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Beautiful buildings near the parliament |
Alkotmany utca District V Budapest 1054 Hungary +36 1 322 4098 / +36 1 488 0475(Tourism Ministry) |
Opposite the parliament stand two striking buildings which were both candidates and finalists for the parliament building design competition. In a show of extreme fair-play, the architects were honored by having their creations constructed right across the street from the eventual winner. The Ministry of Agriculture is located in the neo-Renaissance building, while the other beautiful structure houses the Ethnographic museum. Take a look at these buildings and decide which one you would have chosen for that prime spot on the Danube. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Named after a historic printer |
Hess Andras ter District I Budapest 1011 Hungary |
This Medieval square in the Castle District was named after the man who printed the first book in Hungarian at the printing press at No.4 in 1473. No.3 is a former inn, which was named the 'Red Hedgehog' in 1696. Note the statue to Pope Innocent XI who was involved in organising the armies who recaptured Buda from the Turks; this was erected in 1936 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the liberation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hungarian money from National Bank |
National Bank, Szabadsag ter, 8 District V Budapest 1054 Hungary +36 1 302 3000 |
Coin and bank note lovers had better hope that they're in town on a Thursday, because that's the only time this small museum is open. Hungarian coins and notes (and their actual designs) dating from 1924 onward are on display here. There is also a collection of valuable commemorative coins on show. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Where the famous composer lived |
Csalan ut, 29 District II Budapest 1025 Hungary +36 1 394 2100 http://www.bartokmuseum.hu/ |
A visit to the home of famous composer Bela Bartok (1881-1945) is a must for classical music fans. Amongst other things, it offers a glimpse into the composer's personal life. As well as his own belongings, there is also a collection of memorial items such as paintings and even stamps. Bartok, who spent a lot of time studying traditional folk music, did not live in a traditional house; instead it captures the look of the early twentieth century. Admission is HUF600. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Square with a beautiful view |
Batthyany ter District I Budapest 1011 Hungary |
If you've ever wondered where the beautiful unobstructed photos of the Parliament building are taken from; this is almost certainly the spot. Batthyany ter offers gorgeous views over the Danube as well as some sights of its own that are worth a visit e.g. the Church of St. Anne. The metro (M2) began stopping here in 1972 and as a result, the square is now a popular spot for commuters. There are some cafés and a few snack bars in the area as well as a large Market Hall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Square dedicated to Polish general |
Bem Jozsef ter District II Budapest 1027 Hungary |
This square lies at the foot of the Margit (Margaret) Bridge, on the Buda side. It is dominated by a statue of Jozsef Bem, a beloved Polish general during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-49. He was fondly called Bem Apo ('Father Bem'). The square commemorates the strategic recapture of the Pilski Bridge in 1849, which was unfortunately not sufficient to win the war. Bem fled to Turkey and became governor of Aleppo after converting to Islam. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Caves beneath the castle |
Orszaghaz utca, 16 District I Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 214 3121 |
This is a great place to visit for many reasons, not least for its cool, shaded interior and interesting layout. Kids with big imaginations will love the seemingly never-ending maze-like corridors. The network of tunnels can only be explored with a guide (English-German- or Hungarian-speaking), presumably because it's easy to get lost down here. On your tour, you'll see storerooms, baths (a lot of time was spent down here) and the main attraction: German combat stations from the Second World War. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful baroque church |
Batthyany ter District I Budapest 1011 Hungary +36 1 322 4098 / +36 1 488 0475(Tourism Ministry) |
This is believed by many to be Budapest's finest Baroque church. It graces Batthyany ter with its presence and is well worth a look inside, especially for those who feel they've seen every type of interior: this one, with its blue, gilded pulpit is strikingly original. Believe it or not, the church is the work of an unknown architect. Building work began on it in 1740 but it was only consecrated some 65 years later. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ruins of thirteenth-century church |
Castle District Budapest 1014 Hungary |
