Culture of Budapest. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Buda Castle is one of the most striking sights of the city. This is a unique historical monument, which was built in the 15th century. The castle is located on a fortifying hill. There are some other notable buildings on its territory, such as Fishermen's Bastion and Royal Palace. The bastion is a unique architectural complex that consists of beautiful snow-white towers and buildings made in the Romanesque style.

A statue of St. Stefan is located on its territory. This statue is devoted to the first ruler of the country. In addition to interesting architectural attractions this district is famous for numerous interesting souvenir and handicraft shops. The famous Chain Bridge can be surely called a masterpiece of architecture. The bridge, which was built in 1849, connects two banks of Danube. You will see a subtle pattern on the railing of the bridge. It is also decorated with beautiful statues of lions. The bridge underwent a massive reconstruction in 2003. Once the restoration is complete, the bridge will become pedestrians only.

The Parliament building is a prominent architectural monument of the later period. Built in 1902, the building represents a unique combination of neo-Renaissance and Gothic styles. Near the building are installed 90 statues of prominent figures of the country. The interior of the building is also quite interesting - 700 rooms, 29 long staircases and luxurious design of rooms - you will need more than one day in order to inspect this building. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Nature lovers should definitely take a walk in Városliget Park. On its territory you will find a zoo, a botanical garden, and Museum of Fine Arts. Lots of interesting monuments can be seen on Heroes' Square, the main decoration of which is the statue of Archangel Gabriel. The square was founded in 1896. Besides the statues of famous Hungarian leaders here is located Museum of Fine Arts, which exhibits a rich collection of paintings belonging to 17 - 19 centuries.

Among the religious monuments of the city we should definitely distinguish Matthias Church, which is located next to Buda castle. This church was built in 1247. Every weekend the church becomes the venue of concerts, where guests can enjoy music and make a walk through a beautiful park.

Budapest being considered as a “mystical” city should not come as a surprise and neither should it be considered an idle talk, because it was here that the famous illusionist, known the world over as Harry Houdini, was born. You can get a feel of the mystical atmosphere of the city by visiting the Vajdahunyadvar. Despite the fact that the castle was built on the occasion of the millennium celebration marking the day since the founding of Hungary, it is, I am sorry to reveal, not a historical monument. It does however possess a certain romantic feel about it, and what’s more, the mentioned Varosliget Park in which it is located, is considered a favorite location for couples in love seeking to take a walk. You see, this could only have been possible if not thanks to the castle. Dohány utcai Zsinagóga is another beautiful and mysterious place worthy of a visit. The church is one of the largest synagogues in the world, being second only to the New York Emanu-El.

In Budapest there is the opportunity for you to see a lot of Palaces, many of which will not fail to amaze you with their magnificence. Among them are the Palaces of Clotilde, Dreschsler Palace, and the Stock Exchange Palace. Each of these buildings is a part of the original decoration of the city, and it is impossible to imagine the modern capital of Hungary without them. This statement may come as a surprise given the fact that some of them (for example, the Stock Exchange Palace) were built only at the beginning of the 20th century, but it is however true. In the homeland of Harry Houdini, there are also many so-called “ruin-pubs” and they can be found basically in the Jewish Quarter. Pubs are located in old houses, and many of them carry no signs, thus giving the City an even more mysterious reputation. Here, in the Jewish Quarter, you can find the Keret klub, where you will feel some kind of Hungarian chill out.

Budapest is also interesting owing to its cathedrals. An amazing example of Baroque architecture, St. Franziskus Assisi Kirche, built according to the project of Miklos Iblya, attracts tourists both with its exterior (sculptural images of saints), and interior (beautiful decoration). Jáki kápolna, despite being a small church, is attractive from the point of view of those feelings that arise during her visit. Unusual peace and tranquility – that is what is felt here. Outside the chapel, above the main entrance, you can find sculptures of saints.

You can find out a different history of the city by for instance exploring the streets of Lovas út, where the Sziklakórház Múzeum is located. The building comprises of a system of tunnels and caves that were used as bomb shelters, and as well as hospitals during the Second World War. It also served for a short time as a prison house where dissidents were held during the Stalinist repressions. Filozófusok Kertje – a place where you can see monuments dedicated to the great figures of religion and philosophy, is another compulsory place to visit. The masterpiece was built by the famous Hungarian sculptor Nandor Wagner.