| 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.
The Castle
District is definitely worth a visit. In fact, the District is a good reason
to go to Budapest.
The Danube
River runs through the center of Budapest in Hungary. In the middle of
the city chaos lays an oasis of tranquility, Margaret Island.
Margaret
Island
Margaret
Island is one of the unique elements of Budapest. The island is located
in the middle of the Danube River in central Budapest and is a little more
than 1 mile long and 500 yards wide. With the exception of a hotel at the
south end, the island is free of cars and buildings.
Historically,
Margaret Island served as a private park for Hungarian royalty and you
can see why. The island consists mostly of paths flanked by old growth
trees, rose gardens and tailored lawn areas. Peacocks walk freely around
the island and wild ducks nest throughout the island. At the south end
of the island, you can visit hot thermal springs, walk on paths through
peaceful ponds or relax in front of tiered water cascades. During part
of the year, plays are undertaken at an outdoor theatre.
The island
is named after Princess Margaret, the daughter of King Bela IV. If the
beauty of the island is a reflection of the Princess, she must have been
one impressive woman.
These days,
the island is open to the public and serves as a recreation area. During
the weekdays, workers in Budapest pour out of the city and onto the island
for lunch breaks. Only in Budapest can you be in the middle of an active
city, walk 200 feet across a bridge and be in a peaceful, forested area.
When visiting
Hungary, it is easy to fall in love with Budapest and never venture beyond
the city. If this happens, you’ll rue the day you missed a chance to visit
Lake Balaton, Visegrad and Szentendre.
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton
is located in the wine-growing region of Hungary. It just so happens the
Lake is also populated with a number of thermal mineral springs. Hmm…wine
and hot tubs! On top of this, the lake is relatively shallow resulting
in water temperatures in the seventies in the summer. All and all, it is
nearly impossible to get stressed out at Lake Balaton.
Visegrad
Visegrad is
a tower castle that has seen better days. In its heyday, Visegrad was a
major outpost for the Roman Empire. The history of Visegrad is interesting,
but you will want to visit for a different reason. Visegrad is a great
place to parasail. Located approximately 1,000 feet above a river, the
terrain and air currents are ideal if you’re interested in flying like
a bird. In fact, you can literally float for hours.
Szentendre
Szentendre
is a little town located about 20 minutes north of Budapest. The town has
an old feel with cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes. Perhaps the biggest
reason to go, however, is the vibe of the town. Szentendre is the artist
center of Hungary. Walk down the streets and you will start seeing art
you recognize from shops in Budapest. There are literally hundreds of galleries
and artist sketching in the sun. If art is your thing, Szentendre is worth
a visit.
Budapest is
definitely the must see location of Hungary, but Lake Balaton, Visegrad
and Szentendre are definitely worth a look. |
