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Castle District

The Castle District in Budapest is a vibrant blend of medieval history, architectural beauty, and breathtaking views over the Danube River. This hilltop enclave, rich with tales of kings, battles, and cultural treasures, is an ideal place for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates sweeping panoramas. Here’s a guide to the best sights on Castle Hill, each with its own unique story and charm.

History of the Castle District

Castle Hill has been a center of life and defense since the 13th century, when residents relocated from Pest for safety against the Tatar invasion. The district has seen battles through centuries, from the Ottoman occupation to the destructive WWII siege. Despite setbacks, much of the Castle District has been beautifully restored, maintaining its medieval charm while incorporating newer buildings from the Communist era. Wandering here, I feel transported through centuries of Hungarian history, where each corner whispers stories of resilience.

Buda Castle (Royal Palace)

Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace, dominates the Castle Hill skyline. Its grandeur is best appreciated from the outside, where the post-WWII design blends seamlessly with original medieval elements. Inside, the Hungarian National Gallery offers an impressive collection of Hungarian art, and the Budapest History Museum unveils the area’s turbulent history with Gothic and Renaissance artifacts. Also housed within the Buda Castle is the Széchényi National Library, a treasure trove of Hungarian manuscripts, including rare medieval works. Walking through the castle gardens and admiring the views over the Danube is an experience in itself.

Facing the Danube River, on the outer walls of the southern side of Buda Castle, along the promenade, stands the statue of the Virgin Mary. Legend has it that during the siege of the castle in Budapest, which was then in Turkish hands, a wall crumbled suddenly, revealing an image of Mary, which inspired the Christians for their final assault and utterly confused the Turks.

Buda Castle
Buda Castle
National Gallery
National Gallery
Museum of History
Museum of History

Lion Courtyard

Surrounded by the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery, the Lion Courtyard is a quiet, expansive space named for its four lion statues. The cobblestone courtyard, with stripes marking ancient palace walls, has a peaceful charm, especially under the evening lights. It’s a perfect place to pause and take in the ambiance of Buda Castle.

The lions were sculpted in 1902, which composes an enclosed cobblestone courtyard surrounded by the three museums. Not surprisingly, it often serves as a venue for various events, adding to its historical and architectural significance.

Lion Courtyard
Lion Courtyard

The Riding Hall

The Riding Hall, built in 1901 and reconstructed in 2022, is one of Budapest’s newest old treasures. The hall’s architectural elegance, with its stained-glass windows by Miksa Róth, makes it a unique setting for equestrian events and other modern gatherings. It’s worth a stop to admire the fusion of history with contemporary functionality.

Riding Stables
Riding Stables
Riding Guardhouse (Cafe)
Riding Guardhouse (Cafe)

Guardhouse Building

Once home to the Hungarian Royal Guard, the Guardhouse Building now houses the Royal Guard Café and an exhibition showcasing Hungary’s military heritage. The Roman statues on its roof and the traditional uniforms on display make this an engaging stop for those interested in Hungary’s regal and military past.

Near the Guardhouse Building is the Matthias Fountain, often referred to as Budapest’s version of the Trevi Fountain, which depicts the legendary King Matthias as a hunter. This beautifully sculpted fountain in the castle courtyard is a romantic sight, with intricate figures representing the king, his entourage, and the lovestruck Ilonka. This story of hidden love adds a layer of legend to the fountain, and the sculpture’s details make it a must-see.

Matthias Fountain
Matthais Fountain
Children Swimming Fountain
Fountain of the Fishing Children

Fountain of the Fishing Children

In front of the National Gallery, the Fountain of the Fishing Children is a whimsical sculpture that captures the playful spirit of Budapest’s younger generations. This fountain, which features children wrestling a large fish, is a charming spot that often draws coins and wishes from visitors.

Habsburg Gates

From the Fountain of the Fishing Children, head towards the baroque Habsburg Gates. These ornate sculptured gates are perfectly complemented by a wrought iron fence and its motifs. Nearby, you can find a mini sculpture by Kolodko called the checkered ear rabbit.