The reconstructed Baroque tower that is visible now is pretty much all that is left of this church. There has been a church here since the mid-thirteenth century. As usual, it became a mosque during the Turkish occupation and it was badly damaged during the Liberation in 1686 and the Second World War. The garden features a reconstructed Gothic window. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Uphill all the way |
Szilagyi Erzsebet fasor District II Budapest 1028 Hungary http://www.bkv.hu |
To get to this delightful ride, take tram 56 from Moskva ter to the cylindrical Budapest Hotel. The railway - originally built in 1874 - hauls itself up the amazingly steep hills using a cog system underneath the train, which engages with a rack on the tracks. The train is Swiss-made (which stands to reason really, as the Swiss certainly know a thing or two about getting up steep hills). First, it goes up Svab Hill and then up to the top of Szechenyi Hill. At the top, there is a pleasant picnic area, which is popular for dog-walking and kite-flying. The restaurant in the hotel at the top offers a superb view over the city. Metro and bus tickets are valid on this route. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The river and surrounding areas |
Bathory utca, 22 District V Budapest 1054 Hungary +36 1 302 4382 |
It is a beautiful river and this is a beautiful way to see it and the surrounding area. The tour will bus you to the Danube bend (a point where the river makes a sharp ninety-degree turn) at Visegrad, site of an ancient castle (allegedly that of Vlad The Impaler), and then on to Esztergom where there is a fine cathedral. After lunch, you will be taken back to Szentendre, a charming old Slav town which is now an artists' hang-out. There are lots of art galleries and also plenty of opportunity for shopping. Finally, you will return to Budapest by boat. NB the return trip is available only in summer - May to the end of September. The trip lasts around ten hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dedicated to victims of 1956 |
Parliament, Kossuth ter Budapest 1055 Hungary +36 1 322 4098 / +36 1 488 0475 (Tourism Ministry) |
In an enormously symbolic act, an eternal flame was unveiled and lit in front of the Parliament building in 1996. It marked the fortieth anniversary of the crushed 1956 uprising, an event that, along with the Trianon treaty, is one of the largest causes of anger and sorrow for the Hungarian people. Not far away is the statue of Imre Nagy, the executed Prime Minister, who could perhaps be said to be gazing at the flickering fire. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All about Hungarian culture |
Kossuth Lajos ter, 12 Budapest 1055 Hungary +36 1 473 2440 http://www.neprajz.hu |
A view of the building in which this museum is housed makes a visit more than worthwhile: it is an architectural masterpiece - both inside and out. The Grand Entrance Hall will take your breath away with its arches, columns and staircases, all decorated with copious amounts of gold. The exhibits themselves provide an interesting and educational overview of the Hungarian people: regional folk costumes can be seen, as well as depictions of daily life in the last century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Industrial museum |
Bem Jozsef utca, 20 District II Budapest 1027 Hungary +36 1 202 5327 |
This museum displays various exhibits from the iron smelting and casting industry. It's housed in a building that could be straight out of a Dickens novel. The original machines and equipment used for this torturous yet necessary work are on display and the atmosphere is one of a real factory. Some of the cast-iron items are truly astounding, bringing art to functionality. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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History of the pharmacy |
Tarnok utca, 18 District I Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 375 9772 |
This is a fascinating little museum that is well worth a look. It shows how the modern pharmacy developed from the study of alchemy, as well as actual counter layouts and shelf displays from around a century ago. If you like unusual and interesting little bottles, containers and other such things, then this is the museum for you. Some of the working pharmacies in Budapest are also beautiful and fairly unchanged in the last century - why not pop in and take a look? If you're someone who thinks they don't like museums, this one may well suit you, as it is small and unique. It makes a very nice break from the bustle of Castle Hill. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful panoramic views |
Harmashatar hegy District III Budapest 1037 Hungary |
Catch Bus 65 and ride it to the terminus in order to escape the city. You'll wind up on Harmashatar-hegy (Three Border Hill), with unobstructed views of Budapest in all directions. It's a perfect spot for a picnic, a hike in the hills, or just to sit and dream. Sometimes hang gliders begin their flights here, but in general it's a very quiet and peaceful place. If you visit early in the morning or late at night, you may well find that you have the place all to yourself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Focal point of Old Town |
