Hungary and its attractions with photos and descriptions. Hungary is an attractive combination of ancient cities, healing lakes and architectural monuments
Sights of Hungary
1. Buda Castle
Buda Castle or the Royal Palace is the palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. Buda Castle was built on the site of an older castle destroyed during a siege by the Turks in 1686. The new royal palace was erected in the 17th century for the emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Habsburg monarchy. Buda Castle is rightfully the main attraction of Hungary. Today, the palace houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Museum of History and the National Library of Hungary.
2. Esztergom
Esztergom combines a fascinating history with small town coastal charm. Esztergom is one of the most historically important cities in Hungary, it was the capital of Hungary for over 250 years and the birthplace of the first king and saint, Stephen, who was crowned in the city in the 11th century. It is located on the right bank of the Danube in northern Hungary, 50 kilometers from Budapest.
Today Esztergom remains the country's religious center with the largest church in Hungary dominating the city, next to the ruins of a medieval royal palace, now a castle museum.
Official website: www.esztergom.hu
3. Fisherman's Bastion
Built in 1905 on the remnants of the medieval fortifications, in the Neo-Romanesque style, the bastion was named after the fishermen of the city, whose duty it was to protect this side of the hill in the Middle Ages. But the existing bastion never served for defensive purposes. It had a purely decorative function, with gleaming white stairs and walls connecting seven towers symbolizing the seven tribes of the Magyars who conquered the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century. The towers are reminiscent of Disney castles and create a dreamlike atmosphere. In the center of the Fisherman's Bastion there is an equestrian statue of King Stephen, the founder of the Hungarian nation.
The view from the Fisherman's Bastion, across the Danube to the Chain Bridge and the Parliament building is simply amazing. Illuminated at night, the bastion itself is also a mesmerizing sight across the river, worth visiting the Fisherman's Bastion twice, once at night and once during the day. There are two restaurants on the battlements where you can relax with a beautiful view of the river and eat good local food.
4. Lake Heviz
Lake Heviz is the largest thermal lake in Europe and the second largest thermal lake in the world. This is the most unusual lake in Hungary with a milky blue surface covered with water lilies and steam in winter. Warm water rises from the volcanic crater and provides an opportunity to enjoy the water all year round. The mud along the shores of the lake is curative.
Official website: www.heviz.hu/en
5. City of Keszthely
Keszthely is a pleasant university town that has a life of its own outside of the tourist season. The modern history of Keszthely dates back more than 760 years, but the territory of the city has been continuously inhabited since the time of the Roman Empire. The main attraction of the city is the Festetics Palace, the residence of the wealthy Festetics family. The Helikon Palace Museum and the library are located in one of the wings of the baroque palace. Keszthely likes to describe itself as the capital of Lake Balaton and is the most best city to explore the surrounding lake areas, including the nearby nature reserve - excellent for bird watching and the thermal lake of Heviz.
Web site: www.keszthely.hu/en/
6. The Danube
Another iconic landmark of Hungary and Budapest is, of course, the main river of the country, the Danube. The Danube flows through all of Hungary from north to south, and flows through Budapest, splitting the city in two. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, it is a bend of the Danube. This is where the river winds its way through the heavily forested Visegrad Mountains before turning sharply south towards Budapest. This area is popular with tourists and nature lovers and is one of the top river cruises along the Danube.
7. Tihany
Tihany is a village on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, on the Tihany peninsula. The peninsula is a historic district and one of the most popular resorts Hungary. The iconic landmark of Tikhoni is the Benedictine monastery of the 17th century, from the territory of the monastery offers a breathtaking view of Lake Balaton and its surroundings.
8. Lillafüred
Lillafured is a city in the district of Borsod-Abauj-Zemplén in the Bükk Mountains. This city is one of the most famous resorts Hungary, but is also famous for its caves, a waterfall and a 1920s neo-renaissance hotel. Paleolithic artifacts such as arrows and rock paintings have been found in caves near the city.
9. Sopron
Sopron, a city in northwestern Hungary, near the eastern foothills of the Alps. The city is famous for its numerous and well-preserved medieval and baroque buildings. With over 100 officially registered monuments and over 200 protected buildings alone, the city is said to have one of the finest collections of medieval buildings in Europe. All buildings in old city are located within the medieval city wall, built on the ruins of a Roman fortress.
