WanderLex

Tag: Budapest

  • Buda Old Town at Castle Hill

    Buda Old Town at Castle Hill

    I left the imposing Buda Castle and continue to explore other parts of Castle Hill district. Located at the hilly bank of Buda side is a district packed with historic sights, this is after all the oldest part of Budapest dated back to medieval times. However, much of whatever historical was destroyed and rebuilt, no thanks to wars.

    Budapest Castle Hill District

    Remnants of buildings

    Statue of Gorgey Artur near Buda Castle

    Buda Castle view from Castle Hill

    Still, I can feel some medieval vibe around these quieter cobblestone streets in this part of the city. Life up here seems much slower as compared to Pest…but don’t we all just like to get away from the hustle and bustle once in a while?

    Perhaps the vehicle restriction helps to keep the serenity – only a handful of people who live or work here are allowed to drive in this area. Also exempted from the ban are the taxi, bus and those guests staying at Hilton Hotel.

    Cobblestone streets of Castle Hill

    Bird at Castle Hill

    I came across this funny monument which kinda made me go WTF. There’re names of Hungarian cities being engraved on it but I simply cannot comprehend the look.

    Funny monument at Castle Hill Budapest

    Then a tour group came and their English guide asked about the resemblance. Penis!!! Someone shouted and all of us started laughing. She went on to explain that this was from the Russians and the top portion of the monument is not a dick head but a Russian Hat! Seriously?? LOL

    Wandering around Buda Old Town

    Next up’s the Trinity square at the central point of Buda Old town, named after the Holy Trinity Column.

    Holy Trinity column Budapest

    Golden Eagle Pharmacy Budapest
    Golden Eagle Pharmacy at Budapest

    Right across the column is Matthias Church (Mátyás Church), another iconic landmark of the old town, with its bright and beautiful Zsolnay roof tiles. Since its completion, this important church had hosted many royal coronations.

    Matthias Church of Budapest

    But it’s what behind the church that got me excited, and I’m talking about the Fisherman Bastion (Halászbástya). The unique-looking bastion and its white towers are truly pleasing to the eyes, small wonder why almost every postcard in Budapest will showcase some parts of Fisherman Bastion.

    Fisherman Bastion of Budapest

    Fisherman Bastion framed up

    Fisherman Bastion Budapest

    Fisherman Bastion in Budapest

    Restaurant at Fisherman Bastion

    There are different theories on how the bastion has gotten its name but that doesn’t really matter to me. All I know is that the beautiful fortification is a great place to enjoy great views of Danube and Pest side.

    View from Fisherman Bastion

    Then there’s the statue of King Stephen I on horseback.

    King Stephen I Statue in Budapest

    Close up of King Stephen I

    And more pictures of Fisherman Bastion, I was reluctant to leave if not for the rain…

    Around Fisherman Bastion

    Towers of Fisherman Bastion

    Bastion Towers

    Thereafter, I wandered a little more around the beautiful Buda old town before hopping on to a bus to Széll Kálmán tér.

    Old Town of Buda

    Hilton Hotel in Budapest
    Hilton Hotel in Budapest

    Around Old Town

    Buda Old Town

    National Archives of Hungary
    National Archives of Hungary

    [alert]

    What are your thoughts about Buda Old Town? Leave a comment and share it with me.

    [/alert]

  • Easter Festival at Buda Castle

    Easter Festival at Buda Castle

    I walked along Danube promenade towards Buda Castle while still mesmerised by the great views from Gellert Hill. It’s a nice walk along the wide path which caters for both people and cyclists, accompanied by the cold breeze and a city view of Pest. It didn’t take me long to arrive at Clark Adam square where the beautiful Széchenyi Chain Bridge is linked to Buda side, and I can’t wait to see it lights up during sundown!

    By the way, this happens to be my 100th blog post!! The feeling is great especially this was the trip which inspired me to start a travel blog…aiming for 200th next!!

