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Budapest Travel Guide
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| Budapest
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The
importance of Budapest to Hungary is difficult to overestimate.
More than two million people live in the capital –
one fifth of the population – and everything converges
here: roads and rail lines; air travel (Ferihegy is the
country's only civilian airport); industry, commerce and
culture; opportunities, wealth and power. Like Paris, the
city has a history of revolutions – in 1849, 1918
and 1956 – buildings, parks and avenues on a monumental
scale, and a reputation for hedonism, style and parochial
pride. In short, Budapest is a city worthy of comparison
with other great European capitals.
Surveying Budapest from the embankments or the bastions
of Várhegy (Castle Hill), it's easy to see why the
city was dubbed the "Pearl of the Danube". Its
grand buildings and sweeping bridges look magnificent, especially
when floodlit or illuminated by the barrage of fireworks
that explode above the Danube every August 20, St Stephen's
Day. The eclectic inner-city and radial boulevards combine
brash commercialism with a fin-de-siècle sophistication,
while a distinctively Magyar character is highlighted by
the sounds and appearance of the Hungarian language at every
turn.
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| Budapest
Travels & Tours |
Gellert Hotel and Baths
Built between 1912 and 1918, this Art Nouveau spa hotel
was destroyed in World War II then rebuilt in the original
style and modernized. The hotel's domed towers and baths
give it an oriental flavor. There are baths, plunge pools,
sauna, massage, a wave pool (built in 1927), a hot pool
with medicinal spa water, and a sun terrace. An institute
of water therapy also operates on the premises. A delightful
open-air restaurant terrace offers great views. Inside the
hotel are four other cafes and restaurants.
Castle District
After you've seen the Royal Palace, take a stroll northwards.
The medieval street network remains unaltered and although
most of the buildings have been thoroughly restored (the
war damage was severe) many retain their original features.
You will be able to see the remains of the Dominican monastery;
note the Plague monument outside Matyas Church; walk along
the castle walls on the Buda side and see the Turkish tombstones
at the north-western corner. There are many places to eat
out here, but you should expect to pay tourist prices.
Museum of Fine Arts
This spectacular and renovated building houses a museum
that's massive in scale (slightly intimidating in fact),
with a wide range of exhibits. It's noted for its Spanish
collection, most of which comes from the famous Count Esterhazy
who picked up the pieces at bargain prices. Everything from
El Greco to Goya is here. There is also an interesting display
of Roman vases and artifacts (lots of huge toga-holding
safety pins) as well as many other works.
Gellert Statue
If you walk down the hill from the Citadella towards Erzsebet
Hid (Elizabeth Bridge) you will come across this statue
of St. Gellert, an eleventh-century martyr. It is located
in a pleasant spot with an artificial waterfall. The monument
stands some ten meters high and was built in 1904. The surrounding
area is an ideal place to sit for a while and enjoy the
view. Pack a picnic lunch, stroll, and/or just relax into
history. |
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