Buda Castle is located on Castle Hill in Budapest and is one of the most important landmarks of Hungary and its history. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been through many changes and has seen the best and the worst of times, from mediaeval sieges to the Renaissance. It was constructed in the 13th century and has been added onto over the centuries; today, the castle contains such institutions as the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Its baroque exterior, the view of the Danube River, and the underground passages that are as complex as the city’s history attract tourists worldwide.
About Buda Castle
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Buda Castle is a historical castle and palace complex located in Buda, the older part of Budapest, Hungary, on the hill of Castle Hill. The castle was built in 1265 and has been altered many times; the present Baroque palace was erected in 1749-1769. During WWII, the castle was severely damaged, but during communism, it was reconstructed in the same simplified Baroque style as before, thus maintaining its majestic and historical appearance.
Today, Buda Castle is not only a beautiful building but also an important cultural centre, where the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest Historical Museum and National Széchényi Library are located. The castle offers a great opportunity to see its luxurious interior, appreciate the art collections and learn a lot about Hungary’s history through the numerous exhibits.
This beautiful place is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, and it provides wonderful opportunities to take a lot of beautiful pictures of the Danube and Budapest. The Castle Hill Funicular and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge offer easy access to this historical area, and therefore, it is advisable for travellers interested in the historical background of Budapest to visit the place.
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History Of Buda Castle
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Buda Castle is a castle and palace complex that has been built and reconstructed several times throughout history. The first palace on Castle Hill was constructed in 1247–1265 by King Béla IV of Hungary. The oldest part of the present-day palace was built in the 14th century by Stephen, Duke of Slavonia.
Said castle has been burnt down and reconstructed several times in its history, with the most recent construction being in the 20th century. King Sigismund changed it in the 15th century, and it was later used by Ottomans in the 16th century. It was devastated during the great siege of Buda in the late 17th century and was reconstructed in the 18th century in the Baroque style and as a much smaller palace.
The castle complex was heavily bombed during the Second World War and restored in a simplified Baroque style during the state’s communist period. Today, Buda Castle is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest Historical Museum and the National Széchényi Library.
Things To Do At Buda Castle
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Buda Castle is a historic building that presents a combination of history, art, and beautiful city scenery. This palace, which was once the residence of Hungarian kings, has now become a cultural centre with lots of things to do.
Royal Palace: Hungary has been a royal residence. It has been built many times over and dates back to the 14th century. Today, the building is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Széchényi Library. The palace has a Baroque structure and beautiful yards, as well as an amazing view of the Danube River. Therefore, it is very popular among tourists.
Matthias Church: The Church of Our Lady, also known as Matthias Church, is a beautiful Gothic structure located in Buda’s Castle District. It was established in 1015 and has a royal history and has been used for several coronations. The interior of the church is adorned with beautiful frescoes, stained glass windows and beautiful carvings on the wood. It is designed with a number of tiled roofs in different colours and tall and slender turrets.
Fisherman’s Bastion: Fisherman Bastion is a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque terrace, which is one of the most beautiful terraces from which you can have a look at Budapest. The construction started in 1895 and was completed in 1902. The building has seven towers, which represent the seven Hungarian tribes that founded the country. This is a fairy-tale structure and is close to Matthias Church; therefore, tourists and photographers are always found visiting the place.
Castle District: The Castle District or Castle Hill is a beautiful town with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings as well as churches and different monuments. Among others, it contains the Royal Palace, the Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. The district has small and narrow streets with cobblestone, small cafes, and historical buildings, making it enjoyable to walk around the district.
Eugene of Savoy Monument: The Eugene of Savoy Monument is an equestrian statue situated in front of the Royal Palace. It was built to honour Prince Eugene of Savoy, a great military strategist and commander who contributed immensely to the defeat of the Ottoman Empire. The statue by József Róna is one of the best equestrian statues in Budapest, and it is also known as the city of statuary.