10. Eger Castle
Hungary has many delightful historical forts, castles and palaces with its unique history, but you can highlight one of them especially - this is Eger Castle. Eger Castle is located in a beautiful resort town Eger on the southern slopes of Mount Bükk, the castle once protected a gateway to northern Hungary. The castle is known for its exceptionally heroic defense against the Turks in 1552. And the castle was founded by order of the Bishop of Eger in the 13th century.
The Eger Castle houses the Dobo Istvan Museum. It is one of the most popular museums in Hungary and has exhibitions on the history of the city and the castle. Also in the castle is the Hall of Heroes, which houses the grave of the famous leader of Hungary, Dobo Istvan, as well as the prison museum. The castle offers a magnificent panoramic view of the surroundings.
Official website: www.egrivar.hu/en
11. Cathedral of St. Peter
St. Peter's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in the city of Pécs, which lies at the southern foot of the Mecsek Mountains. St. Peter's Cathedral dominates the cityscape and is a symbol of the city of Pécs. Built on the site of an ancient Roman chapel, the cathedral, like many other historical sites in Hungary, shows the influence of different cultures on the development of architecture in Hungary.
12. Visegrad Royal Palace
Above the beautiful old town of Vyšehrad, on a bend in the Danube, just 40 kilometers north of Budapest, are the ruins of Visegrad Royal Palace and old citadel. The first royal palace on this site was built by Charles I after he and his court moved to Vysehrad in 1316 and over time gained a reputation as one of the finest palaces in Europe.
13. Szechenyi Baths
The Lemon-White Neo-Baroque Palace houses the Széchenyi Baths. The Széchenyi baths are the ideal place for luxury holiday. They were built in 1883 and are the first spa resort in Hungary.
14. Hollokő
There are many villages in Hungary where the traditional way of life is still alive, but Hollokö stands out among them. Picturesque scenery, beautiful old houses and colorful traditional costumes make visiting this village an unforgettable experience. Here you feel a complete immersion in the old Hungary of the times of the Habsburg Empire.
15. Jewish Budapest (Jewish Budapest)
Did you know that Budapest has the largest synagogue in Europe. Hungary has experienced a real renaissance of Jewish life in the last decade, and now Budapest is the traditional center of Jewish life, this is the 7th district of the capital.
16. Aggtelek
Aggtelek is the largest cave system in Central Europe. It looks like a strange combination of an enchanted forest and a fairy queen's palace. No wonder she's listed world heritage UNESCO.
17. Tokaj
Tokaj is the area where the so-called "wine of kings" dessert wine is grown. It is believed that the grape juice from these hills in the north-east of Hungary is as good as in Burgundy.
Numerous sights of Hungary, unique corners nature, original temperament local residents and affordable prices on excursions and tours make this country attractive for numerous tourists. Despite the fact that the Hungarian language is completely different from any of the languages of the Slavic group, the presence of numerous Russian-speaking guides allows you to freely communicate and learn Interesting Facts about the history, culture, traditions and peculiarities of this amazing state. Don't know what to see in Hungary? Especially for you, we have compiled a list of the most interesting sights of this country.
What to see in Hungary first of all
The presence of a language barrier, along with the desire to shift the responsibility for preparing an educational or entertaining trip to the shoulders of a specialist, motivate travelers to hire guides. – your chance not to get confused after your arrival and feel the full joy of your vacation.
1. Lake Balaton (Keszthely)
Shore of Lake BalatonOnce on the shores of Lake Balaton, it is easy to understand why it is called the “Pearl of Hungary”. Having traveled only 100 km from the capital, you find yourself in a magical place where vast expanses of water surface reign, over which graceful yachts glide like white clouds. Here you can admire the numerous flocks of swans, the ruins of ancient fortresses, landscapes of mountains and sandy beaches, green vineyards and orchards located on the coast.
The uniqueness of Lake Balaton lies in its shallow depth, which is no more than 3 meters, and its surprisingly clean fresh water warming up to 25-27°С in summer. This makes him perfect place for holidays with young children.
Numerous thermal and mineral springs attract people from many parts of the world who want to improve their health. But for the lovers active rest special resorts have been created where fitness classes and water sports sports, tennis courts, football fields, volleyball and basketball courts, riding arenas and even a bobsleigh track.
