Hungary – a country in Central Europe, located in the Pannonian plain. Capital – Budapest; other major cities – Debrecen, Szeged, Kechkemed. The main river – the Danube. Throughout the country, the largest lake in Europe – Lake Balaton.
In ancient times, modern Hungary was a province of the Romans. Since the end of the 9th century it was ruled by the Magyars. Throughout the Middle Ages, the country was ruled by foreign dynasties. Since the 18th century, the board passed to the Austrian Habsburgs. In the 19th century it formed the Austro-Hungarian state, and only in 1918 after the collapse of the empire originated independent republic.
The climate in Hungary is temperate and relatively dry. Summer is hot and winter is quite cold. Despite the fact that the Hungarian mountains are not particularly high, local ski resorts are very popular.
Official language – Hungarian. More than 65% of the population are Catholic. The country’s population, according to the latest data, almost 10 million people. The vast majority – the Hungarians, but there are also minorities.
Political system – parliamentary republic. Official currency – Hungarian Forint. According to the territorial-administrative division of the state is divided into 19 regions and the metropolitan area.
Parliament
Parliament – the card of Budapest; the largest building in Hungary and one of the largest governmental buildings in the world. The building of the Hungarian Parliament, more than 600 rooms, 10 staircases and 29 courtyards. The building was constructed in the late 19th century on the banks of the Danube River in honor of the union of Buda, Pest and Obuda in one single city.
The length of the neo-gothic building – 265 meters, and the height of the central dome – 96 meters. His regal appearance Parliament was intended to be a symbol of an independent country. Its construction lasted almost 20 years. On the creation of only one central dome it took about 10 years.
The facade is decorated with statues of the rulers of the country, but the interior is richly decorated with mosaics, gold and colorful stained-glass windows. Magnificent paintings stored in the Hall of Deputies and the Hunting hall. However, the most valuable relics associated with the first ruler of Hungary – Saint Istvan. Here you can see his crown, golden scepter, orb and silvered sword. Regalia protected by an honor guard in traditional uniform.
The place for construction of the Parliament was elected by chance. It is at this point of the Danube in those days there were two bridges of the city – Chain and Margaret. Next to Parliament Ethnographic Museum stands on Lajos Kossuth Square. You can get there by subway, next to the station Kossuth Lajos tér. In Parliament regularly hosts guided tours in different languages. During holidays and days of meetings of parliamentary building is closed to the public.
Buda castle
Buda Castle – one of the most visited historical and architectural attractions of Hungary. It is a complex of buildings, leading its history since the 13th century. Ancient fortress of Buda with a series of other buildings and sculptures located high on a hill on the Danube.
Buda Castle today is considered as a separate district of the Hungarian capital, and it is no coincidence. Sightseeing can take all day. It is a network of narrow streets-labyrinths, many Christian churches, residences and palaces of the ruling kings in the Middle Ages, a historic building with a tiled roof, wrought iron gates and bridges.
The first ruler who laid the fortress is considered to be the king Bela IV. So he has saved his people from the Mongol invasion. Inside the bastion were built Christian churches for the faithful and the palace-residence for the king himself. During the reign of King Sigismund – castle became the administrative center. The next ruler, King Matthias, for the transformation of the entire architecture invited the best artists from Italy. Then in Buda were built in a luxurious Renaissance style. But his successors failed to preserve this beauty.
In just a few centuries in the Buda castle was quite a lot of attacks. For example, after the Turkish invasion in the 15-16 centuries the central residence was converted into a defensive structure. The rest of the palaces were rebuilt in the barracks. Restoration fortification began only after the liberation from Turkish invaders, with the support of the Elector Maximilian. After that the fortress has repeatedly been subjected to fires and raids.
Through the efforts of the architect M. Iblya in the 19th century the castle was completely rebuilt and impeccably renovated. Today, in the building of the Royal Palace houses the Museum of History and National Gallery. In the courtyard stands a monument to the Prince of Savoy. Next to the residence is built with a fragment of a fountain from hunting. In the center of Old Town is the Trinity area, which is adjacent to the Cathedral of Matthias. In the narrow streets you can reach the residence of the current president.
Of particular interest is the Fisherman’s Bastion – Neo-Gothic defensive structure. This building with a series of conical towers perfectly fit into the architecture of the complex. It was built in the late 19th century on the site of the old market. From viewing platforms buildings offer beautiful views of the city, at the bridge over the Danube and the Cathedral of St. Stephen.