    Danube promenade towards Castle

    Walking towards Castle

    Walking towards Castle

    Chain Bridge at Clark Adam square

    Besides the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, another landmark here is the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular (Budavári Sikló). It’s a nice experience to take the funicular up to Buda Castle which is also one good option not to climb the hill on foot. Sadly though, the funicular ride is not covered by Budapest Card.

    Queue for Budapest Castle Hill Funicular

    Iconic Budapest Castle Hill Funicular

    Budapest Castle Hill Funicular ride

    Exited from Funicular station on Castle Hill and can see the official residence of the President of Hungary immediately to my right and Buda Castle to my left.

    Budapest Castle Hill Funicular station

    Sándor Palace in Budapest

    View of Pest from Buda Castle

    Easter fun at Buda Castle

    The castle-palace was destroyed and rebuilt many times by different victors, which explains the mix of architectural styles, nice blending of Gothic and Renaissance. Once the residence of Hungarian Kings, the impressive castle now houses the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.

    Bought the entry ticket and proceed down Habsburg steps to castle’s yard where the city’s largest Easter festival was held. Though it started to drizzle, the rain didn’t dampen the Easter mood at all.

    There’re makeshift stalls which were selling food, clothes, handicrafts, accessories among many other kinds of stuff.

    Easter fun at Castle

    Easter stalls at Castle

    Easter stall at Castle

    My lunch was a nice spicy kebab from this stall.

    Spicy Kebab stall at Castle

    Spicy Kebab at Castle

    Then I came across this food stall selling this bread-looking stuff which had attracted a queue. Looks to be a must-try here, I ordered one loaf too and that filled up my tummy to the max!! A Google check later revealed what I had ain’t bread but traditional Hungarian pastry known as Chimney cake (Kürtőskalács).

    Hungarian Chimney cake stall at Castle

    Hungarian Chimney cake

    Hungarian Chimney cake stall owner

    Another interesting thing was this merry-go-round with baskets. Too bad it’s raining else I should be seeing more kids sitting in the baskets.

    Wooden merry-go-round at Castle

    I see more children gathering around the Tree of Life decorated with Easter eggs as per Hungarian traditions.

    Easter Tree of Life at Buda Castle

    There are also some musical performances held to entertain the crowd. Obviously, Hungarian songs are alien to me but I do enjoy the soothing melody.

    Musical performances at Castle

    Musical performances at Castle

    Famous sculptures around Buda Castle

    The Castle is decorated with nice sculptures such as Fountain of the Fishing Children, Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy, Statue of the Horseherd and the famous Matthias Fountain.

    Fountain of the Fishing Children
    Fountain of the Fishing Children
    Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy at Castle
    Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy
    Statue of the Horseherd at Castle
    Statue of the Horseherd
    Matthias Fountain at Buda Castle
    Matthias Fountain

    Budapest History Museum

    There are two Museums and a library within the castle compound – yeah, library, cool right? This non-lending library will require visitors to register for a Reader Pass or buy a Day Pass, which is payable either way, so I choose to skip. Passed the beautifully decorated Lions’ Gate brought me to the Lions’ Courtyard which is the central courtyard of Buda Castle.

    Lions' Gate
    Lions’ Gate

    Lions Courtyard of Buda Castle

    Lions Courtyard Buda Castle

    Between Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galeria) and Budapest History Museum (Budapesti Történeti Múzeum), I opted for the later. The museum showcases the history of Budapest from prehistory to modern times.

    Inside Budapest History Museum

    Inside Budapest History Museum

    Inside Budapest History Museum

    Inside Budapest History Museum3

    I soon found myself walking outside the museum walking around its Medieval Remnants. Perhaps I could have stayed a little longer but there’s still so much to see around Castle Hill especially the beautiful Fisherman’s Bastion!

    Medieval Remnants at Buda Castle

    Medieval Remnants of Buda Castle

    [alert]

    What are your thoughts about Buda Castle? Leave a comment and share it with me.

    [/alert]