/

Dr. Dénes György: Budapest és a Dunakanyar. Carthographia, Budapest. 2001