This year, we went to Budapest, Hungary for Thanksgiving. Going in late November, the weather was cold and overcast with fog on most days--but we enjoyed it.
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. It is located in the center of the Carpathian Basin, built on both sides of the Danube River. The Romans built a major city here in the 1st century A.D. garrisoned with 10,000 soldiers along with the civilian population. The Huns (and their famous leader, Attila) settled here after driving the Romans out around the 5th century A.D. The conquering Magyars made this their home, the final wave led by Arpad and his mounted tribal chiefs arriving in 896.
Hungary was founded by King Steven in 1000 A.D. The Mongols burned the town in 1241. Under King Matthias, Budapest became a major cultural and commercial city in Europe--rivaling cities such as Paris and London. In 1541, the Turks captured the city and held it for about 150 years. They were driven out by a combined Christian army from Europe in 1686. Settlers from Germany mixed with the native Magyars while the country came under Hapsburg rule.
The Austria-Hungarian empire was one of the major powers in Europe. Budapest was renowned for its culture. The first underground railway in Europe was built here. The city was heavily damaged in both world wars--most major buildings were destroyed. It was one of the most heavily bombed cities in Europe. The Nazi occupation was followed by the Communist dictatorship supported by the Soviet Union. The Republic of Hungary was formed in 1989 when they gained their freedom.
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. It is located in the center of the Carpathian Basin, built on both sides of the Danube River. The Romans built a major city here in the 1st century A.D. garrisoned with 10,000 soldiers along with the civilian population. The Huns (and their famous leader, Attila) settled here after driving the Romans out around the 5th century A.D. The conquering Magyars made this their home, the final wave led by Arpad and his mounted tribal chiefs arriving in 896.
Hungary was founded by King Steven in 1000 A.D. The Mongols burned the town in 1241. Under King Matthias, Budapest became a major cultural and commercial city in Europe--rivaling cities such as Paris and London. In 1541, the Turks captured the city and held it for about 150 years. They were driven out by a combined Christian army from Europe in 1686. Settlers from Germany mixed with the native Magyars while the country came under Hapsburg rule.
The Austria-Hungarian empire was one of the major powers in Europe. Budapest was renowned for its culture. The first underground railway in Europe was built here. The city was heavily damaged in both world wars--most major buildings were destroyed. It was one of the most heavily bombed cities in Europe. The Nazi occupation was followed by the Communist dictatorship supported by the Soviet Union. The Republic of Hungary was formed in 1989 when they gained their freedom.
We had heard of the beautiful blue Danube River.
On a cold, foggy November day, it wasn't very blue.
Crossing the Chain Bridge (Szechenyl Lanchid).
There are several bridges crossing the Danube in Budapest.
Old buildings along the Danube River.
Looking across the river at the Parliament Building.
Budapest is actually a city created by combining the old cities of Buda and Pest.
Buda is on the west side of the Danube River and Pest is on the east side.
Musician wearing traditional Hungarian attire.
The hills of Buda looking across the Danube to the flat Pest.
Matthias Church on Castle Hill--built in the 13th through the 15th centuries.
Budapest
Andrassy ut--a major street in Budapest. The first
underground railway built in Europe runs under this street.
Statues of the conquering tribal chiefs
Heroes Square
The Parliament Building--built in 1895 to celebrate the Hungarian millennium.
Street in Budapest
Bud and his twin
Mel and her new friend
St. Istvan's (Steven's) Basilica
The Royal Castle
View from the Fisherman's Bastion
Fisherman's Bastion--the old fish market
1 comment:
I learned so much from all of your travels! I would have never known that it use to be 2 different cities. I hope someday I get to see it all in person.
Post a Comment