Top Attractions Around Budapest
Visitors who stay for more than 2 days visiting Budapest also need to spend a day to discover the beauty and charm of the surrounding area. To the north Szentendre and the charming towns of the Danube Bend are the closest sights offering some of the country's finest landscapes, where the river passes between the hills and turns south. To reach the most popular excursion region you can follow the former Roman route by car, enjoy the cycle route or a boat service is also in operation with fantastic scenery of the Danube. To the northeast direction from the capital there is a Baroque town need to be mentioned. Gödöllő with the beautiful Grassalkovich palace is preserving the memory of Queen Elisabeth.
Have a closer look at the sights below and choose which attraction is the most tempting for your taste.
Szentendre & Skanzen
Szentendre is ais a beautifully situated picturesque small town, a pearl in the Danube Bend region. Only 20 kms far from the capital, Szentendre is undoubtedly the most popular destination for daily excursion from Budapest.
The origins of this settlement go back to the 4th century when the Celts were present here. The individual character of this lovingly restored old town with its narrow, cobbled streets, colorful houses, seven church towers and picturesque views of the Danube was shaped in the 17th and 18th century by the immigrant Serbs who fled from the Turks and whose culture, religion, traditions and building methods left their special marks of Mediterranean style on the town. The center is closed to traffic and the sights can easily be reached on foot. In summer boats operate between the Budapest mooring port of Vigadó tér and Szentendre, and probably that is the most enjoyable way to reach the town.
From the beginning of the 20th century Szentendre has attracted writers, painters and sculptors who discovered the charm and peace of this small town, untouched by industrialization. It has dozens of museums and art galleries displaying the works of well-known Hungarian artists. The Marczipan Museum and the Margit Kovács ceramic collection are probably the most popular but above all Szentendre is famous for one of the most popular museum complex in the country, the Skanzen.
The open air museum of Skanzen- situated in the outskirt of the town - covers 50 acres of territory and guides you through the heritage and traditions of those who lived in the Hungarian countryside. Hungary's largest ethnographic collection is transported here from across the country. More than 350 buildings are arranged in a breakdown of geographical regions detailing the characteristics of Hungarian folk architecture.
Eight geographical regions are open to the public from April to October. During the weekends visitors can learn the art of traditional folk handicrafts while on notable days Hungarian folk tradition is also celebrated with special programs. Skanzen is definitely the most interesting attraction outside Budapest. Website: www.skanzen.hu
Esztergom
Located on the bank of the River Danube, Esztergom is one of the oldest towns in Hungary and was its capital for 250 years. Since 1715 it has been the seat of the Roman Catholic Primate of Hungary.
In the 9th century the Magyars occupied the region. Grand Prince Géza chose it as his place of residence. His son was born here in 973 and some 25 years later, in 997, was crowned as King Stephen I, the first King of Hungary. Mongols destroyed the flourishing town, so the royal court moved to Buda and the palace became the property of the archbishop. The Turks captured the town in 1543and after that it became the scene of constant attacks and sieges during the 16th and 17th century.
The neo-classical cathedral (also called Basilica) was built between 1822 and 1869 on the Castle Hill and is Hungary’s largest and most impressive church, still the tallest building in the country with its 100 meters height. It has the largest altar-piece in the world painted on a single piece of canvas by the Venetian master Michelangelo Grigoletti.
The reconstructed medieval Royal Palace near the Basilica is also situated between the 14th century walls and was the royal residence until 1256. The building became later the archbishop’s seat and now houses the Castle Museum. Its annex houses the Christian Museum with the exhibition of the richest Hungarian ecclesiastical collection that preserves some 400 art objects from all over Europe and Hungary dating from different centuries. From the walls of Castle Hill there are splendid views of the Danube valley, the neighboring Slovakia and the reconstructed Mária Valéria Bridge over the river connecting the two countries. Also take time to look around the city’s main square, which is famous for its historical atmosphere with many Baroque houses. Website: www.bazilika-esztergom.hu |
Visegrád
Visegrad, the former capital of Hungary is one of the most picturesque settlements in the Danube Bend region. This historical town is a popular and famous destination for excursions because of the ruins of the royal medieval palace and the magnificent views from the citadel.