In each of the small towns located on the coast of the lake, there are significant sights of Hungary that will make your vacation informative, interesting and varied.
2. Buda Castle (Budapest)
Former Royal Residence Buda Castle When deciding what to see in Hungary, you can not miss the main attraction of the capital - Buda Castle. This monumental building opens in all its grandeur and splendor from Gellert Mountain, although its dome can be seen from almost anywhere in the center of Budapest.
The history of the castle is closely intertwined with the events that took place in Hungary, starting from the middle of the XIII century. It was at this time that the king Bela IV gave the order to build a fortress, which was supposed to protect local residents from the raids of the Tatar-Mongolian troops. Subsequently, it turned into the residence of the ruling royal dynasties.
The castle has undergone multiple destruction and reconstruction, so there is no defensive barrier around it now. Each building can tell a fascinating story of its creation, tell about wars and peaceful times, monarchs and ordinary people, customs and customs.
The neoclassical presidential palace built in 1806 for Count Vincent Sandor is located on the territory of the complex. The palace was given as the residence of the head of state only in 2003, after which soldiers of the guard of honor began to be on duty near the entrance to it.
But the largest and most outstanding building on the territory of the fortress is the royal palace, under the arches of which is the Museum of the History of Budapest, as well as the Hungarian National Gallery.
After an excursion to the fortifications and towers, guides in Budapest offer tourists to see the remains of ancient Roman buildings created in the first century BC. They were discovered by archaeologists during the restoration work of the Buda castle, damaged during the Second World War.
3. Lake Heviz (Heviz)
Unique thermal lake Heviz It is impossible to describe the sights of Hungary without mentioning Lake Heviz, located near the city of the same name, 190 km from Budapest.
Its uniqueness lies in the composition of water, which includes radon, salts of magnesium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonates, iodine and some other trace elements. Ten underground springs feed the lake, which completely renew the water every 3 days, maintaining its constant purity.
The natural temperature of the reservoir in summer is +38°С, and in winter it does not fall below +22°С. Thanks to this, the resort operates all year round. Clean air also contributes to health improvement, as the lake is surrounded by hectares of protected forest.
People with disorders of the musculoskeletal, nervous and cardiovascular systems come to the resorts of Heviz for treatment. Healing water improves metabolic processes, soothes, anesthetizes, restores hormonal disorders, rejuvenates the skin. In addition to water procedures, visitors are offered therapeutic drinking water and mud applications.
Swimming in radon waters is undesirable for children under 14 years old, therefore pools with purified water have been specially created for them.
4. Eger Castle (Eger)
Part of the exposition of Eger Castle Feel the atmosphere of Hungary in this beautiful video!
6. Miniversum (Budapest)
Miniature model of the city in the Miniversum Museum The interactive Miniversum Museum will help adults and children to have a good time in the Hungarian capital. It presents miniature models of the cities of Hungary, as well as neighboring countries - Germany and Austria. By pressing a button, you can start the tram yourself, make the bells on the city towers ring, even send a tiny train on a journey, which the little men are “waiting for” on the platform. Cows graze in the fields, horses pull carts. In general, everything is like for real, only very small.
Each layout has displays where you can read about the history of the city, as well as compare photographs of the originals with skillfully executed layouts.
Various sights, presented here in a hundredfold reduction, represent 14 cities and villages in which 5 thousand people “live”, hundreds of trains and thousands of cars move, five thousand trees grow, and there are about six hundred buildings.
In the museum itself, you can have a bite to eat in a cafe, entertain children in the playroom, and buy souvenirs.
7. Church of St. Anne (Budapest)
Bright illumination of St. Anne's Catholic Church When looking at the sights of Hungary, one cannot pass by the Church of St. Anne, located in Budapest in the center of Batthyani Square.
The building was built by the Jesuits in the middle of the eighteenth century. However, it was badly damaged by an earthquake and was restored only in 1805. Subsequently, the church was partially destroyed by natural disasters several more times. Its deplorable condition was the reason for the demolition. In 1970, it was decided to restore the church, and after 14 years of hard work, it was opened. Now this monumental building is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Hungary.
Visitors are greeted by statues of the Virgin Mary, St. Anne, Hope, Faith, Love and Jesus Christ himself, placed on the facade of the church. From the sides, the facade is guarded by towers with high spiers, which are clearly visible from the banks of the Danube and the adjacent hills.
