Budapest is the Hungarian capital in Europe. This city is one of the main tourist attractions in the region. The history enriched streets, local traditions, and amazing culinary cuisine attract more and more people each year. The city of Budapest has many interesting sites to be explored but one of the most interesting historical aspects is the Old Town. Budapest old town can be described as the place where ancient historic sites and buildings are preserved from the time of the kings. The famous Danube River in Budapest divides the city into two parts; Buda and Pest. One half is located on one side of the Danube River and the other half on the opposite side of the river. Pest is the more flat and modern part of the city whilst Buda is the hilly, ancient historical part of the city.
Buda is the place in the city where the ancient kings used to reside. They chose this side of the river due to strategic reasons. Here, Buda sits on a hill that is called “Castle Hill” and it has many historical sites from the ancient time such as the Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle and Matthias Church. Budapest old town is a small region on the hill that is essentially a pedestrian zone. It is small enough that the sites of the old town can be explored by walking around on foot. Budapest old town gives a truly ancient feel of medieval times. Here you will find old houses that date back to the 14th century and some amazing cozy little local restaurants as well which exploring the old town and you will also experience walking on cobblestone.
Here are some details of the amazingly beautiful and interesting attractions to explore in Budapest Old Town:
Buda Castle
Buda Castle is also locally known as Budavari Palota. Its constructed was ordered in 1265 by the ancient Buda king, King Bela IV. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Castle hill. Buda Castle was also known as the Royal Palace. The huge castle that was once a royal palace and home to many royal Buda families is now home to the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery and the famous and prestigious Szechenyi Library for people to come and visit and learn more about the rich history of the town. The museums display some amazing artwork and paintings from well-known Hungarian artists, many of which were realists and Gothic altarpieces are also displayed in the National Gallery. The library is home to rich Hungarian literature and history books as well and is a heaven for historians, literary fans and any adventurous soul willing to absorb as many tales as the old town offers.
The Fisherman’s Bastion
The Fisherman’s Bastion is locally known as “Halaszbastya” in Hungarian. This is one of the main tourist attractions on castle hill. The terrace of this building has a unique architecture prominent with its neo-Gothic style and it dominates as the main site of the castle hill. The name “Fisherman’s Bastion” is known to be derived from the fishermen that defended the area during the Middle Ages. This was a viewing platform after the siege of Budapest; however, the bastion gives off more of a “fairytale castle” feel to it rather than a fort.
The Citadel
This is a fortress located on the Gellert Hill is also on the Buda side of the city. It is a U-shaped fortress and one of the main attractions of Budapest Old Town. Tourists often come here to visit the site, learn its history and view the beautiful scene of the evening sunset from here as it is a famous aspect of the town. The fortress was initially a point of surveillance in the ancient times but then became a point of control over the rebellions of Budapest; now it stands as a landmark, exhibition space of the history of Budapest, and World War 2 museum and is a breath-taking tourist attraction.
Matthias Church
This is another historic site that is a must-visit in the old town of Budapest. Make sure to tour the gothic church and explore it by entering inside and absorbing all the history it projects. The church is one of the tourist attractions that offer a deep experience from the city’s past.
Budapest Old Town has many more ancient sites that tourists should explore in order to have a complete experience of the city’s history. It has so much to offer and is an adventurous tour full of excitement and knowledge.
