The resplendent Szent István-Bazilika (St. Stephen's Basilica) took several decades to be completely built and is dedicated to the first king of Hungary, Saint Stephen I. The right hand of St Stephen is one of the sacred relics housed in this magnificent neoclassical basilica. Designed as a Greek cross, its intricate interior is adorned with ornate chapels, sculptural elements and frescoes. The observation deck at the central dome is an added attraction in the church. Flanked by two towers that dominate the city's skyline along with a central dome, St. Stephen's Basilica is among the most revered sites in Hungary.
The Parliament Building was constructed at a time when Hungary was three times the size it is now, prior to its defeat at the culmination of World War I. The neo-Gothic building is a palatial affair with 691 rooms, 10 courtyards and 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) worth of stairs, making it Budapest's tallest building and one of Hungary's largest structures. Construction began in 1885 based on the designs of architect, Imre Steindl and would take 17 years to bring to fruition. It is a majestic Gothic Revival building with Renaissance and Baroque elements enmeshed in its intricate design. A lavish dome is the centerpiece of the facade, framed by delicate spires and graceful arches, while the interiors are richly ornamented, illuminated by sparkling chandeliers. The inspiration for this building is said to have been the Palace of Westminster in London. Today, the government is housed in only a small portion of the building and is home to the Hungarian Crown Jewels. Like so much along the bank of the Danube, the best views are to be had from across the river.
Built towards the end of the 19th Century to commemorate Hungary's millennium, Hősök Tere (Heroes' Square) is one of Budapest's most emblematic squares and a World Heritage Site. Bounded by the Palace of Art and Museum of Fine Arts, it is defined by the Millennium Monument which took more than three decades to complete. It is adorned by sculptures of national heroes who played pivotal roles in Hungarian history. Crowning the pillar is a magnificent statue of Archangel Gabriel with a crown in his right hand. Trailing this column is a crescent-shaped colonnade of chieftains, kings, heroes and leaders of Hungary.
Constructed under the supervision of architect Miklos Ybl in 1884, the Opera House of Budapest is a work of art in itself, and is as impressive as the operas staged here. The building, with a horse-shoe structure, has elements of neo-Renaissance architecture coupled with hints of Baroque motifs. It is beautifully decked with artwork and paintings of famous Hungarian artists like Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz. It can accommodate 1261 people and is known to have one of the best sound systems in the area. A tour of the premises can be undertaken, which can be booked on phone.
This striking feature of Castle Hill was constructed more than a century after its historic neighbor, Buda Castle. It was designed by architect Frigyes Schulek and completed in 1902 as part of a campaign to honor the 1000th anniversary of Hungary's statehood. Despite its name, the ornamental bastion never served as a defense structure and was instead was created for the people of Budapest as a panoramic lookout, which yields mesmerizing views of the Danube below. For a modest fee, the top of the bastion offers some of the finest photo opportunities. The Neo-Gothic terrace has magnificent seven turrets rising crowned above the cloisters and pathways. A dream in white, this is one of the most awe-inspiring architectural landmarks in Budapest.
Perched on the southern tip of Castle Hill, the sprawling Buda Castle was originally established by Béla IV in 1265. Over the centuries, the palatial castle has been repeatedly destroyed and reconstructed, most notably following the siege of 1686 between the Turks and allied Christian forces. The castle was laid to waste, only to be rebuilt soon after in the Baroque style. Ravaged once more by the World Wars, the castle that stands today is a modernized reconstruction of the 18th-century palace, the Medieval Wing in its present form is an approximation of the Gothic period. A defining feature of the city skyline and part of the Budapest World Heritage Site, the Buda Castle is the city's grande dame of historic architecture, with its elegant dome and medieval fortifications overlooking the city below. A cultural icon of Budapest, the Buda Castle is now home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Castle Museum, and the National Széchenyi Library. It is a symbol of the perseverance and unflagging spirit of the Hungarians, a phoenix rising from the rubble of a war-torn past.
Built to the designs of renowned architect John Schaden MiháIy Buda, Szent József Templom is an imposing house of worship in Budapest’s IV district. While the church's construction commenced in the year 1754, the sanctuary and some other elements were built a decade later. Over a period of years, the city's population grew and the church could not accommodate the flourishing community. Thus, it was expanded between the years 1787 and 1789. One of the major highlights of the extension was the majestic Baroque tower. The church's ornate altars were sourced from the Budensis Trinitarian abbey. However, they were auctioned off in the year 1779 post the dissolution of the monasteries. The painting of Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus in her lap is one of the most striking artworks of the church's interiors.
The Drégely stronghold is one of the most significant sites in Hungary. There are numerous stories and poems about this spot, specifically about the heroic battles between the Hungarian Captain Szondi György and his 146 soldiers versus the enormous Turkish army. The remains of the stronghold are in the woods of North-Börzsöny; it can be reached on foot from Drégelypalán, following the red tourist signs. The scenery from the top is breathtaking; so, don't forget your camera!
Belsővárosi Református Gyülekezet traces its origins back to the year 1873. A prominent religious structure in the city's IV district, it was created by the growing Protestant community of the neighborhood who felt the need for an additional house of worship to accommodate the increasing population. Constructed in the year 1878, the vicarage and some other elements were created in the later years. Apart from regular worship services, the church also conducts Bible reading sessions for the youth and children of the parish. It has also tied up with other local religious communities and organizes get-togethers bi-weekly or weekly.
The resplendent Szent István-Bazilika (St. Stephen's Basilica) took several decades to be completely built and is dedicated to the first king of Hungary, Saint Stephen I. The right hand of St Stephen is one of the sacred relics housed in this magnificent neoclassical basilica. Designed as a Greek cross, its intricate interior is adorned with ornate chapels, sculptural elements and frescoes. The observation deck at the central dome is an added attraction in the church. Flanked by two towers that dominate the city's skyline along with a central dome, St. Stephen's Basilica is among the most revered sites in Hungary.
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.
This square (flanked by Matyas Church, in the Castle District) is the focal point of the Old Town. The name derives from the Baroque Holy Trinity column (sculpted in 1710) in the center, which commemorates the dead of two plague outbreaks. On the northern side of the square is the Old Town Hall, built at the beginning of the 18th Century. There are several coffee houses and restaurants located nearby, as well as the Hilton Hotel.