Page 9 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Budapest

HOW T O USE THIS GUIDE  7

Budapest Area Map
The coloured areas shown on this map Budapest Area by Area
(see inside front cover) are the six main
sightseeing areas used in this guide. KÓS KÁROLY SÉTÁNY H U N G Á R IA K Ö R ÚT
Each is covered in a full chapter in Margit híd
Around Parliament
Budapest Area by Area (pp70–171). North of the M AR GI T K ÖR ÚT NORTH OF AROUND TER É Z KÖRÚT AND RÁS S Y Ú T T HÖKÖ LY ÚT
Pages 108–123
SZENT ISTVÁN KRT
Castle District
THE CASTLE
They are highlighted on other maps Pages 100–107 DISTRICT PARLIAMENT BAJC SY-Z SI LI N SZ K Y Ú T VÁROSLIGET
AROUND
BÁTHORY U.
throughout the book. In Budapest at DISTRICT B EM RA KPA RT D a n u b e ID. ANTALL JÒZSEF R. AN D R ÁSS Y Ú T ER ZS ÉB ET KÖR ÚT T H Ö K Ö LY ÚT
CASTLE
a Glance, for example, they help you Széchenyi lánchíd JÓZSEF ATTILA U. CENTRAL PEST RÁK Ó CZ I Ú T
locate the top sights. They are also KR I SZ T INA KÖ R ÚT AT T I L A ÚT JANE HANING R. RÁKÓ C ZI ÚT
used to help you find the position H E G YAL J A Ú T Erzsébet híd J ÓZ SE F K ÖR ÚT
of the three walks (pp172–9). Castle District GELLÉRT HILL VÁMHÁZ KRT Ü L LŐI Ú T B A R OSS U .
Pages 72–89
AND TABÁN
BA RTÓK BÉLA ÚT Around Városliget
Pages 144–155
Central Pest
Pages 124–143
0 metres 500
0 yards 500 Gellért Hill and Tabán
Pages 90–99
Finding Your Way Around the Sightseeing Section
Detailed information
76  BUD APEST AREA B Y AREA C ASTLE DISTRIC T  77
3on each sight
graphs and sheet music is a beautiful peasant girl, Ilonka,
housed in wing F of the Royal who falls in love with him. This
Palace, built in 1890–1902 by representation shows King
Alajos Hauszmann and Miklós Mátyás disguised as a hunter, All the important sights in Budapest are
Ybl (see p123). Previously, the standing proudly with his kill.
library was part of the Hungarian He is accompanied by his chief
National Museum (see pp134–7). hunter and several hunting described individually. They are listed in
Among the library’s most dogs in the central part of the
precious treasures are 35 pieces fountain. Beneath the left­hand
from the Bibliotheca Corviniana, columns sits Galeotto Marzio, an
a collection of ancient books Italian court poet, and the figure order following the numbering on the
and manuscripts that originally of the young Ilonka is beneath
belonged to King Mátyás the columns on the right.
Corvinus (see pp26–7). Also of In keeping with the romantic
importance are the earliest reputation of King Mátyás, a area map at the start of the section.
surviving records in the new tradition has grown up
Hungarian language, dating concerning this statue. The
from the early 13th century. be lief is that anyone wishing to The western elevation of the Neo-Classical Sándor Palace
The library was established revisit Budapest should throw Practical information includes a map
Renaissance majolica floor from the 15th century, uncovered during excavations on Castle by Count Ferenc Széchényi in some coins into the fountain The house at No. 3 was built when it was severely damaged
Hill and displayed at the Budapest History Museum 1802. He endowed it with 15,000 to ensure their safe return. between 1743–8, by József in World War II. The building has
1 Budapest History On the first floor, the permanent books and 2,000 manu scripts. Giessl. This two­floor Baroque been completely restored, and reference, opening hours, telephone
palace was the home of the
it is now the official residence of
The collection now comprises
Museum exhibition “Budapest – Light nine million items. The library 4 Hungarian Batthyány family until 1945. the President of Hungary.