Szentharomsag ter District I Budapest 1014 Hungary |
This square (flanked by Matyas Church, in the Castle District) is the focal point of the Old Town. The name derives from the Baroque Holy Trinity column (sculpted in 1710) in the center, which commemorates the dead of two plague outbreaks. On the northern side of the square is the Old Town Hall, built at the beginning of the eighteenth century. There are several coffee houses and restaurants located nearby, as well as the Hilton Hotel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Recreated cafés and dining rooms |
Fortuna utca, 4 District I Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 375 6249 |
This is an interesting museum to look around while up on Castle Hill. On display are actual room layouts from turn-of-the-century cafés, as well as from restaurant dining rooms. There's even a bedroom ensemble from the famous Gellert Hotel, as it would have looked in 1918. This museum may well present the look and feel of Budapest a hundred years ago better than any other. Once again, this is the kind of museum that makes you glad you stopped in. It's all fun to look at, and it's in a small space that needs only twenty minutes to do it justice. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Works of the famous artist |
Fo ter, 1 District III Budapest 1033 Hungary +36 1 368 7021 |
This small museum is dedicated to displaying the life and work of Lajos Kossak, a talented and fiery avant-garde artist, writer and poet. He firmly believed in the power of the working class and lived-through choice-in a fairly rough workers' area of Budapest. The museum displays most of his work. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful, historic Turkish baths |
Fo utca, 82-84 District II Budapest 1027 Hungary +36 1 201 4392 |
This is one of the few remaining Turkish baths in Budapest. Built in 1565 by the Pasha of Buda, it remains popular to this day. The Turks were so concerned that they might not be able to use the hot baths if the city was besieged, they had this one constructed within the castle walls. They piped the water in over a considerable distance, and today the building stands as a magnificent testament to their ingenuity. The four baths range in temperature from a pleasing 26 degrees centigrade right up to an endurance-testing 40 degrees centigrade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful, eclectic collection |
Kiscelli ut, 108 Budapest 1037 Hungary +36 1 250 0304 / +36 1 388 8560 http://www.museum.hu/budapest/... |
The building itself has had a long and varied history. It was presented to the city as a gift in 1935. Today, it houses a wide-ranging and rather eclectic collection. The exterior of the building is in beautiful baroque style, while the interior has been renovated with tasteful simplicity and the emphasis has been placed on the exhibits. These range from an old printing press where you can get a personal copy of the revolutionary 'Arise Hungarians!' to more contemporary paintings and turn-of-the-century furniture displays. Admission is HUF 200. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Famous curative centre |
Frankel Leo utca, 25-29 District II Budapest 1027 Hungary +36 1 322 4098 / +36 1 488 0475(Tourism Ministry) |
The Lukacs baths have become famous as a curative centre. The walls are covered with testimonial plaques from grateful visitors. Just about every type of water therapy is available here, including a drinking cure, Finnish sauna, dry room, steam room and much more besides. The site also has two swimming pools (20m and 25m), as well as a special weight bath for physiotherapy. If all of this sounds too strenuous, there is a sun deck on the roof. The outdoor pools are only open from May until October. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Art academy with modern architecture |
Viador utca district III Budapest 1036 Hungary |
This wonderful example of modern architecture was completed in 1995, amidst a blaze of optimism and national renewal. It is a short walk from the Military Town Amphitheatre. It is used as an alternative art academy and its founder (Makovecz) was also the building's designer. You will see a pleasing and successful fusion of several different elements, including the celebrated and increasingly popular Transylvanian wooden style. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Peaceful spot for relaxation |
Margitsziget Budapest 1138 Hungary |
