Page 21 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Hungary

A POR TR AIT OF HUNGAR Y  19

A PORTRAIT

OF HUNGARY

Situated in the heart of Europe, at the centre of the continent, Hungary is a
land with a rich history, a charming people and a culture that encompasses
music and art, as well as fertile wine regions. Outside the romantic capital,
Budapest, is a diverse landscape of lakes, forests and mountains, with
enticing medieval cities and historic castles.

On paper Hungary’s physical attractions Hungary has been at the crossroads of
look less than overwhelming; its tallest both trade and cultures for as long as the
peak reaches just over 1,000 m (3,280 ft) continent has been inhabited. Many of
and there is no sea coast. But it has got the country’s most enduring traditions
Balaton, Europe’s largest lake outside predate the arrival of the Magyars in the
Scandinavia and the nation’s very Carpathian Basin in AD 896, and these are
own “inland sea”, as well as the mighty upheld and preserved in the hundreds of
Danube river, which makes a dramatic lively festivals held in towns and villages
turn south before splitting Budapest in around the country each year.
two. Furthermore, there is the endless Hungary remains the land of the Magyars
Puszta, or Great Plain, where csikósok – nevertheless, a proud people and a nation
Hungary’s sturdy cowboys – still ride. that has spent more than a millennium both
In addition, there are the ancient castles, welcoming outsiders and fending off
fascinating churches and cathedrals, invaders. History has not always been kind
historic spa baths, and numerous to this land, but Hungary’s historical
cities that can boast some of the finest legacy is rich and very well preserved.
Gothic, Baroque and Secessionist (Art Since abandoning Communism in 1989,
Nouveau) architecture in Europe. the country has experienced rapid change

Hungary’s vast Great Plain, covering one-third of the country and famous for its highly skilled cowboys
Stained-glass window depicting St Leopold of Austria in Saint Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest

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