Budapesti Történeti Múzeum and Shadow: The 1,000­year runs events and exhibitions that National Gallery Although the building has
History of a Capital” leads
draw on its rich collection.
been frequently remodelled,
Szent György tér 2. Map 3 C1 (9 B4). visitors through the millennium See pp78–81. the façade remains intact. 7 Court Theatre numbers and admission charges. The key
Tel (06 1) 487 88 00. @ 5, 16, 16A, 116, that formed the Hungarian A few houses on Parade of Buda
178. v 56. Open Mar–Oct: 10am– capital, from the Roman Square incorporate medieval Várszínház
6pm Tue–Sun; Nov–Feb: 10am–4pm settlement of Aquincum remains. Such houses can be to the symbols used is on the back flap.
Tue–Sun. & 7 ∑ btm.hu (see pp166–7) to the political seen at Nos. 4–5 and No. 11, Színház utca 1–3. Map 1 C5 (9 A3).
@ 16, 16A, 116. Closed for renovation.
Since the unification of Budapest change in 1989 (see p36). built by Venerio Ceresola. The
in 1873, historic artifacts relating former has seat niches dating An unlikely assortment of
to Hungary’s capital have from the 13th century. institutions have stood on
been collected. Many are 2 National this site. The church of St John
now on show at the Budapest Széchényi Library the Evangelist, founded by
History Museum. Országos Széchényi Könyvtár 6 Sándor Palace King Béla IV, stood here in the
During the rebuilding that Szent György tér 6. Map 3 C1 (9 B4). Sándor Palota 13th century. This church was
followed the destruction suffered Tel (06 1) 224 37 00. @ 5, 16, 16A, Szent György tér 1–3. Map 1 C5 (9 A3). then used as a mosque under
in World War II, chambers 116, 178. v 56. Open 9am–8pm @ 16, 16A, 116. Closed to the public. Ottoman rule, and in 1686 it
dating from the Middle Ages Tue–Sat. ∑ oszk.hu Crest on the Lion Gate in a courtyard ∑ keh.hu was demolished by the Façades of important buildings
were uncovered in the south at the Royal Palace Christian armies that retook
wing (wing E) of the Royal A magnificent collection of By the top of the cog­wheel the city. In 1725 the Carmelite
Palace. They provide an insight books, manuscripts, maps, 3 Mátyás Fountain railway stands the grand Neo­ order built a Baroque church are often shown to help you
into the character of a much engravings, posters, photo­ Mátyás Kút Classical mansion, Sándor in its place and this building
earlier castle within today’s Royal Palace. Map 1 C5 (9 B3). Palace. It was commissioned in was first converted into a
Habsburg reconstruction. @ 5, 16, 16A, 116, 178. v 56. 1806 by Count Vincent Sándor theatre in 1786, during the recognize them quickly.
These chambers, including a from architects Mihály Pollack reign of Emperor Joseph II.