Near the Habsburg Gates is a noticeably large white building guarded by the military in front called the Sandor Palace. This is the Hungarian president’s residence, and there’s a changing of the guard that’s worth watching if you find yourself in the area at the top of the hour, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Habsburg GateHabsburg Gate
Habsburg Gate
Checkered Eared Rabbit
Checkered Ear Rabbit
Sandor Palace
Sandor Palace
Sandor Palace
Changing of the Guards at Sandor Palace

Matthias Church

One of Budapest’s most iconic structures, Matthias Church, stands proudly on Trinity Square. It’s intricate Gothic architecture and vibrant ceramic roof tiles are stunning from afar and even more fascinating up close. The church has a layered history, serving as a mosque during Ottoman rule and a royal coronation site in the 19th century. Inside, its stained glass and frescoes make it feel like stepping into a living piece of art.

For a bird’s-eye view of the city, a climb up Matthias Church’s tower offers panoramic sights that make the effort worthwhile. This is an ideal activity for photographers and those who want a unique perspective on Budapest.

Down the street towards Vienna Gate is the authentic relief of King Matthias on the gate tower. Created in 1486, reading in the upper band “MATHIAS REX” and the lower band “ANNO MCCCCLXXXVI SALV[TIS],” which translates to “In the year of salvation 1486.”

Matthias Church
Matthias Rex
Matthias Rex

Andres Hess Square

Located across from King Matthias relief is the Andres Hess Square. Here you will see the monument of Pope Innocent XI, the work of J. Damko (1936). Pope Innocent XI played a crucial role in organizing the Holy League in 1684, which was instrumental in driving the Turks out of Europe. The location of the statue is significant: it marks the spot where Abdurrahman Abdi Arnaut, the last Ottoman governor of Buda, was killed during the recapture of the castle.

Behind the monument is the architectural complex known as “Vörös sün” (the Red Hedgehog). The complex dates from the 17th and 18th centuries and was later remodeled in classical style.

Pope Innocent XI Statue
Pope Innocent XI Statue

Ruszurm Confectionary

You’ll pass the legendary Ruszwurm pastry shop that counted Queen Sisi among its clients. Operating continuously since 1827, the original furnishings will transport you back to the Biedermeier period. The specialty of the house is the custardy krémes and the creamy hot chocolate. Try to go in the morning (they open at 10 a.m.) for the shortest lines and widest selections.

Ruszurm Confectionery
Ruszurm Confectionary

Trinity Square

In the heart of the Castle District, Trinity Square hosts the historic Holy Trinity Column, which was erected as a plea to end the plague. This column, along with the nearby Old Town Hall of Buda and House of the Hungarian Culture Foundation, is a testament to the resilience of Buda’s residents and adds a deep historical touch to the area.

Trinity Coumn
Trinity Square

Fisherman’s Bastion

Adjacent to Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a Neo-Romanesque terrace built as a lookout point. The seven towers represent Hungary’s founding tribes, and from here, the view over the Parliament Building and the Danube is unbeatable. Named for the guild of fishermen who defended the walls, this beautiful structure is both a historic monument and a photographer’s paradise.

The original walls were built in the 1700s as part of the Buda Castle’s fortification. However, the current structure was constructed between 1895 and 1902 in Neo-Romanesque style. The name “Fisherman’s Bastion” is derived from the guild of fishermen who lived in the area during the Middle Ages. They protected the castle walls and played a significant role in defending the city.

Don’t miss the stunning Saint Stephen’s Statue, honoring Hungary’s first Christian king. The statue portrays King Stephen on a richly adorned steed. He wears the Holy Crown on his head and holds the Apostolic Cross in his hand. The halo above the king’s head reminds us that Stephen was canonized as a saint 45 years after his death.

