welcome to budapest hungary budapest is the ninth largest city in the european union and the only
capital in the world that hides caves underneath its streets you're watching world travel guide and
before we start our sightseeing tour here are some astonishing facts about budapest
at the crossroads of continental routes budapest is located at the point of contact between the
hungarian plain and the carpathian hills it's the capital and most populous city of hungary
the budapest metropolitan area has a population of 3.3 million
comprising 33 percent of the population of hungary
the history of budapest began when an early celtic settlement transformed into a roman town
the hungarians arrived in the territory in the late 9th century
but the area was pillaged by the mongols in 1241 re-established buda became one of
the centers of renaissance humanist culture by the 15th century budapest
became a city on november 17 1873 when the three neighboring cities of pest buda and obuda united
the central area of budapest along the danube river is classified as a
UNESCO world heritage site and has several notable monuments of classical architecture
the city also has around 80 geothermal springs the largest thermal water cave
system second largest synagogue and third largest parliament building in the world
the city is home to the only metro system in the world that is a unesco site
the budapest millennium underground line opened in 1896 making it the second oldest metro line
in europe after the london underground another interesting fact a look at budapest's downtown
reveals that all buildings stand at about the same height all except for two the saint istvan
basilica and the hungarian parliament which both measure exactly 96 meters
towering over the danube budapest's castle hill contains many of the city's most
important medieval monuments and museums topping the list of these
impressive structures is the 18th century buda castle a massive 200-room palace that
replaced a 13th century castle built to protect the stronghold from mongol
and tartar attacks although badly damaged in world war ii much of the exterior has been
restored along with sections of the interior which now houses a number of important museums
a highlight of a walk around budapest's lovely pedestrian friendly cobbled streets
is the area around the country's architecturally pleasing parliament building
the world's third largest parliament building this neo-gothic building was inaugurated in 1886
to mark the country's 1000th anniversary this impressive structure boasts 691 rooms
as well as an impressive 19 kilometers of corridors and stairs
overlooking the danube on the spot where the city's fisherman's guild
built their defense walls in the middle ages stands the impressive fisherman's bastion
this exquisite collection of neo-romanesque towers courtyards colonnades and walls was
built between 1895 and 1902 and is one of the most popular points in the city for tourists
largely for its spectacular views over the city and its river
the danube flows through budapest from north to south and in some places within
city boundaries is as much as 640 meters wide the danube promenade is definitely
one of the best vantage points to take in views of the city's stunning architecture
another great way to view the city is via a boat cruise along the danube
budapest is well known worldwide for its incredible thermal springs
many of which have been harnessed to provide citizens the opportunity to relax and
rejuvenate in thermal baths of the many such attractions the best known is chechny thermal
established in 1913 it's supplied by two thermal springs it's also the biggest such facility in
europe capable of handling thousands of bathers at a time in its three outdoor and 15 indoor pools
beneath the city of budapest lies a hidden subterranean world a maze of over 200 caverns
the caverns are the result of the large number of geothermal springs in the area
many of these caves are open to the public for guided spelunking adventures
budapest saint istvan basilica is a popular attraction for its impressive architecture
the beauty of its interior and the panoramic views from its dome
the cathedral is dedicated to saint istvan hungary's king and the founder
of the hungarian state the construction began in 1851 but after several construction setbacks
including the collapse of its unfinished dome it was not dedicated until 1905
the impressive heroes square was largely the work of architect albert shikhadans
who was also responsible for the huge museum of fine arts the millennium monument is a 36
meter column crowned by a figure of the archangel gabriel and was unveiled in the late 19th century
in front of the millennium monument stands a memorial to the unknown soldier
it's an especially nice place to visit at night when illuminated
margaret island 2.4 kilometers long and 503 meters wide is budapest's main recreation and
recuperative center for locals thermal spring-fed medicinal baths carefully tended gardens and
paths as well as the ruins of many historic buildings also serve to attract many tourists
a highlight of any visit is the palatinus baths a huge spa complex that covers more
than 17 acres other island highlights are the pretty rose garden and the union monument
the best time to visit budapest is in the early fall or late spring not only is the
weather great but you also get to escape the queues that come with the peak season crowds
however budapest has something to offer all year even during the hot summers and frigid winters
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bye