Despite its central location, Margaret Island is extremely peaceful. In summer, it is popular with the locals who come here to relax. Rent a bicycle, jog, swim in one of two pools, throw a Frisbee or just stroll around. This was originally a religious centre. The ruins of St Margaret's Dominican nunnery are on the east side near the ruins of a Franciscan church. The water tower is a listed building. A very fine lunch can be had in the Ramada Grand Hotel at the north-east end of the island. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Unique three-pronged bridge |
Districts II, V Budapest 1024 Hungary |
The Margit (Margaret) Bridge not only spans the Danube, it also links two roads. It connects Buda to Pest via the Nagykorut (outer ring road), as well as to Margit Island in the centre of the Danube. It was completed in 1876, although the spur leading onto the island was added in 1901. This section is the only remnant of the original structure, which was destroyed during World War II. The vista from here is arguably the most spectacular in Budapest, with a view of Parliament and Castle Hill illuminated at night and the curving Danube shimmering in the midst of it all. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dates back to thirteenth century |
Szentharomsag ter 2 Castle District Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 355 5657 |
There has been a church here since the thirteenth century, even though the Turks converted many religious buildings into mosques. Although it was badly damaged in the last war, it was restored (mainly rebuilt) in the sixties. An original fourteenth-century Gothic portal survives on the south side of the church. The interior is a riot of colour and the crypt can be visited. Organ concerts - which are well worth attending - are often held here so it would be an idea to check for more information in a local events guide on your arrival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful religious artefacts |
Szentharomsag ter 2 Castle Hill, district I Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 355 5657 |
After touring the magnificent Matyas Church, a visit to the art collection might be just the ticket. Inside, you'll find everything from an exact replica of the Hungarian crown (complete with the crooked cross sticking out of the top) to gold work, a lapidary (gemstones) and a history of the church in Hungary. It's all beautifully presented. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Palace fountain and statue |
Buda Castle Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 322 4098 / +36 1 488 0475(Tourism Ministry) |
On the left as you are about to enter the last courtyard of the palace where the Szechenyi Library is housed, stands the intricately worked and majestic scene of King Matyas hunting. He is surrounded by his dogs and retainers, with Szep Ilona ("Beautiful Ilona": a peasant woman who fell in love with him unaware that he was the king) gazing up at him. It was sculpted in 1904 by Alajos Strobl. It is now in a miserable state of corrosion - an insult to this majestic piece of statuary. At the onslaught of World War II, the statue was disassembled and parts of it were hidden in people's gardens for safety. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ancient Jewish holy site |
Tancsics Mihaly utca 26 Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 225 7816 http://www.museum.hu/budapest/... |
Budapest has a proud and ancient Jewish heritage, which is slowly being revived. Both Buda and Pest hosted sizeable Jewish communities which were virtually wiped out during the Second World War. The medieval Jewish Prayer House is unique in that it is on the Buda side of the river (most of the current Jewish activity is in Pest, around the Great Synagogue). You will find rare remnants of the historic Jewish community of Buda including gravestones and even Gothic pieces. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Roman remains |
Pacsirtamezo utca district III Budapest 1036 Hungary |
The Roman military theatre of Aquincum (as Budapest was formerly known) was much bigger than the civilian equivalent. It now stands, ruined but still proud, at the intersection of several busy streets. Most people barely catch a glimpse of it as they breeze by. But the amphitheatre has its fans: it is used as a park by the locals and as a place of meditation for those seeking to commune with history. The scale of the amphitheatre can only be appreciated by getting into the middle of it: it's actually larger than the famous Coliseum in Rome. It was used for about 200 years (from circa 100 AD to 300 AD). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Busy and famous Buda square |
Moszkva ter district II Budapest 1024 Hungary |
This busy and bustling square is an important transport hub and a good location to become familiar with. The red metro line (line 2) passes through here on its way to Deli station, the Castle Hill bus starts and ends here, and it's also the starting point for catching transport up into the beautiful green Buda hills. The name means Moscow square.The square is also like a small bazaar, with every type of activity going on. There is a large shopping centre right next to it (Mammut). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hungary's ambulance service |