The Romans took advantage of the strategic location above the Danube founding a military camp on the hills in the 4th century. In the 9th century Slavs settled in the ruins of the Roman fort and named the settlement Visegrád (Slavic: high castle). Later the conquering Magyars took over the castle and after the invasion of the Mongols in 1241, King Béla IV. built castles to defend the land.
The royal palace was built in the 14th century and was reconstructed in Early Italian Renaissance style in the 15th century by King Matthias. With 350 rooms and fountains of red marble, it was one of the most luxurious royal residences of its time. The Renaissance courtyard of the palace and the so-called Hercules Fountain, which used to stream wine on various celebrations, has been recently restored by archeologists.
Nearby the five-story Solomon Tower is among the oldest and most intact Romanesque dwelling towers of Central Europe. The citadel or Upper Castle was built in the 13th century on the top of the 328 m high hill and offers a the most beautiful panorama of the entire Danube Bend.
The royal palace was built in the 14th century and was reconstructed in Early Italian Renaissance style in the 15th century by King Matthias. With 350 rooms and fountains of red marble, it was one of the most luxurious royal residences of its time. The Renaissance courtyard of the palace and the so-called Hercules Fountain, which used to stream wine on various celebrations, has been recently restored by archeologists.
Nearby the five-story Solomon Tower is among the oldest and most intact Romanesque dwelling towers of Central Europe. The citadel or Upper Castle was built in the 13th century on the top of the 328 m high hill and offers a the most beautiful panorama of the entire Danube Bend.
Outdoor equestrian events, contests of strength, and medieval festivals are staged in the summer months, with Renaissance feasts held in the citadel itself. The summer and winter bob-sleigh track, the mini golf and the countless marked tourist paths also offer great choices to spend your time while in Visegrád. Website: www.visegrad.hu/en
Gödöllő
Gödöllő is just a short drive from Budapest or you can also reach this unique city with an adventurous ride by the green suburban railway (HÉV). Gödöllő is deservedly famous for its palace. The Royal Palace is a tourist “must-see” that is one of the greatest achievements of Hungarian Baroque architecture. One of Hungary’s largest palaces, the Grassalkovich Palace was the summer and holiday residence of the Astro-Hungarian Habsburg royal family, the emperor and king Franz Joseph I. and his wife, Queen Elizabeth or in other name Sissy, as was called by the Hungarian public.
The stunning palace was undoubtedly Sissy’s favorite summer residence between 1867 and 1916 and the royal couple frequently stayed here. The palace was built in the 1740-s in the baroque style by Antal Grassalkovich. The two-storey, U-shape building with 130 rooms has been faithfully reconstructed recently to its former glory. The castle is not only a museum, it is also a venue for elegant receptions, historical fashion shows and other events.
Classical music concerts and festivals are held in the stateroom and on the ceremonial courtyard and after 200 years the restored Baroque Theatre is also open to the public for performances of chamber music and opera. The 28-acres palace park provides ornamental plant garden, souvenir shop and a café as well for visitors wishing to relax longer in this fantastic historical complex.
Website: www.kiralyikastely.hu
The stunning palace was undoubtedly Sissy’s favorite summer residence between 1867 and 1916 and the royal couple frequently stayed here. The palace was built in the 1740-s in the baroque style by Antal Grassalkovich. The two-storey, U-shape building with 130 rooms has been faithfully reconstructed recently to its former glory. The castle is not only a museum, it is also a venue for elegant receptions, historical fashion shows and other events.
Classical music concerts and festivals are held in the stateroom and on the ceremonial courtyard and after 200 years the restored Baroque Theatre is also open to the public for performances of chamber music and opera. The 28-acres palace park provides ornamental plant garden, souvenir shop and a café as well for visitors wishing to relax longer in this fantastic historical complex.
Website: www.kiralyikastely.hu