Budapest, Hungary - The Castle District
Towering a couple hundred feet above the Danube River, the
Castle District in Budapest is a special place. Surrounded by
gothic churches with stain glass, a visit to the Castle District
is like stepping back into the renaissance.
Castle District
Situated in the Buda section of Budapest, the Castle District
sits on the eastern side of the Danube. Positioned a couple
hundred feet above the Danube, the entire city of Budapest can
be seen from the numerous vantage points. The view is so
amazing, the Italians coined a saying, "Europe has three gems -
Venice on the water, Florence in the plains and Buda in the
hills." The Italians definitely got it right.
Buda Castle
Visiting Buda Castle is like stepping back into the heights of
the renaissance. The Castle is adorned with red marble
stairways, gothic facades, bastions and epic statutes
overlooking the Danube. The fountains around the Castle simply
can't be described with words.
Holy Trinity Square
Just to the south of Buda Castle lies holy trinity square. The
Church of the Holy Lady, which is also known as Matthias Church,
dominates the square. The church has served as the location
where Hungarian Kings undertook their rule and many famous
figures are interred on the grounds.
Behind Matthias Church is the rather interesting Fishermen's
Bastion. This Roman bastion has the appearance of a mini-castle
at Disneyland. The views from the parapets are amazing as you
take in the Danube River as it cuts through Budapest. Just
outside of Bastion, however, you have to keep your eye out for
something amazing.
Hungarians historically have been some of the best horsemen in
the world. As part of the tradition, the horseman carried
bullwhips instead of ropes. Big bull whips. And they like to
crack them just outside of the bastion. If you aren't paying
attention when this occurs, the world's loudest snap will send
scare the "you know what" out of you. The only thing I can
equate it to is the sound of rolling thunder, but without the
rolling. When it happens, drinks, food and cameras go flying.
If you're visiting Budapest, the Castle District is definitely
worth a visit. In fact, the District is a good reason to go to
Budapest.