Buda Castle Quarter is a part of the 1st district of Budapest, known as the Castle, and is an ancient area of the city of Buda. Since 1987 it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Buda Castle Quarter. The three main parts of the Buda Castle Quarter are the Buda Castle Palace, St. George's Square (together: Buda Palace Quarter) and the historic residential area.
Visitors can explore the castle grounds and its cobblestone streets, admire the breathtaking views from the castle's hilltop, and visit the national galleries, museums, and monuments located within the walls.
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The breathtaking story of the Buda Castle Quarter
Constructed in the 13th century to protect against the Mongols and the Tartars, the first castle on Castle Hill was the precursor to the grand palace that stands today. In the 14th century, the Duke of Slavonia built the oldest part of the current-day castle, the foundations of the castle keep. King Sigismund, the Holy Roman Empire, saw the need for a large, fortified palace and increased the strength and prominence of the castle to match his own status. Under his rule, the castle became the largest Gothic palace of its time.
In the 1500s, the Ottoman army besieged Budapest and caused much damage to the Gothic palace. Despite being under Ottoman rule, it continued to deteriorate and was eventually destroyed by Christian forces in 1686. Following this devastation, new palaces were erected in its place, beginning with a small Baroque palace in 1715 and later a larger structure under the direction of Queen Maria Theresa in the mid-18th century.
From the 1770s to the 1850s, the palace was inhabited by nuns, the Habsburg Palatine, and various military forces. After Franz Joseph was made the ruler of Hungary in 1867, the palace became one of his dwellings. It was re-constructed in a Neo-Classical Baroque style by that time. In the late 19th century, with the rapid economic growth in Hungary, the city of Budapest decided to invest in the palace. From 1875 to 1912, several changes were made to the palace, such as the addition of a Garden Pavilion and a bigger banquet hall.
Despite the damage it endured during WWII, the Buda Castle has been restored to a remarkable extent. Now, this impressive 18th-century structure holds over 200 rooms and is centered around a grand central dome, offering breathtaking views of the Danube. Its symmetrical layout makes exploring the castle easier, despite its large size. Despite the destruction of much of the interior during WWII, there are still parts of the palace open to visitors. With its varied architectural styles and historical significance, the Buda Castle is a must-see in Budapest.
Beneath the city of Budapest lies a real hidden world, a labyrinth of more than 200 caves.
If you're planning a trip to Budapest, make sure to leave sufficient time in your itinerary to explore Buda Castle in all of its glory. This castle has a lot to offer, such as museums and galleries, so here is a brief overview of what you can expect to find there.
Now, let's see the main parts of Buda Castle Quarter!
Buda Castle
Buda Castle is located in a picturesque setting "near" the Chain Bridge, on the top of the hill on Szent György Square. A walk through the medieval castle walls takes you back to the age of the knights, when our kings could only reach the castle on horseback. Nowadays, you can also take the Castle Hill Funicular from the Buda side of the Chain Bridge, which offers a unique panorama along the 95-metre-long route.
The neo-Baroque building of the Palace of Buda Castle has many rooms and halls, with a huge dome rising up in the middle.
The Castle is also home to the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery and the National Széchenyi Library. The Budapest History Museum is located in the southern wing of the Palace, where you can admire a wealth of artefacts from the 1800s. The Hungarian National Gallery houses a variety of Hungarian sculpture and painting.
Site Location: Szent György Square
GPS coordinates: 47.497793, 19.037382
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Matthias Church
Matthias Church is also located in Buda Castle Quarter, one of the most spectacular Baroque churches in Budapest. It was the place where Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary and Queen Elisabeth of Hungary were crowned. Even today it is one of the most spectacular place of wedding ceremonies.
Matthias Church is one of the oldest churches in Budapest. Built in the 12th century, it is a Romanesque-Gothic style building with a stunning array of stained glass windows and a stunning spire. For centuries it has remained one of the city's most important religious sites, and it is a popular tourist destination.
The church was originally constructed in the 11th century, but the current building dates back to the 13th century. It was built by King Béla IV, who wanted to commemorate his victory over the Mongols at the Battle of Muhi in 1241. At this time, the church was known as the Church of Our Lady. The original construction was built in a Romanesque style and it was enlarged in the Gothic style in the 14th century.
Throughout the centuries, the church has undergone several renovations and extensions. The most notable of these was in the 19th century when it was extensively renovated in the Neo-Gothic style. This renovation included the installation of the church's impressive spire, which stands at nearly 70 meters tall. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning stained glass windows, the Baroque-style altarpiece, and the two-story pulpit.
Matthias Church is one of the most beautiful and important churches in Europe, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Budapest. Its stunning architecture and its historical significance make it a must-see destination.
Site Location: Szentháromság (Trinity) Square
GPS coordinates: 47.501706, 19.034054
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Fisherman's Bastion
Right behind Matthias Church there is the Fisherman's Bastion. A favourite spot for tourists is the observation deck, which offers a beautiful panorama of the Danube. The lower parts of the Fisherman's Bastion are always open, while the main tower is open to the public for a fee and closes at 19:00 and 20:00 in summer.
It is a terrace made up of seven towers that overlook the Danube River and the city's skyline. It was built in the late 19th century and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest.
The Bastion was built on the site of a former fishing village, and its name comes from the fishermen who lived there. The towers represent the seven Hungarian tribes who settled in the area in the 9th century. Each of the towers is adorned with statues and intricate designs, adding to the beauty of the Bastion.
The Bastion is a popular spot for tourists, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the cityscape from the terrace. The Bastion is also a great spot for photography, and visitors can take in the stunning views of the Danube and the Buda Castle.
The Fisherman's Bastion is a symbol of the city and its rich history. It is a reminder of a time long gone, when fishermen lived and worked in the area. It is also a reminder of the way Budapest has grown and evolved over the centuries.
The Bastion is a must-see for anyone visiting Budapest. Its unique architecture and stunning views make it a must-see destination. It is a great spot for tourists to relax and take in the beauty of the city. From the Bastion, visitors can enjoy the views of the Danube, the Buda Castle, and the city skyline. It is a place of beauty and history, and it is a reminder of how far the city has come.
Castle Garden Bazaar
Below Buda Castle is the Castle Garden Bazaar, a World Heritage Site. It is a beautiful place to stroll around, with museums, a garden cinema, exhibitions, concerts and restaurants to diversify the activities of tourists. You can also take the escalator to Buda Castle.
Events
The Festival of Crafts is held in Buda Castle every August.
Visitors can also learn about various crafts such as pottery, embroidery, forging, egg decorating and traditional costume making. Craft demonstrations, fairs, concerts and play-house activities will add colour to the programme. The event is open to the public for an entrance fee.
The Budapest Wine Festival, one of Europe's finest gastronomic events, takes place in September at the Buda Castle Palace. Visitors will be able to taste special wines from foreign and domestic winemakers, while the event will be enriched by colourful music programmes. The festival is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket.
Tips: If you want to take really nice pictures of Budapest, the best place to do it is from the front of the Buda Castle or the Fishermen's Bastion, where the terrace overlooking the city offers a full panorama of the capital.
Site Location for taking beautiful photos: Statue of Maria Mother in front of the Budapest History Museum
GPS coordinates: 47.495111, 19.041435
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