Walk on the Buda Castle is absolutely free. Along the way, you can visit the Church of St. Matthias and the Hungarian National Gallery. To get to the castle by bus, departing from Széll Kálmán tér (Széll Kálmán tér) or Buda funicular. The latter makes a stop at two other stations along the way.
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton – “pearl” of Hungary; the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. Thanks to the mineral and thermal springs, a popular holiday resort. The lake is navigable and has a shallow depth. The deepest point is 12.4 m. The water in the Balaton is so warm that you can swim in it from spring to late autumn.
In different parts of the lake its own characteristics. For example, the northern beaches of Lake Balaton are better suited for people who are able and loving to swim in deeper water. In this part of the bottom of a rocky and steeply gaining depth. It resorts – Keszthely, Balatonfüred. South Beach is suitable for families with young children. There’s a small depth and the bottom is covered with a pleasant velvety sand. The eastern part of the sunniest. Here love to visit sunbathing fans.
The water in Lake Balaton has unique properties. Firstly, in inclement weather, it may be warmer than the air. Secondly, it is full of beneficial for the skin and body all minerals. Thirdly, in terms of content it differs little from the sea water. The locals call the lake “Hungarian Sea”. Because of clean, warm water and beautiful landscapes, Lake Balaton is popular throughout Europe. Every year it attracts thousands of tourists.
For a comfortable stay in the vicinity of the lake all the conditions are provided. For local resorts well-developed sailing. In almost every village there is a mini-golf course, tennis courts and even a riding school. It creates a special flavor restaurants with Hungarian cuisine and gypsy music. Fishing is possible at Lake Balaton, starting in April, but it takes a special permit. Fish in the lake is the most diverse. Especially popular are the Balaton wine.
Geographically the lake is located in the Pannonian plain, some 100 km from Budapest. Its area is 596 km². Around the perimeter of like peas scattered Villages, and in the southwestern part there is even a protected nature reserve Kis-Balaton. There are a huge variety of birds: storks, geese, swans, etc. Along the northern coast lies one of the 10 national parks in Hungary.
In the vicinity of Lake Balaton is well-developed transport infrastructure. On the lake itself regularly ply passenger ships that make a stop at every pier. In the north and south of the lake is a railway connecting the resort to the capital and other major cities. Just 11 km from Keszthely is an international airport that receives flights from many European cities. It can also be reached by a modern two-lane motorway from Budapest to the lake.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica – the largest church in Budapest; the most visited Catholic cathedral in Hungary. Consecrated in honor of St. Stephen -. The first ruler of Hungary. The cathedral can hold up to 8500 people and on par with the Parliament considered the tallest building in the Hungarian capital.
The most important relic temple – the golden arm. Every year on August 20th, the relic is carried through the streets of Budapest. This is the biggest national holiday. The architecture of the cathedral is striking luxury and grandeur. Project team just two Hungarian architect.
The place was not chosen by chance. On the hill people were saved from the flood, after which it was decided to build a basilica in honor of the Hungarian ruler. Istvan (Stefan) was born into a princely family in Central Europe probably in the 10th century. It was he who brought together all the scattered bits of land in this area and the Hungarians rallied under his rule. The king himself was baptized by Greek customs, as reflected in the layout of the temple. It has the shape of an equilateral Greek cross. The architectural style – neoclassicism.
Basilica incredibly luxuriously decorated inside. It impresses with its decorations, marble columns, bronze bas-reliefs and sculptures. The main altar is decorated with, of course, the statue of King Stephen. Under the dome of the temple there is a terrace and an observation deck, which can be reached by elevator. Enjoy stunning views over Budapest will be possible from the bell tower of the left and on the right kept the country’s largest bell, weighing over 9 tons. Visit to the Basilica of pay.
You can reach it by metro; Station – Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út on the yellow line.
Festetics Palace
Festetics Palace – one of the most beautiful castles in Hungary. Manor family Festetics in Keszthely. The castle was built in the 18th century in the style of French mansions. Around him, a spacious green park. Every year there are thousands of tourists who want to explore the history and architecture of the country.
Distance from Budapest to Keszthely – 187 km. If you drive on the highway M7, after Szekesfehervar need to turn to the side spa resort of Balatonfüred. The palace complex is also located on the shores of Lake Balaton, more precisely in the south-western part. It features a luxurious exterior and equally rich inner decoration.
The last representatives of an aristocratic family left the palace in 1944, and after 4 years the complex with an extensive library, a museum of the Hungarian arms and the rest of the rarity was transferred to the public use. In the palace of 101 rooms, which can literally read the story of Hungary.
