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.
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.
Erected in the memory of late Hungarian president Lajos Kossuth, Kossuth Memorial stands opposite the Hungarian Parliament Building and is an important landmark of the city. Lajos Kossuth led the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 to gain freedom from the Austrian rule. The statue was unveiled in 1927. Though orders were given for the construction of his statue in 1906, it was delayed due to World War I. In 1950, it was removed and ordered to be replaced with a newer statue. This time, in 1952, the new memorial statue with Kossuth pointing forward was constructed, which still stands today.
Built to the designs of celebrated architect Kasselik Fidél, Avilai Nagy Szent Teréz Plébánia is an imposing church in the heart of the magical city of Budapest. Constructed between the years 1801 and 1809, it was built on the site of an earlier wooden chapel. Apportioned to Saint Teresa of Avila, its ornate interiors are credited to noted artist Pollack. Its magnificent altarpiece was created by Schoefft Joseph Charles in the year 1828, while it is also popular for its four majestic bells. Marked as a Category II structure, Avilai Nagy Szent Teréz Plébánia serves as a thriving venue for classical concerts. John Høybye, a renowned Danish composer and choir master has performed at this historic church in the past.
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.