Marko utca 22 district V Budapest 1055 Hungary +36 1 350 3737 |
This museum traces the development of the Hungarian Ambulance Service. Budapest seems to have just about every other kind of museum you can think of, so why not this? And since the fire brigade has a museum, the ambulance folks couldn't be left out. Dozens of photos and historic signs and notices as well as actual equipment make up the bulk of the exhibit. Admission is HUF 60. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Charts the preservation of buildings |
Tancsics Mihaly utca 1 district I Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 356 9722 |
If you've ever wondered how they restore or preserve all of the beautiful buildings in the city, then this is the place to visit. It's free and it gives a quick overview of Hungarian architecture (and architects), as well as detailing how buildings are maintained. It's really quite fascinating and shows how the work to restore such precious buildings is both painstaking and often controversial. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful neo-Renaissance building |
Andrassy ut, 22 Budapest 1061 Hungary +36 (0)1 353 0170 http://www.opera.hu/ |
Famous Hungarian architect Miklos Ybl completed this building in 1884. Its style is very neo-Renaissance with a wildly exotic interior featuring cherubs, marble, gilt and frescoes. A 45-minute tour of the building in most major languages can be arranged for HUF900. These tend to start at 3pm or 4pm; go to the door on the right of the building, beside the sphinx. Tickets to see the opera here are extremely inexpensive. Thália Theater Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Swimming and sunbathing |
Margitsziget Budapest 1138 Hungary +36 1 312 3069 |
This huge swimming pool complex also features hot baths and lots of open space. It is rare in that it offers nude sunbathing in the heart of the city - there is both a women-only and a mixed area. There is also an exhilarating wave pool as well as lots of other facilities such as a children's playground and restaurant. This is a great place to stop off for a break after a walk around the island. Originally opened in the early 1920's, it has since expanded to what it is today 30 000 square meters of park and pool area. The large outdoor pool is approximately 100m long. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Inspired by Westminster |
Kossuth Lajos ter, 1-3 District V Budapest 1055 Hungary +36 1 441 4904 |
This building was constructed at a time when Hungary was three times the size it is now (it became smaller as a result of having been shared out after the First World War; when Hungary was on the losing side). Today, the government is housed in only a small portion of the building. The inspiration for this building is said to have been the Palace of Westminster in London. Like so much along the Pest bank of the Danube, the best view are actually from across the river (especially from Batthyany ter). Guided tours are available when parliament is not in session (go to Gate X to the right of the main entrance). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Monument to plague victims |
Szentharomsag ter District I Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 322 4098 / +36 1 488 0475(Tourism Ministry) |
This striking chalk-white column attracts a lot of attention. It sits outside Matyas Church and is therefore an often-photographed landmark. It was erected in 1713, at a time when not one but four outbreaks of plague had swept over the city. The dead could not be buried separately - this column was built as a memorial to those buried in mass graves. There are similar monuments in other Hungarian towns, Sopron's being perhaps the most impressive. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Budapest's famous river |
Dowtown Budapest 1052 Hungary |
The Danube - Europe's most celebrated river - runs majestically through the center of Budapest. The city has taken full advantage of this and it now offers some of the finest panoramas to be found anywhere on the continent. Starting far away in Germany (where the Breg and Brigach rivers meet), the Danube runs some 2859 kilometers before spilling into the Black Sea. On its journey, it passes through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Romania. Incidentally, contrary to the name of the famous waltz, it is not blue! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Now a museum |
Tancsics Mihaly utca, 26 District I Budapest 1014 Hungary |
Called thus to distinguish it from the Great Synagogue in downtown Pest, this synagogue in the Castle District is today a museum. It was built in 1364 and closed by the authorities in 1686. It then became a private apartment until 1965 when the street was renovated and engravings of a fourteenth-century Star of David were found. The museum includes Jewish tombstones from the Middle Ages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gold, silver and jewels |
