Hungary - Spending Time in Eastern Europe

In Hungary, there is a place called the Castle District in Budapest, which is an ancient area of the city’s right-bank settlement. All around Castle Hill are suburbs with the entire area being protected as a national monument. In fact, the street lines, street foundations, and architectural remains all maintain the memory and atmosphere of medieval 18th and 19th centuries.

The Castle Hill District includes a number of places, one of these being the Fishermen’s Bastion, a very popular spot for tourists with its magnificent view of the city. Located on the eastern side of the hill, the architecture is representative of the turn of the century. For example, there are turrets, ambulatory like galleries, long, flights of stairs, and a wonderful blend of neo-Roman and neo-Gothic styles.

Castle Hill, Budapest

As you look over the Fisherman’s Bastion, you will notice many romantic and mysterious baronial castles and the famous Church of Our Lady, which was constructed using some of the leftover stones from the old castle wall. The name, “Fishermen’s Bastion”, came from the medieval ramparts system that was built above a particular suburb called, Fishermen’s Town”. In fact, at one time there was an actual fish market located just behind the ramparts.

Then below this area is an older suburb known as Vizi-Varos, which translates to “Water Town”. Today, Vizi-Varos is an area with modern buildings although the Baroque style church still stands tall and proud. Then, just off to the north looking out from Caste Hill, you can get a glimpse of Margaret Island. The Parliament is one of the larger buildings on Castle Hill, dome and spires reaching up to the sky. Also around the Pest bank is the Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and in the background, you can see the dome of the Basilica.

Other sites enjoyed from Castle Hill include the Hotel Duna Inter-Continental, dolomite rocks of Gellert Hill, and wonderful new housing estates built in the 1960s. In addition to magnificent views and Fishermen’s Bastion, Castle Hill also offers a number of statues. Most of these are of people who stood ground during the many battles and takeovers to help Hungary reach and maintain her independence.

For example, just below Fishermen’s Bastion is the statue of Hunyadi who was the future King Matthias’s father and a well-respected military commander who repulsed a Turkish attack in 1456. To commemorate Hunyadi’s victory, the Pope ordered that ever noon, the church bells should sound. Another statue of relevance can be seen in the upper court of Fishermen’s Bastion. This one is of Stephen I mounted on his steed.

Finally, most people equate Castle Hill with the Church of Our Lady. Also known as Matthias Church, this church was built in the 13th century. Then in the 14th century, it was completely, rebuilt but as a Gothic hall church. However, because Europe was plagued with so many Gothic churches, the reconstruction was never completed. When the Turks had control over Hungary, this church was the primary mosque although the interior furnishings were all destroyed and a 1686 siege caused the tower and roof to collapse. However, this church was again rebuilt in the 19th century but this time in the Baroque style.

Sadly, the church was so heavily damaged during World War II that it took more than 20 years to rebuild. As you look at the Church of Our Lady today, you will notice a 260-foot tall stone-laced Gothic tower and a southern portal that depicts the Virgin’s Mary’s death. Then inside the church close to Castle Hill, the walls have been beautifully painted to resemble the lives of Hungarian saints. In addition, the church features a number of smaller chapels, a former crypt where there is not a museum, medieval carvings, and a gallery of ecclesiastical art.

Email this article

Printer friendly page

Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

"Castle Hill, Budapest"

Mode articles for Hungary