Immersed in the coolness of the temple, you involuntarily head towards its central part, where the main altar is located. It is decorated with sculptures depicting the plot of the Entry into the Temple. This creation was created more than 250 years ago by the talented master K. Bebo.
The frescoes decorating the dome of the church appeared as early as 1771. They were meticulously restored by the masters during the restoration. But the walls of the nave were already painted in the middle of the twentieth century by P. Monar. Now the Church of St. Anne is an active Catholic parish.
8. Aggtelek National Park (Northern Hungary)
One of the cave halls in Aggtelek Park For those whose heart stops at the sight of the endless green blanket of the forest and the narrow crevice of the cave, fraught with centuries-old secrets, there is no question of what to visit in Hungary. The answer will be unequivocal - national park Aggtelek, which, like a magnet, attracts cavers.
There are more than 200 karst caves on the area of 199 sq. km. Thousands of years it took water to dissolve rocks and create cavities in the rocks, which already seven centuries ago served as a refuge for scattered tribes and hermits living in this territory.
Many caves are not safe to visit, so you can only get into them in the company of an experienced professional. But the most famous is the Baradla cave, where you can see the largest stalactites in the European part of the continent.
An equally breathtaking sight is the underwater caves where diving speleologists descend. To move underwater, special lamps are used that turn everything around into a fantastic landscape.
These sights of Hungary are also known to people suffering from asthma. Sanatorium halls are equipped in some caves, as their microclimate has a beneficial effect on the human respiratory system.
9. Esterhazy Palace (Ferted)
Looking now at the largest and most beautiful palace in Hungary, it is hard to even imagine that he was going through hard times, and his majestic halls were used as stables and a military hospital. This sad page in history will be told by guides to tourists who decide to visit the Esterhazy Palace in the small town of Ferted.
First, visitors are greeted by wrought iron gates. From afar, it may seem that they are entwined with some kind of bizarre plant. But, coming closer, it becomes clear that each leaf and flower is forged from metal by a talented blacksmith-jeweler.
Once on the territory of the park, the paths of which lead to the main building of the palace, you can see many flower beds and lawns of bizarre shape, fountains, statues, carefully trimmed trees and shrubs.
The main building can be reached by climbing one of the two huge staircases, decorated with statues and columns in the rococo style. The architectural ensemble also contains several more two-story buildings extending symmetrically from the center in both directions. They practically close in a ring near the gates of the park, resembling the hands of gigantic giants.
Inside the palace there are 126 halls, each of which is a work of art due to the luxury of its decoration and interior design. In one wing are the rooms of the hotel, where you can relax on a royal scale. Every year, the palace hosts the Haydn Festivals, which feature classical music performed by a live orchestra. Therefore, connoisseurs of beauty, who have not yet decided what to see in Hungary, should stop their choice at this place.
10. Thermal baths Miskolc-Tapolca (Miskolc)
Thermal cave baths of Miskolc-Tapolca Numerous sights of Hungary, created by nature itself, include the thermal baths of Miskolc-Tapolca. They are huge caves formed as a result of washing out rocks with water, as well as an open warm lake, constantly fed by thermal springs, in the water of which salts of various minerals are dissolved.
Even the air around these reservoirs is curative, having a healing effect on those suffering from bronchial asthma and other diseases of the respiratory and immune systems. This is facilitated not only by the gases released from the water, but also by the presence of 1150 hectares of beech forest around the resort, which saturates the air with oxygen and purifies it from harmful impurities.
The uniqueness of this bath lies in the special density of the water, which allows you to swim in it for a long time. While in other radon sources, the residence time is very limited and most often does not exceed 15-30 minutes.
The thermal baths of Miskolc-Tapolca are open all year round due to the special microclimate of the caves, which maintain a constant temperature. Therefore, when deciding what to visit in Hungary in winter, you can safely choose this resort.
Sightseeing in Hungary: what else to visit while in Hungary
Whether you order or drive memorable places independently, you need to decide on the key points of the route even before the start of the trip. Our list of historical, architectural and natural wonders in different regions of the country fits this purpose perfectly.
11. Millenaris Park (Budapest)
Corner of Millenaris Arboretum Going on a trip with the whole family, you need to decide in advance what to see in Hungary, so that it would be interesting for both adults and children. In this case, you should opt for Millenaris Park, located in Budapest.