tiny prison cell and a chapel, The ornate fountain in the Batthyány Palace on Parade Square retains and Johann Aman. Farkas Kempelen, a famous
were recreated in the basement northwest courtyard of the its original Baroque façade The bas­reliefs that decorate Hung arian designer added a
of the palace. They now house Royal Palace (situated between the palace are the work of Rococo façade and seats for
an exhibition, the Royal Palace wings A and C) was designed 5 Parade Square Richárd Török, Miklós Melocco 1,200 spectators. The first plays
in Medieval Buda, which dis­ by Alajos Stróbl in 1904. The Dísz Tér and Tamás Körössényi. The were in German and it was not
plays authentic weapons, seals, statue is dedicated to the great Map 1 B5 (9 A3). @ 16, 16A, 116. decoration on the western ele­ until 1790 that any work was
tiles and other early artifacts. Renaissance king, Mátyás, about vation depicts Greek gods on staged in Hungarian. Beethoven’s
On the ground and first floors whom there are many popular Parade Square is named after the Mount Olympus. The southern concert of 1800 is com­
of the museum, exhibits trace legends and fables. military parades that were held elevation shows Count Sándor memorated by a plaque. Numbers refer to each sight’s
the history of Buda Castle from The Romantic design of the here in the 19th century. At the being knighted and the north­ The building was damaged in
1686 to the present. Also on the bronze sculptures takes its northern end of the square is the ern elevation features a 1934 World War II and restored in 1978,
ground floor are Gothic Statues theme from a 19th­century Honvéd Monument, built in 1893 sculpture of Saint George by after which it regularly hosted
from the Royal Palace and a ballad by the poet Mihály by György Zala. It honours and Zsigmond Kisfaludi Stróbl. performances by the National position on the area map and
tapestry with the Hungarian­ Vörösmarty. According to the commemorates those who died Sándor Palace functioned Dance Theatre. The theatre is
Angevin coat­of­arms dating Corvinian illuminated manuscript in the tale, King Mátyás, while on a during the recapture of Buda from as the prime minister’s official currently closed due to
from the 14th and 15th centuries. National Széchényi Library hunting expedition, meets Austria in the 1848 revolution. residence from 1867 to 1944, extensive renovation work. its place in the chapter.
Practical information provides everything
you need to know to visit each sight. Map
references pinpoint the sight’s location on
the Street Finder maps (pp242–53). 86  BUD APEST AREA B Y AREA C ASTLE DISTRIC T  87
q Mátyás Church . Tomb of King Béla III and Anne VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
de Châtillon
Mátyás-templom The remains of this royal couple were Practical Information
transferred from Székesfehérvár
The Parish Church of Our Lady Mary was Cathedral to Mátyás Church in 1860. Szentháromság tér 2. Map 1 B4.
Tel (06 1) 355 56 57. Open 9am–
built on this site between the 13th and 15th They lie beneath an ornamental stone 5pm Mon–Sat, 1–5pm Sun (times
canopy in the Trinity Chapel.
centuries. Some of the existing architectural vary). 7 8 & Museum:
style dates from the reign of Sigismund of Open same hours as the church.
Luxembourg, but its name refers to King Transport
Mátyás Corvinus, who greatly enlarged and @ 16, 16A, 116.
embellished the church. Much of the original
detail was lost when the Turks converted the Rose Window Pulpit
church into the Great Mosque in 1541. After Frigyes Schulek faithfully repro duced The richly decorated
pulpit includes the carved
the medieval stained-glass window
Budapest’s major sights the liberation of Buda in 1686, Jesuit fathers that was in this position during the stone figures of the four
modified the building in the Baroque style. The
Fathers of the Church and
early Gothic era.
82  BUD APEST AREA B Y AREA C ASTLE DISTRIC T  83 church sustained more damage in 1723, and the four Evangelists.
was restored in the Neo-Gothic style by Frigyes
Street-by-Street: the Old Town q . Mátyás Church NORTH OF THE 4Historic buildings are dissected Schulek in 1873–96. The gallery rooms house
the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art.
Although with much earlier CASTLE DISTRICT
Buda’s old town has been a barometer of Hungary’s parts, this church is mainly
changing fortunes. It developed, to the north of the Royal a Neo-Gothic reconstruction CASTLE to reveal their interiors; Béla Tower
dating from 1874–96.
Palace, from the 13th century. Under kings such as A pictur esque vestibule on DISTRICT This tower is named after the
Sigismund, it flourished, and wealthy German merchants set the church’s southern façade church’s founder, King Béla IV.
