Budapest Castle

Built in the 14th century then remodeled some 400 years later in the baroque style, the Royal Palace (Szent György tér) accommodated Hungarian royalty for 700 years. Now it houses the capital's most visited museums and galleries. 

Wine Tasting Dinner

Our hosts treated us to a sumptous meal and wine tasting in Budapest on Thursday night, preceded by a visit to the Castle area and a tour of Heroes Square afterwards.

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.

Fishermen's Bastion

In the south courtyard of the bastion stands a bronze equestrian statue of St Stephen (Szent István), the first King of Hungary; it is the work of A. Stróbl and dates from 1906. The plinth, with four lions and the reliefs on the sides depicting scenes from Stephen's life, was designed by F. Schulek. 

View of Budapest from the Castle

Our host guided us on a tour of Budapest on April 20 . Just right of center on the farside of the Danube you can see the white Parlaiment building with the red dome roof. You can find other photos of the Parlaiment on this blog taken from different perspectives on previous visits.