At the end of the last century, this territory belonged to the Ganz plant, which specializes in the production of electrical equipment. And now numerous townspeople and guests of the capital come here to relax in the shade of spreading trees, walk along wide paths, sit on comfortable benches, listen to birdsong, admire the beauty of flowers and the greenery of manicured lawns. Exhibitions and concerts are often organized here.
But the organizers of the park paid special attention to children. Playgrounds are laid out for them, there are closed recreation areas, where both kids and teenagers will find activities of interest.
Often, culinary fairs and shows are held in the pavilions of the park, where children under 12 years old are given the opportunity to cook their own edible masterpiece with their own hands or enjoy sweets prepared by professional confectioners. Adults are also given the right to enjoy cheeses, sausages, honey, chocolate and other dishes prepared by local chefs.
Walking along the alleys, one cannot pass by a small pond, where large and small fish are splashing merrily, which visitors are allowed to feed with bread crumbs.
12. Gödöllo Palace (Gödöllo, Central Hungary)
Luxurious Gödöllő Royal Palace Complex Gödöllő is a small town in the center of Hungary, thirty kilometers from Budapest, inhabited by only about 33 thousand people. But it boasts such a unique attraction as the Royal Palace. The beginning of construction was laid in the first half of the 18th century, when the local Catholic count wanted to impress everyone with the magnificent architecture of the palace and at the same time surround it with housing for the colonists, whom he specially invited. The Count planned to create a Catholic city from scratch.
The construction lasted more than a quarter of a century, resulting in a building in the Hungarian Baroque style, around which there is a no less luxurious park. At the same time, houses of immigrants from Germany, zealous Catholics, were built around.
The palace became the property of the royal family when the Count's lineage ended. Emperor Franz Joseph became the owner of this castle in the middle of the nineteenth century. When did the second World War, the palace was partially destroyed, then warehouses, a nursing home were located in it, Soviet soldiers were quartered. At this time, the city was also rebuilt. Beginning in 1994, the Hungarian authorities carried out the restoration of the building and completed it by 2007.
13. Citadel on Mount Gellert (Budapest)
Ancient massive citadel on Mount Gellert Among the most interesting and major sights of Hungary is the citadel on Mount Gellert in the country's capital. The citadel was built in the middle of the 19th century and is now under the protection of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
During the Second World War, there were warehouses, a hospital, and soldiers' barracks in the fortress. The design of the citadel has many manholes and secret passages, using which you can get to different parts of the city. Now in the three-story bunker you can see wax figures, an exhibition of archival documents and photographs from different times.
Outside, the citadel is also interesting. The 40-meter Freedom Monument attracts attention - the figure of a woman with a palm branch in her hands. In the yard you can see military equipment times of World War II. Near the entrance to the cave, where the Catholic church is located, there is a monument to the patron saint - St. Stephen. And the mountain itself is quite beautiful. With a height of 235 meters, it consists of rocks covered with forest. The mountain offers a beautiful view of the city and the wide Danube River.
Entrance to the territory of the citadel is free. You need to pay only for the entrance to the exposition in the bunker.
14. Széchenyi Baths (Budapest)
Széchenyi bath complex in Budapest If we consider the sights of Hungary, an abundance of thermal springs and resorts with healing water, rich in minerals. But most grandiose complex Széchenyi baths, located in the capital of the country, are considered.
At first glance, it is difficult to guess that such a huge palace-like building is the body of the bath. Designed in the style of classicism, it is decorated with images and sculptures of water mythical characters, fish, shells.
In general, the complex has 15 indoor pools and 3 open reservoirs, the water to which comes from wells located at a depth of 1246 meters. Its natural temperature is 76°C.
The territory of the complex is decorated with statues and fountains. Despite the constant abundance of visitors, cleanliness is maintained everywhere. There is an opportunity not only to relax and improve your health, but also what to see in Hungary without leaving Budapest.
In addition to bathing in healing waters, in the Széchenyi baths, you can take a course of massages using aroma oils. Mud applications are also used here for therapeutic purposes. In the basement there are saunas and special pools for outpatient patients.
15. Fisherman's Bastion (Budapest)
Church of St. Mityash in the Fisherman's Bastion When choosing the sights of Hungary that you should definitely visit, you should opt for the Fisherman's Bastion, which is rightfully considered the most grandiose and famous architectural structure of the capital.
