Budapest, Hungary - An Incredible City
Located in Eastern Europe, Hungary is diverse and beautiful
country. The undisputed treasure of the country is Budapest.
Budapest - A Tale of Three Cities
Over 2,000 years old, Budapest is a large city containing traces
of the various forces that have ruled it over time. Romans,
Turks, Goths and many others have conquered the city. Somehow,
the various influences work in such a way as to make the city
sparkle.
In a bit of trivia, Budapest was historically considered three
cities. The three cities were Pest, Obuda and Buda. Although
grouped together, the cities were naturally divided by the
Danube River which forks in the middle of the city. In 1873, the
three cities were combined into one and given the Budapest name.
Although Budapest has more attractions than could possible be
covered in one article, here are a few must see locations.
Buda Castle
Sitting on top of a hill and towering over the Danube, the Buda
Castle is stunning. Construction started under the guidance of
King Bela IV in the 14th century and was expanded upon by later
rulers. Medieval times, however, saw the castle burned, looted,
demolished, bombed with cannon balls and ransacked. Each time,
new rulers rebuilt.
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.
Spas
Budapest sits over a tectonic plate fault line, which usually is
a bad thing. In this case, however, the location of the city
corresponds with a plethora of hot mineral springs. Enterprising
Hungarians have build spas on the springs and are open for
business. The spas are "over the top" with an opera house feel.
Floating around peacefully, one feels like European royalty.
If you are traveling to Europe, plan on devoting a week to
Budapest. For those in love with Prague, one visit to Budapest
may change your mind.