Budapest

4 days in Budapest-07/21-7/24/2018

Day 3- Buda Castle-7-23-2018

Once you get in the gate the best way is to walk along the main cobblestone street to see all the buildings inside Castle Hill.
Castle Hill is recognized as World Heritage site and has many must see attractions, gothic arches, 18th century baroque houses. Though Castle Hill has changed since building began in the 13th century, its main street still follow their medieval paths. A surprising number of buildings are still private homes, as Castle Hill is also a residential area. Car are banned and only people who live and work here are allowed to drive in.

The fountain of the Fishing Children located on the Danube Terrace is the work of sculptor Károly Senyei from 1912. It depicts two children grappling with a fish. The fine workmanship of the fishing net is remarkable. The fountain was removed in 1955 and re-erected at Rákóczi Square in Pest, but brought back to its original place in 1976. It was restored in 2001

The Hungarian National Gallery located in several wings of the Buda Castle is a stunning piece of art, as are the views over the city and the river Danube from the Dome terrace.

The Hungarian National Gallery was established in 1957 and their permanent exhibitions show the development of Hungarian fine arts over centuries, from the Middle Age to Modern ages.

You have to buy tickets to get but we skipped it and looked at the outside.

In the center of the larger terrace you will find an impressive statue of prince Eugene of Savoy.

The statue of prince Eugene of Savoy, created by József Róna and inaugurated in 1900, honors the man who was responsible for defeating the Ottoman Army and liberating Budapest from the Turks. The pedestal is richly decorated with statues of Turkish prisoners and bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the crucial Battle of Zenta (1697).

The museum is currently presenting Frida Kahlo work until the end of November 2018.

What a beautiful view! The building with the dome is the parliament which we will visit afterwards.

On the southwest walls of Buda Castle you can see a 13 feet high bronze statue of the Virgin and Child.

Sculpted by László Mátyássy depicting Mary and the child Jesus, but the child is hovering in front of his mother’s body.

made by sculptor László Mátyássy. The artwork is very different from other Virgin Mary statues found in Hungary. It depicts Mary and the child Jesus, but the child is hovering in front of his mother’s body, so depicting the mystery and the wonder of the immaculate conception.

Read more at: https://dailynewshungary.com/4-meter-high-virgin-mary-statue-has-been-erected-on-the-wall-of-buda-castle/

View from the back of the statue

Side view of the statue

Gorgeous view of the city from above.

As we were walking the property we saw this small entrance and we decided to get in.

The inside is a courtyard with mature trees.

Rampart surrounding the castle.

The inner court yard is really peaceful. Nobody really wander around here so we have the place pretty much to ourselves.

From there we walked to the Lion's Gate

The Lions' Gate gives entrance to the central courtyard where the Budapest History museum is located.

The monumental gate is named after the four lion statues that guard the entrance. They were created in 1901 by the Hungarian sculptor János Fadrusz. The gate is decorated with niches, festoons and allegorical sculptures of the Winged Victory.

Entrance to the Budapest History museum.

The Budapest History Museum focuses on Budapest's history from the Middle Ages to the present day. We did not have enough time so we did not check it out.

Beautiful bronze sculptures adorning the entrance of the museum

Matthias Fountain (Mátyás kút), probably Budapest's most famous fountain. It was designed in 1904 by Alajos Stróbl and depicts a scene from the legend of King Matthias and the beautiful peasant girl Ilonka.

According to the legend, King Matthias Hunyadi, the fairest king of Hungary, went hunting in disguise. He was often disguised to see the true affairs of the Hungarian Kingdom. During the hunting, he met a pretty peasant girl called Beautiful Little Helen (Szep Ilonka in Hungarian). They fell in love at first sight, but when she found out that he was the king of Hungary, she realized she could never marry him and walked home consumed with sorrow. Shortly after, she died from a broken heart.

Close up view of Little Helen

Close up view of the young King in hunting garb.

Next....Trinity square/Matthias church