Getting inside the bastion, one gets the impression that time stopped here several centuries ago, although it was created by talented architects only at the end of the 19th century.
It is a long gallery of conical towers connected by viaducts, "hugging" the cathedral. Holy Mother of God. Visitors tend to get to the observation deck, located in main tower Hiradash, as it offers a bewitching view of the city. From here you can see numerous bridges, historical buildings, temples and other architectural objects on which an admiring glance involuntarily lingers.
In the courtyard of the bastion itself, you can admire the unique monuments to the Hungarian heroes. The central square is crowned with a sculpture of St. Stephen holding an apostolic cross, which is a symbol of faith.
Visitors are also invited to go down to the underground chapel of St. Michael. Here you can touch the centuries-old secrets that this ancient building keeps in itself.
Hungary has a land border with Ukraine, which, as they say, is within easy reach. When traveling in Hungary, consider visiting this country as well. Read about and get inspired for your further journey through the countries of Eastern Europe!
Amazing and unforgettable Hungary can rightly be called the true pearl of Central Europe. The most diverse cultures and civilizations that have touched the territory of this fabulous country at different stages of its history have left their mark on its architecture and customs. An incredible array of stunning sights make Hungary one of Europe's top travel destinations. We present to you the main attractions in Hungary – 12 the best places with photo and description.
1. The building of the Hungarian Parliament
This pompous building has long won the title of visiting card of Budapest. It is this attraction that is depicted on every second souvenir and postcards, and is also present in the photographs of all tourists who visited the capital of Hungary. The building, which is one of the largest state residences in Europe, was built in 1904, after 19 years of painstaking work with the participation of several thousand people. The author of this architectural work of art is Imre Steindl, who never saw his brainchild, because he became blind before the construction was completed. The monument is 270 meters long and 123 meters wide. Wherein, highest point The building is located at an altitude of 96 meters. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the top of the calm of the parliament was decorated with a red star, reminiscent of those that adorn the towers of the Kremlin. It was later removed. Today, the Parliament consists of 10 palaces and 700 offices and halls. none sightseeing tour a visit to Budapest is not complete without, at least for a short time, a visit to the Hungarian Parliament, or the square in front of it. Especially beautiful building looks in the evening with magnificent illumination, the richness of colors of which is colorfully displayed in the Danube.
2. Fisherman's Bastion
The Fisherman's Bastion is a majestic architectural landmark of Hungary, located on Holy Trinity Square in Budapest. The building actually serves as an architectural addition to the Matthias Church. The outstanding architectural feature of the Fisherman's Bastion are the 7 towers, which symbolize the 7 tribes that formed the Hungarian people. The fisherman's bastion owes its name to the people of Buda, who traded fish here. To date, the galleries of the Fisherman's Bastion, where, among other interesting objects, there is also a monument to the first Hungarian king - St. Stephen, are one of the most visited places by tourists. In addition to the deep history and architectural significance, tourists are attracted by the opportunity to admire the most magnificent views of the city and the river, which open from the towers and numerous terraces of the bastion.
3. St. Stephen's Basilica
St Stephen's Basilica is the most big temple Budapest and the third temple of Hungary. It took 54 years to build and was opened to the public in 1905. It is within the walls of this landmark of Hungary that you can admire not only the amazing mosaic patterns and sculpture of St. Stephen, but also visit the hall where the relics of the first king of the country are kept, which are considered a shrine here. After restoration, around the huge dome of the temple, with a diameter of 22 meters, was created viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the city and the Danube. At the same time, thanks to its acoustic capabilities, the organ hall of the temple has become a concert venue, where concerts are held almost daily at the height of the tourist season.
4. Matthias Church
The graceful Church of St. Matthias with openwork stained-glass windows delights not only with its colorful views, but also with its deep history. The temple, which was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, served as a mosque for 145 years, as a result of the Turkish seizure of Hungarian lands. During its history, the temple survived several devastating fires. Today, the Matthias Church is one of the most visited Hungarian sights, where at the same time, there is a small museum and an organ hall, where concerts are regularly held. The organ in the Matthias Church is the largest in the capital, so a visit organ concert in this church for many tourists it becomes an obligatory part of the program of stay in Hungary.