Fisherman's Bastion
Fisherman's Bastion
Saint Stephen Statue

Lunch

Spiler Biergarten

Located between Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle is Spiler Biegarten restaurant with friendly service as well as excellent food and drinks. The menu offers a variety of dishes ranging from traditional Hungarian goulash, tortilla chips, artisan burgers, and seafood dishes. This is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and grab a bite to eat while visiting Castle Hill.

Next to the Spiler Biergarten is a lovely garden area with the Honvéd Statue commemorating the Hungarian National Defense Force that captured Buda during the 1848–49 War of Independence.

The Labyrinth: Caves Beneath Castle Hill

Exploring the labyrinth under Castle Hill is both mysterious and exciting. Used over centuries as a prison and rumored to have housed Vlad the Impaler, these caves add an eerie charm to the district. Tours take you through six miles of underground passages, making it an unforgettable part of your Castle Hill experience. For more details about the cave, check out the website.

lybrinth cave
Pharmacy Museum
Pharmacy Museum

Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum

A small, two-room museum containing a mock-up of an alchemist’s laboratory, with dried bats and stuffed crocodiles suspended from the ceiling, along with a rack full of spices used in the 17th-century travelers, tells the story of medical care for the Hungarians.

Koller Gallery

Koller Gallery is an art gallery with incredible views and wonderful 20th-century Hungarian art. The top floor contains the memorial room of the Hungarian sculptor, Amerigo Tot, whose studio this once was and whom you might recognize from his cameo appearance in The Godfather Part II. For more details about the gallery, check their website here.

Museum of Music History

Filled with more than a thousand musical instruments from the 18th and 20th centuries, the Museum of Music History displays some of the rarest violins, military band instruments, and numerous traditional musical instruments and artifacts.  You can take an informative guided tour or attend recitals and concerts on occasion. Check the schedule for more details.

Museum of Music
Museum of Music History

Vienna Gate

Before you enter Vienna Gate there is a relief commemorating the siege of the castle on the brick wall of Buda Castle District

In the past, entry into the city was secured through gates located in the city walls. Entrance to the Buda Castle District is still through gates, with the northern gate known as Vienna Gate. Located in front of the Vienna Gate is the Buda Castle Evangelical Church on the Buda side. To the right of the Vienna Gate is the National Archives of Hungary, constructed between 1913 and 1923, holding the most extensive collection of historical artifacts dating back to 1109. Behind the National Archives of Hungary on the Anjou Promenade is the Tomb of Abdurrahman Pasha, the last Ottoman governor of Buda.

Vienna Gate
Vienna Gate
Relief of the Siege of Castle Hill
Commemorating the Seige of Castle Hill
Hungarian National Archive Museum
Hungarian National Archives
Tomb of Abdurrahman Pasha
Tomb of Abdurraham Pasha

Nearby, this “pajama-striped” (Striped House) house is notable for its corner balcony, which features a hunting scene. The courtyard of the house has been home to a grapevine since 1947, which has been under nature conservation protection since 1982.

A short distance down the street behind the Evangelical Church is the Medieval Jewish House of Prayer. Excavated in the mid-1060s, a medieval fresco inside the synagogue with a Star of David is accompanied by Aaron’s blessings. You can also find Jewish tombstones as well as other significant Jewish artifacts.

Striped House
Striped House

Saint Mary Magdalena Church

Near the Vienna Gate, I found the solitary Saint Mary Magdalene Church tower. This lone Gothic tower is all that remains of the church, which was bombed during WWII and later demolished by Communist leaders. Standing tall amidst the district’s historic rooftops, it offers stunning 360-degree views over Budapest.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Saint Mary Magdalene Church was built after the Mongol invasion as a place of worship for Hungarian speakers, while German-speaking locals attended the nearby Church of Our Lady. Though largely in ruins, the reconstructed Gothic window hints at its former grandeur. Inside, the tower houses Hungary’s largest carillon, featuring 24 bells—though silent since a 2020 lightning strike.