Szent Istvan ter District V Budapest 1051 Hungary +36 1 317 2859 |
This treasury is attached to the famous St. Stephen's Basilica. It features devotional objects from Hungary, Austria and Germany as well as a large collection of chasubles (the garments worn by priests). The amount of gold used in some of the objects is startling and the detail of the work is also quite stunning. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Well-loved 20th century poet |
Kossuth ter near the Parliament Budapest 1055 Hungary |
This statue is of a deeply pensive, even worried man, sitting in a position of obvious fatigue (perhaps mental). He sits on steps, hat in hand, arms resting on his knees, forehead wrinkled and eyes distant. This is Attila Jozsef, one of the country's best-loved 20th century poets. Tragically, he suffered from famous fits of paralysing depression, fits that eventually overtook him: in 1937, aged just 32, he hurled himself into the path of an oncoming train. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Statue of executed Prime Minister |
Vertanuk tere District V Budapest 1054 Hungary |
The statue is of a man standing on a small bridge. He is wearing a hat and a trench coat and is looking pensively over his left shoulder, into the distance. The man is Imre Nagy. In 1956, Nagy was nominated by the people to become the new Prime Minister (during the uprising). When the Soviet troops invaded he was arrested (along with thousands of others) and eventually executed. He was buried in a mass grave. In 1989, he was reburied following a ceremony in Heroes' Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Everything to do with telephones |
Uri utca 49 district I Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 201 8188 |
This is one of Budapest's favourite museums, especially popular with kids. One of the reasons for this is that many of the displays are interactive: children (and adults too) can send faxes to each other, operate an old switchboard and so on. Seeing the huge desk of the switchboard operator and comparing it to today's mobile phone technology really illustrates what has been achieved in the past 120 years. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dedicated to textiles |
Lajos utca 136-138 Budapest 1036 Hungary +36 1 430 1387 http://www.museum.hu/budapest/... |
If you thought that Budapest had every possible type of museum, you would be right. This museum opened to cover one area that had previously been left out: textiles. It is situated in Obuda, in the well-known Goldberger houses, and the history of the substantial Hungarian textile industry is traced and recorded here. Huge machines used in the manufacture of textiles are on hand and it's all quite fascinating stuff. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Turk who introduced roses |
Mecset utca, 14 Budapest 1023 Hungary +36 1 326 0062 / +36 1 326 0928 http://www.museum.hu/budapest/... |
This tomb is the northernmost place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Hungary was under Turkish rule for 125 years (they got as far as the gates of Vienna before being beaten back). However, there's not much left of Turkish Budapest and this is probably the only remaining Turkish street. Gul Baba died soon after the capture of the city and did not have time to do very much here, although he is said to have introduced roses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Museum about the metro |
Deak ter (in the underground itself) District V Budapest 1052 Hungary +36 1 461 6500 |
This cute little museum takes only ten minutes or so to see and is located right where all the metro lines connect at Deak ter. They have several old carriages on display as well as some equipment and detailed drawings of the plans for this old system (the first underground on the continent). You can punch a ticket to cover the admission charge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dedicated to well-loved artist |
Laktanya utca 7 District III Budapest 1033 Hungary +36 1 250 0274 |
Thousands of people are charmed by the public statues and sculptures of Imre Varga as they walk about Budapest. This museum dedicated to him contains replicas of these as well as sketches and other items. Among his works is the memorial statue dedicated to Raoul Wallenberg, which was put in place in 1987, as well as the Holocaust memorial of 1991. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dedicated to "father of op-art" |
Szentlelek ter 6 District III Budapest 1033 Hungary +36 1 250 1540 |
Vasarely may be Hungary's most famous contemporary artist. Even if you don't know his name, you've certainly seen some of his work as well as the work of many artists his style has influenced. Wild geometric patterns and lines trick the eye as they bubble and swell (or appear to do so) and then all of a sudden you notice objects in the paintings (like the well known 'zebras'). This is an interesting gallery set in a beautiful home. Review © 2007, Wcities |