Budapest buildings along the Danube

Budapest buildings along the Danube

As the capital city of Hungary, Budapest lying at the heart of Europe has a population of about 2 million people. It boasts of its former Roman name, Aquincum, which means ‘the city of waters’. The city was officially created in 1873 by the merging of the other neighboring cities of Buda, Pest and Óbuda. That is why Budapest is called the “Twin city”. It, actually, offers plenty of sights, events, programs for its visitors all year round. Many world-famous sights, historical buildings of Budapest are located by the Danube River; some of them are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The best opportunity to discover all these famous buildings along the Danube is to take part in a Danube River Cruise.
Just to outline a few in alphabetical order

BUDA CASTLE HILL: The Castle Hill area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The foundations of this castle were laid in the 13th century. Its 203 rooms now house several museums, e.g. the Széchenyi Library or the National Gallery.
CHAIN BRIDGE: It was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Buda and Pest; its construction was proposed by Count István Széchenyi, a leading figure in the 18th century. The iron chains, on which the road-bed hangs, are held by two 48-meter river piers in classicist style. The Red Bull Air Race, a dazzling air competition, is held over the River Danube when competitors also fly under the Chain Bridge.
FISHERMAN’S BASTION: It is made up of seven towers, each one symbolizing one of the seven Hungarian tribes that came to Hungary in 896. It is well-known for the wonderful panoramic views it provides of the city.

GELLÉRT HILL & SPA: Gellért Hill is a 235 m high hill overlooking the city of Budapest. On the top sits the Citadel built by the Austrian Habsburgs in the 19th century. It also played a military role in the Budapest history in the Second World War. The marvelous Gellért Hotel by its feet welcomes its guests with pampering wellness facilities.
GRESHAM PALACE: It is one of the most beautiful buildings along the Danube in Budapest. It is an example of Art Nouveau architecture. It functions as the Four Seasons Hotel Budapest Gresham Palace, a luxury hotel managed by Four Seasons Hotels.
HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT: The 19th century Parliament Building is situated at Pest’s riverbank. The emblematic building was designed in neo-gothic style by Imre Steindl.
MARGARET ISLAND: The 500-meter wide island can be found in the middle of the Danube. It is a popular recreational park for local citizens with a long jogging track and many spa facilities offered by the Danubius Grand Hotel.
MATTHIAS CHURCH: The Gothic Style church also named as the Church of Our Lady was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. King Matthias, one of the most famous kings of Hungary got married here twice.
RIVER DANUBE: It is Europe’s second largest river running through ten countries flowing from the Black Forest of Germany to the Black See in Romania. As a matter of fact, the river divides the metropolis into two parts: the hilly Buda on the West and the flat Pest on the East. It has inspired many artists, poets, musicians who mentioned its name or painted its picturesque surroundings.

RUDAS BATH: It was built during the Turkish era. It is well-equipped with steam chambers, Finnish saunas, and diverse pools. A unique experience could be bathing in the panorama pool in the rooftop.
THE WHALE: This is the city’s state-of-the-art shopping, cultural and entertainment center that opened its door to the public in 2013. It got its peculiar name from its interesting ‘whale’ shape. There are also two marvelous historic warehouses erected in the 19th century.
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMICS: Whilethe University of Economics,one of the most fascinating Neo-Renaissance historical buildings of Budapest can be seen on the Pest side near the Liberty Bridge, the other university lies in Buda with over 21,000 students from over 50 countries.