MAJOR ATTRACTIONS AND SOME LESS TOURISTY PLACES
These 10 interesting sights in Budapest aren’t necessarily all major tourist attractions, some are a little off-beat, but all are places I found quite fascinating to see in the marvellous capital city of Hungary.
I visited Hungary during the final stop of my European River Cruise where we docked on the banks of the Danube River. I spent a couple of days here, and took a guided tour, then explored a little on my own as well.
Budapest is an enchanting city and one I hope to return to, as it offers much to tourists with a fascinating history, grand architecture, beautiful scenery and a vibrant lifestyle.
Here are 10 of the most interesting sights in Budapest that I enjoyed seeing on my recent travels here.
1. Gellért Hill Cave Church
Gellért Hill Cave Church or Rock Church is a unique church set into the rock face of the hillside with a striking white stone façade and tower. It was built in the 1920’s dedicated to Our Lady of Hungary.
Also known as Saint Ivan’s Cave, after a hermit who lived there, who is believed to have used the natural thermal water nearby to heal people.
The cave has served as a chapel, a monastery and a field hospital for the army of Nazi Germany during World War II.
2. St. Gerard Sagredo Statue & Waterfall
St. Gerard Sagredo Statue stands high above a waterfall on Gellért Hill which is named after Saint Gerard, of the 11th century, and located on the Buda side of the city.
The large bronze monument, from 1904, commemorates the Saint’s martyrdom on this spot, where he was thrown into the Danube by pagans.
The statue depicts the Saint holding a cross, framed by a semi-circular colonnade and a waterfall below.
Located near the Buda side of the Elisabeth Bridge, the site is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline and a popular stop for tourists, as there is also a historic fort on the hill, called the Citadella.
Built in 1854, the old fort here once served as a prison camp, an arsenal, and then accommodation. Now the Citadella is a tourist hub and lookout point.
You can climb the hill up the stairs at St Gerard monument and walk the whole hilltop area.
3. Garden Of Philosophy
Also on Gellért Hill, on the western side, is the tranquil Garden of Philosophy, one of the most interesting sights in Budapest, where statues of great thinkers and religious leaders stand together in the park, perched high above the city.
These 5 bronze sculptures of key religious and philosophical figures from different cultures include Buddha, Gandhi, Jesus, Akhenaten and Laozi. They form an inner circle around a small silver orb contemplating life in peaceful harmony.
On the side watching, are statues of other spiritual leaders – Gandhi, Bodhidharma and Saint Francis.
The impressive group was created by Hungarian sculptor Nándor Wagner and installed in 2001.
The park is perfect for some quiet time to reflect, away from crowded places, whilst admiring panoramic views of the city and the river.
4. Dohány Street Synagogue
Dohány Street Synagogue, located in the Jewish Quarter, is known as the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world. It is huge inside, 44 metres high and has galleries on different levels.
Built in the 1800’s, the architecture is very different and is a combination of styles. The building features Moorish Revival architecture and somewhat resembles a mosque.
The complex includes the Great Synagogue, the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Heroes’ Temple, and a memorial graveyard. It is a popular tourist site to visit and of important cultural heritage. Tickets are required to enter.
5. German Occupation Monument
I happen to stumble upon Liberty Square where there is a living memorial for Victims of the German Occupation of the city with a monument featuring a bronze statue of Archangel Gabriel, representing a victimised Hungary being attacked by a large eagle, symbolising Nazi Germany.
Created by artist, Raab Péter Párkányi, and installed in 2014 in the cover of darkness, with no official ceremony, the sculpture is highly controversial for its portrayal of Hungary as innocent.
The monument is often surrounded by photographs, documents and personal items placed by descendants of Hungarian Holocaust victims, a living memorial by the people. An interesting sight in Budapest and a very moving place to visit.
6. St. Stephen's Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and was completed in 1905, after taking 50 years to build. The limestone building is a cultural symbol and iconic landmark of the city. Named after Hungary’s founding father and first King of Hungary, Saint Stephen, it is located in the city centre on Szent István tér.
The Saint’s right hand is now an important relic housed here in a separate chapel which attracts many visitors.
Visitors can also climb up to the viewing platform at the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.
7. Nádor Hall Stained Glass Window
An enormous stained glass window is found in the Nádor Hall Auditorium in the Zugló District and is quite the masterpiece, which captured my attention when I was here for a recital.
The massive Art Nouveau window was crafted in 1930 by artist Imre Zsellér. It’s the largest and most impressive stained glass work in Hungary, depicting famous Christian and Hungarian figures with a very intricate design of beautiful patterns and colours. I found it dazzling with the light shining through and it distracted me from the performance I was watching.
One of the most interesting aspects is that little is known about the creator, other than he was a local.
8. Policeman Statue
9. Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest has to be included as one of the most interesting sights in Budapest. It is absolutely enormous and a very impressive landmark, situated on the banks of the glorious Danube River on the Pest side. It was built in the Gothic-Revival style and features a large distinctive dome and Neo-Gothic spires.
Completed in 1902, it is the largest building in Hungary and the 2nd largest parliament building in Europe, making quite the statement. The parliament building is by far the most prominent landmark of the city and a most impressive sight, particularly at night when fully lit up. It is best appreciated on a night river cruise, a magical experience.
The building serves as the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary and is a major tourist attraction. You can visit the building with a guide and see the palatial interior, works of art, grand staircase and exquisite decor. You can also visit the museum here.
Some interesting facts about the Hungarian Parliament building that are mind blowing – it has 691 rooms, a hexadecagonal (16 sided) central hall, and a staggering 40 million bricks were used in its construction.
10. Heroes' Square
Last of my 10 interesting sights in Budapest is Heroes’ Square which features the Millennium Monument, commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the founding of Hungary.
In the centre of the square is a 36 metre tall column. Normally a huge statue of the Archangel Gabriel sits on top, but he has been missing for a while, taken down for much needed restoration.
Surrounding the base of the column are statues of the 7 chieftains of the Magyars (original Hungarian people).
On either side of the column sit 2 rather large curved colonnades, each housing statues of important historic Hungarian figures, Kings and statesmen.
Located at the end of Andrássy Avenue, this huge landmark is an important square, always busy with people and a key hub of the city for events, with the monuments illuminated at night.
Surrounding the square are several buildings – Museum of Fine Arts, Kunsthalle Contemporary Art Centre and Vajdahunyad Castle.
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