Nearby, I discovered the Coronation Robe Relief, a modern bronze piece by Tibor Rieger that brings Hungary’s royal history to life. The original bell-shaped robe, commissioned by King Stephen and Queen Gisela, is on display at the Hungarian National Museum. The relief reimagines this cherished artifact in three-dimensional form, giving it an unforgettable, lifelike presence.

Church of Mary Magdalene
Church of Mary Magdalene

Castle Hill Promenade (Tóth Árpád Sétány)

After you visit Saint Mary Magdalene Church, continue north to the Castle Hill Promenade, a picturesque passage adorned with cherry blossoms. As you stroll along, you will come upon an elevator leading you to the Hospital in the Rock and Nuclear Bunker Museum. The Ancestral Fountain can be found further down, which commemorates the centennial of the unification of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda, inspired by the headstones of Turkish cemeteries, reflecting a unique blend of cultural history and artistic craftsmanship.

Here you will get a spectacular view of the Buda Hills, making you stop for a moment to take a few selfies.

Promenade

Europe Park

Before you enter the Vienna Gate lies to the left, Europe Park, a unique green space whose special trees were brought and planted by the mayors of various European cities in 1973, commemorating the centennial anniversary of Budapest’s status as a capital city. A notable feature of the park is a sculpture designed for children, which depicts beloved fairy tale characters: Mr. Bear and Miska the Fox. Another statue seen in the park is of Zoltán Kodály, one of Hungary’s most famous composers.

Another unique monument is the historical connection between Hungary, Lithuania, and Poland. In 1386, a significant marriage took place in Krakow: Hedvig, the Christian daughter of Louis the Great, who was both the Hungarian and Polish king, was wed to Jagiello, the ruler of Lithuania. This marriage enabled the young groom to be crowned King of Poland. Additionally, because of this union, Lithuania, the last pagan state in Europe, converted to Catholicism.

Zoltan Kodaly
Zoltan Kodaly Statue
Hedvig and Jagiello Statue
Hedvig and Jagiello Statue

The Funicular to Budapest Castle District

A ride on the funicular is a delightful way to ascend Castle Hill. Operating since 1870, this funicular offers scenic views over the Danube and is a beloved attraction for both locals and tourists. The trip up to Castle Hill provides a historic twist to an already enchanting journey.

Funnicular

A Tunnel Under Budapest Castle

Just below Buda Castle and adjacent to the Chain Bridge is a fascinating tunnel, designed by Adam Clark, who also built the bridge. This 350-meter-long tunnel, completed in 1856, was once accessible to pedestrians and now serves as a reminder of Budapest’s early engineering marvels. Though no longer open to the public, it is a distinctive landmark near the base of Castle Hill.

Near the lower station of the funicular, the main ornament of the red brick wall is the angel crest, where two angels hold the Hungarian crown above the grand unified coat of arms of Hungary. The inscription of the crest reads “1880 and my trust in ancient virtue.” This quote was the motto of Emperor Franz Joseph I.

Adam Clark Tunnel
Adam Clark Tunnel

Castle District Sightseeing Map

Getting There

Of course, one of the most unique ways to get to Buda Castle District is riding the funicular.

If you want to get your steps in, go to the base of the Fisherman’s Bastion, and from here you can take the stairs up the hill.

Another option is taking the escalator at the bottom of the hill, at the Castle Gardens (Várkert bazár), up to the Castle.

If you choose to ride the bus, take Metro M2 to Szell Kalman Square; you can walk up to Vienna Gate or ride Bus 16/16A that will take you to Vienna Gate.

 

Exploring Budapest’s Castle District is an immersion into Hungary’s history and beauty. With its iconic landmarks, panoramic views, and captivating stories, Castle Hill invites you to step back in time while enjoying a rich blend of architectural wonders and natural beauty. Each corner of the district, from Fisherman’s Bastion to the Matthias Fountain, brings Budapest’s past to life, making it an unforgettable destination.

Enjoy your travels! Please read my blogs about other exciting places around the world at Traveling Lens Photography.

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Happy Travels!

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