5. Eger Fortress
Another interesting place Hungary, which a tourist needs to visit is the Eger Fortress. It was this castle that had the greatest resistance to the Turkish invasion, but still fell after the second offensive of the Turks. Even later, a significant part of the castle was blown up by the Austrians. To date, several museums function as part of the fortress, including a military museum and a wax museum, as well as an art gallery displaying rare paintings by Austrian, German and Dutch artists. Especially popular among tourists is the reproduction of the mint, where everyone can mint coins for themselves. Tourists are also offered to learn archery or visit old wine cellars. And in the midst of the tourist season, the Eger Fortress becomes the venue for a large number of historical events, including jousting tournaments.
6. Vajdahunyad Castle
If you don't know what sights to visit in Hungary, then don't miss out. It is located in Varosliget park in the very center of Budapest. The castle was built in 1896 to celebrate the Millennium of Hungary. You can see thumbnails here architectural structures who played an important role in the history of the country. A delightful park around the castle and a statue of an unknown sage writer attracts special attention of tourists. Touching his pen, according to Hungarian beliefs, bestows wisdom and intelligence. Also, many guests of the castle are delighted with visiting local wine cellars. The castle, as well as the park around it, become truly stunning with evening illumination and pleasant music. Many tourists visit Vajdahunyad Castle just for the incredible atmosphere of an old fairy tale.
Hungarian sights such as the Széchenyi Chain Bridge are calling card countries. The bridge, built in honor of Istvan Szechenyi, looks like the British Marlo Bridge, only in an enlarged size. This building survived a lot of important events for Hungary and was even blown up during the retreat of the Nazis. Tourists coming from different parts of the world love to be photographed against the background of the bridge itself, as well as the sculptures of lions that adorn it. You can walk along the bridge and walk to the royal palace. This attraction in its history has repeatedly become a platform for filming world-famous films.
8. Buda Castle
Like others fortifications of Budapest, the Buda Castle is obligatory place to visit in Hungary. This is a stunning Hungarian landmark located in the old town area of Buda, which served as a royal residence for many years. After the capture of the city by the Turks, the majestic fortress was used as stables and barracks, but after the liberation it was restored and regained the status of a castle. Today, the fortress houses a huge library, an art gallery and historical Museum, which has several thousand exhibits. Among the many architectural highlights of this building, the sculpture of a black raven with a golden ring in its mouth attracts special attention and questions from tourists. It tells about a legend known in Hungary, when a raven stole a ring right during the king's wedding.
9. St. Adalbert's Basilica
The majestic temple, which is the largest and most tall building Hungary, located on a hill right on the banks of the Danube, so it can be seen from anywhere in Esztergom. Its height exceeds 100 meters, and the total area reaches 56,000 square meters. m. The central attraction of the basilica is the Bakotsa chapel, built much earlier than the temple itself. Particular attention of tourists is attracted by the treasury of the basilica, where there are up to fifty sacred masterpieces. The largest collection of church relics is also located here, including the cross of the Hungarian rulers used at the coronation. Today the basilica is cathedral, and here you can visit amazing organ concerts.
10. Cathedral of Peter and Paul in Pec
The architectural masterpiece of ancient Pecs is of particular value as a historical and cultural landmark of Hungary. This majestic temple was built over a thousand years ago on the basis of a small chapel when Pécs was a Roman colony. Like many other temples in Hungary, after the capture by the Turks, the Cathedral was converted into a mosque. But after liberation, it again began to function as a Christian church. One of the most outstanding architectural features of the temple is the presence of statues of 12 apostles. Today, the Cathedral of Peter and Paul has become a must-visit place for pilgrims, as well as for everyone who wants to get to know rich history, culture and religion of Hungary.
11. Festetics Palace
The luxurious Festetics Palace, located in the resort town of Keszthely, is very reminiscent of the famous Palace of Versailles. The long construction of the palace was completed at the end of the 19th century. The stunning interiors of the building include 101 rooms and a magnificent park around it. Unlike other significant architectural landmarks in Hungary, the Festetics Palace was not damaged as a result of the war. To date, the palace houses a hunting museum, a museum of carriages, a historical museum-exhibition railway, a palm house and a chic old library with over 80,000 rare books. By the way, the library was saved by a Soviet officer from looting by hunters of war trophies.
12. Hungarian National Museum