Rhode Festetics became famous in the first place, for the patronage. They have always supported the arts and science. Thanks to this family appeared in the city gymnasium, pharmacy, hospital.
Until now, the palace held scientific conferences, readings and receptions VIPs. For Hungary Festetics Palace is a kind of education center. It is open to the public all year round from 9-10 am, depending on the time of year. Day off – Monday. The park has many sculptures and fountains, and the premises of the palace in addition to elegant furniture and luxury household items, stored paintings by famous artists.
Brunswick Castle
Brunswick Castle – a special architectural monument in Hungary. Since it involves the name of the famous Ludwig van Beethoven. According to some reports, it is within the walls of Brunswick he wrote his famous “Moonlight Sonata.” Today the castle attracts thousands of tourists, which is associated not only with the rich history of the area, as well as the picturesque “English” park, planted with centuries-old trees of rare species.
Today, in this snow-white building with many towers and tracery moldings is Beethoven Museum and Research Institute of Agriculture. The first person who laid the foundation of the castle was Benitski Sh. In the 18th century on the site off the coast of picturesque lake he built a one-storey baroque building. Over time it has become a generic family nest Brunswick. Father and son were successful businessmen and have spared no resources for the expansion of the castle.
Within a few years this small baroque building turned into a real neo-Gothic palace. Inside the residence was decorated with magnificent frescoes I. Cymbala. Along with this, a beautiful church was built under the project by J. Jung. In the park surrounding the castle, contains at least 300 species of rare trees. For this reason it was declared a protected conservation area.
Here Beethoven liked to be, since he was friends with the family of Brunswick. Moreover, it was said that he had tender feelings for one of the owner’s daughters, namely Theresa Brunswick, which was one of his most talented students. At the initiative of the Hungarian aristocrat more than 80 kindergartens were opened in the country. It also created a Museum of the History of kindergartens.
In the courtyard next to the lake often hosts concerts dedicated to the music of Beethoven. Brunswick is open to the public year round. Geographically, it is located in a place called Martonshavar, which is 30 km from Budapest. The easiest way to get to your destination – it is a train in the direction of Lake Balaton from South Station.
Hungarian National Gallery
Hungarian National Gallery – Hungary’s leading art museum; One of the main attractions of Budapest. Today, the museum is situated within the walls of the former royal residence in the territory of the Old Town of Buda, even before the exposition was located in the Palace of Justice.
Collection gallery has more than 100 thousand pieces of art created by any Hungarian masters, or in the territory of Hungary. If you can see medieval sculptures and paintings on wood on the ground floor, the entire first floor is designed for web Austro-Hungarian painters (16-19 centuries). It also kept some Gothic triptychs, the most famous of which is “The Annunciation”. The exposition of the second floor is devoted to contemporary art.
The National Gallery of Hungary is relatively young. It was opened in the mid-20th century, and collect objects of national art were the representatives of the society of Pest in 1839. Since 1989, on the ground floor for visitors opened the tomb of Habsburgs. Taking pictures and videos in the museum can be carried out only with the permission of the administration. The museum is open daily from 10 am. Day off – Monday. Three times a year in honor of the state holiday admission is free.
Get to the gallery building, and it is up to the Royal Palace, by bus 16, 86 (the stop. Palota út) or by trams 19, 41 (the stop. Clark Ádám tér).
Váci street
Váci Street – the real heart of Budapest; the most popular pedestrian and shopping street. This place is very popular tourist destination in Hungary. After all, you can not only admire the historic buildings decorated with mosaics and cast iron, but also stock up on souvenirs for friends.
Total length of a little more than 1.2 km. As well as some of the street perpendicular to it, it is a pedestrian, ie, It is closed to vehicles. In this area you can see a lot of interesting things.
The street starts at Vörösmarty Square and ends at the Plaza Fevam. The nearest metro station – Ferenciek tere. The northern tip of the promenade is a little different from the south.
If in the northern part, with its prestigious Outlet shopping is always a lot of tourists and noisy, the southern part is more quiet and peaceful, like to visit the locals. As a rule, on the first floor there are shops with goods of local and international producers. There are also cafes, restaurants and pastry. One of the most famous places at the same time expensive, is a sweet house Gerbeaud.
In addition, on Váci Street has luxury hotels and shopping malls. Particularly noteworthy shops national applied art. Here is where you can buy original souvenirs. Almost all shops are open from 10 to 18 hours. Large shopping centers are open until late at night, and some supermarkets around the clock. On Saturdays and Sundays, a special operating mode.