Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It's beautifully situated on the Danube River, with the hilly Buda side on the west and the flatter Pest side on the east. This unique geography contributes to the city's charm and distinctive character.

                                                                     HISTORY

The city's story begins with Celtic settlements, which later evolved into the Roman town of Aquincum. As the capital of Lower Pannonia, Aquincum flourished, leaving behind impressive ruins still visible today.

Hungarians arrived in the region around the 9th century, establishing their own settlements. However, a devastating blow came in the 13th century when the Mongols invaded, causing widespread destruction.

From the ashes of the Mongol invasion, Buda emerged as a significant center. Its strategic location on the Danube River contributed to its growth. Meanwhile, on the opposite bank, Pest developed as a commercial hub.

Buda during the Middle Ages, woodcut from the Nuremberg Chronicle (1493)

The 16th century marked a period of Ottoman rule, which left a lasting impact on the city's architecture and culture. After the Ottomans were expelled in the late 17th century, both Buda and Pest experienced a renaissance.

In 1873, Buda and Pest, along with Óbuda, united to form the city of Budapest. This merger marked a pivotal moment, as the city rapidly expanded and developed into a major European metropolis.

The 20th century brought significant challenges, including World Wars, the rise of communism, and the subsequent transition to democracy. Despite these trials, Budapest has emerged as a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

BUDAPEST FUN FACTS

The city has an estimated population of 1,752,286 over a land area of about 525 square kilometres (203 square miles)

The historic Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been the home of Hungarian kings since the 13th century. It now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.

Beneath the Buda Castle lies a complex system of caves and tunnels, known as the Labyrinth of Buda Castle. It has been used for various purposes over the centuries, including a hospital and a wine cellar.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge, completed in 1849, was the first permanent bridge to connect Buda and Pest. It is one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks and was a marvel of engineering at the time.

The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. Built between 1854 and 1859, it can accommodate 3,000 worshippers.

Budapest has a rich café culture with many historic cafés. Café Gerbeaud, established in 1858, is one of the most famous and luxurious, known for its opulent interior and delicious pastries.

The Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok), built in 1897, is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. It is renowned for its architectural beauty and wide variety of goods.

The Hungarian Parliament Building is the third largest parliament building in the world. Completed in 1904, it has 691 rooms, 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of stairs, and 40 million bricks were used in its construction.

Jorge Franganillo from Barcelona, Spain - Budapest: Hungarian Parliament

It has the oldest underground subway train system in Europe. The line opened in 1896 in the year when Hungary celebrated its 1000th anniversary, hence the name Millennium Underground.

Budapest is often called the "City of Spas" because it has more thermal water springs than any other capital city in the world. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath, built in 1913, is one of the largest spa complexes in Europe.

Budapest has its own Statue of Liberty, located on Gellért Hill. It was erected in 1947 to commemorate the liberation of Hungary by Soviet forces during World War II.

The city's famous "ruin pubs" are bars set up in abandoned buildings, stores, or lots. The first and most famous is Szimpla Kert, which opened in 2002 in the Jewish Quarter.

Budapest, declares lomtalanítás or "get-rid-of-junk" days where residents pile mountains of trash in the streets. Scavengers, scrappers, and collectors sift through the piles before sanitation workers clean it all up.