Budapest, Hungary

We spent 4 glorious days in Budapest.  I am glad we did because it is a wonderful city full of amazing architecture, history, and food.  We stayed at a hotel and discovered on our own for the first 3 days and then boarded the Maria Theresa to begin our cruise.

St Stephen's Basilica

Named after the first King of Hungary the Basilica was a beautiful building and we were lucky enough to be there on All Saints Day so we heard the organ and were able to listen to part of mass.  A lovely experience.  

The Blue Danube

The Danube river runs through the center of Budapest.  They developed as two separate cities until they combined in 1873.  There are multiple bridges spanning the Danube, below are pictured the Elizabeth Bridge at night and Chain Bridge in the bird's eye views.

The last picture shows our cruise ship.

Monument Park

The Hungarians began fighting against communist rule in 1956, but it took 30 years until they were free.  When communism fell a decision was made to relocate some of the huge statues to a park rather than simply destroy them.  The parks contains 42 pieces of art from the Communist era between 1945 and 1989, including allegorical monuments of "Hungarian-Soviet Friendship" and "Liberation", as well as statues of famous personalities.  It also has a movie of clips taken from training videos shown to the secret police.  Things like how to plant a bug, house searching, and recruiting were explained.  I enjoyed this park, the statues reminded me of my mission.

 The boots above are from a statue of Lenin.  During the 1956 Revolution he was cut off at the knees.  His boots were left as a reminder.

Buda Castle

 Buda Castle is a complex of buildings that were built and used by various Kings of Hungary over the years.  It has the Hungarian Gallery, and a Museum about the history of Hungary.  It also had plenty of statues and views to enjoy.

  We walked from our hotel across Chain Bridge and then took the funicular up to the castle.

 This is the Presidential Palace with its guards.  They change on the hour, but we did not see it.

Parliament Building

This was an amazing place!  The craftsmanship was astounding and it was simply beautiful.

 Luckas Baths

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths. They have been around since the Romans and the Turks really developed them.  We went to Luckas Baths which is more local than touristy.  We had a great time lounging in the hot pools and swimming in the fun pool with a lazy river and jets.  A great few hour break from touring.

St Mathias Church

Another gorgeous church.  We visited on Sunday so again we were able to listen to the organ.  This was a very colorful church; bright stained glass windows, painted walls, columns, ceilings, and mosaic roof tiles.   Interestingly when the Turks came they used the church as a mosque so they painted it white and covered some of the statues behind new walls.  

 Fisherman's Bastion

This fortified wall encloses a square and Mathias Church.  It provides gorgeous views and some statues of King Matthias and a statue commemorating the plague leaving the city.

Roman Ruins

We visited the ruins of the Roman city Aquincum just outside of Budapest.  The museum explained things in a story format which was fun.  The ruins themselves were just that ruins.

  Dohany Street Synagogue

This is the largest synagogue in Europe.

Gellert Hill and the Citadella

This is a tall hill on the Buda side of the river.  It has a Citadel on top with a statue representing liberty.

 Around Town

 A fun sign, which reminded us of Grandma Peggy;  Central Market where we acquired many souvenirs; the symphony and choir which performed Verdi's Requiem. 

  

 Fun pickled peppers at a restaurant we ate at, Me on the streets of Budapest