It has retained several of its
up shops in Lords’ Street (Úri utca) to supply the court. The covers an original Gothic GELLÉRT HILL museums and galleries have original Gothic features.
area was later destroyed by the Turks and again by their portal dating from the AND TABÁN
14th century.
evictors, the Holy League army formed of European t Mihály Táncsics Street Locator Map
Christians. It was rebuilt after World War II, but genuine During the Middle Ages, this street See Street Finder, maps 1 & 9 colour-coded floorplans to help
relics can be hunted out in its cobbled streets and squares. was inhabited by Jews. A museum
at No. 26, on the site of an old
synagogue, displays finds such Stained-Glass Windows
as tombstones. you find important exhibits. Three arched windows on
the south elevation have
They were design ed by
Frigyes Schulek, Bertalan
This statue of St 19th-century stained glass.
Stephen, or István, the Székely and Károly Lotz.
first crowned king of
B É CSI Hungary (see pp24–5), was w Fishermen’s Bastion . Baroque Madonna
K APU erected in 1906. Its Designed by Frigyes Schulek According to legend, the original statue
T É R in 1895, this fantastical
pedestal includes a bas- structure never had was set into a wall of the church during . Mary Portal
relief showing scenes the role of a defensive the Turkish occupa tion. When this wall This depiction of the Assumption of
from the king’s life. building, despite its was destroyed in 1686, the Madonna the Blessed Virgin Mary is the most
name. It serves instead made a miraculous appearance. The Turks magnificent example of Gothic stone
took this as an omen of defeat.
as a viewing terrace. carving in Hungary. Frigyes Schulek
The conical towers reconstructed the portal
The State Archive of Historic F O R T U N A U T C A T Á N C S I C S M U T C A are an allusion to the from fragments.
Documents, located in a Neo- tribal tents of the
Romanesque building, houses early Magyars.
items that were transferred to Ú R I U T C A 1370 Church 1476 Wedding of King 1686 After liberation Holy figures on
Buda in 1785 from the former construction Mátyás to Beatrice of Aragon of Buda, Jesuits the pulpit
capital of Hungary, Bratislava. O R S Z Á G H Á Z U T C A Main Portal works started (aka Beatrice of Naples) converted the church
9 Holy Trinity Square Above the arched under the reign 1541 Turks in Baroque style 2004–2014 Full
of Anjou Louis
convert church
reconstruction
In 1713, after overcoming west entrance is a the Great into a mosque of the building
an epidemic of the plague, 19th-century bas-relief KEY 1250 1350 1450 1550 1650 1750 1850 1950 2050
a column represent ing the Stars indicate the of the Madonna and
Holy Trinity was raised in Child, seated between 1 The roof is decorated with 1309 Coronation 1526 Cathedral 1896 Frigyes Schulek completes
burnt in the first
of the Angevin
this square. two angels. The relief multicoloured glazed tiles. king Charles Robert attack by Turks the recon struction of the church
features no visitor is made of pyrogranite 2 The main altar was created 1255 Church originally 1470 Mátyás Tower 1945 Church is severely damaged by 1970 Final details are
in the Neo-Gothic style
ceramics produced in
completed in post-war
is completed after
founded by King Béla IV
by Frigyes Schulek and based on
factory (see p58).
Defensive walls should miss. Pécs at the Zsolnay Gothic triptychs. after the Mongol invasion its collapse in 1384 German and Russian armies rebuilding programme
0 metres 50
0 yards 50
A timeline The visitors’
i Church of St Mary Magdalene charts the key checklist provides
T Á R N O K U T C A
The reconstructed Baroque tower is all that a . Lords’ Street
remains of the 13th-century Church of St Once the homes of
Mary Magdalene, where Emperor Francis I aristocrats and mer- 8 Golden Eagle events in the all the practical
was crowned King of Hungary in 1792. chants, the houses on Pharmacy Museum
Úri utca have medi eval From the 18th century
Key foundations. Many have a pharmacy called
peaceful courtyards.
traded in this medieval
Suggested route Gothic details and “Under the Golden Eagle” history of the information needed
house, now a museum.
building. to plan your visit.
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