Statue of the Horse Herd: The Statue of the Horse Herd is a very interesting sculpture which aims to present the moment when a horse is being tamed. It is situated in the western yard of the Royal Palace. This statue, which was previously cited in front of the Riding School, is a good example of the historical features that are evident in the castle compound.
Sandor Palace: Sandor Palace, or the Hungarian Presidential Palace, is a neoclassical house which has been a home of political authority for more than two centuries. It also houses the President of Hungary and the office of the President of Hungary. The palace is an architectural masterpiece and has historical importance, which makes it one of the attractions in the Castle District.
Trinity Square: Trinity Square is one of the central squares in the Castle District; it is home to the Holy Trinity Statue, which is dedicated to the victims of the Black Death. Matthias Church and the Former Town Hall of Buda are some of the buildings that are found close to the square. It is a favourite place to meet and has an incredible view of Castle Hill 360-degree panoramic view.
Former Town Hall of Buda: The former town hall of Buddha is a historic building that was the magistracy of the Hungarian capital from 1688 up to the end of the 19th century. It is situated near Trinity Square and contributes to the historical appearance of the Castle District.
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Opening Hours, Entrance Fees, And Best Time To Visit
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Buda Castle is open every day, and visitors can access the courtyards 24/7. The Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum located in the castle work from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. The courtyards are open to the public and free of charge, but to visit the museums and any event that may be held inside, one has to book a ticket.
The best time to visit Buda Castle is during the spring season, particularly in the months of March, April, and May, as well as during the autumn season, especially in the months of September, October and November, since the weather is pleasant and the tourists are not many. These seasons are ideal for a visit to the castle, and the scenic views of Budapest are best seen without the crowd that comes with the high seasons. To further reduce the number of people that one is likely to come across, it is advisable to visit during the off-peak season, which is May, June, or September.
How To Reach?
Buda Castle is a historical and cultural building located on Castle Hill, Budapest, Hungary. It can be accessed by different means of transport. Below is a detailed guide explaining each method:
By Air
In order to get to Buda Castle by air, one has to travel to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which is the largest international airport in Budapest. After arriving at the airport, there are several options to get to the city centre, including a taxi, airport shuttle or public transport. For public transport, there is the 100E airport shuttle bus to Deák Ferenc tér in the city centre. From Deák Ferenc tér, you can take the M2 metro line to Széll Kálmán tér and from there, take bus 16 or 16A to get to Buda Castle.
By Rail
If you are arriving by rail, you will likely arrive at one of Budapest’s main railway stations: Keleti (Eastern) Railway Station or Nyugati (Western) Railway Station. After arriving at Keleti Railway Station, one can take the M2 metro to Széll Kálmán tér and then take bus number 16 or 16A to Buda Castle. From Nyugati, you can take the M3 metro line to Deák Ferenc tér then transfer to the M2 metro line to Széll Kálmán tér and then take bus number 16 or 16A.
By Bus
There are some local buses available to get to Buda Castle by bus, such as bus number 16, which starts from Deák Ferenc tér in Pest, crosses the Chain Bridge, and goes up Castle Hill. The second bus is 16A, which runs almost the same line as the previous one. Moreover, there is an official Castle Shuttle Bus, an electric bus that drives you around the main sights in the Buda Castle district, and you can get on and off at any of the stops.
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Buda Castle stands as a timeless testament to Hungary’s rich history and architectural grandeur. From its mediaeval origins to its baroque splendour, the castle has weathered wars, renovations, and the passage of time to emerge as Budapest’s crowning jewel. Whether you’re drawn to its museums, captivated by its panoramic views, or simply enchanted by its regal atmosphere, Buda Castle offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Don’t just read about this magnificent landmark – immerse yourself in its centuries-old allure. Book your trip to Budapest today and walk in the footsteps of kings and queens at Buda Castle!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Buda Castle
Why is Buda Castle famous?
Buda Castle is famous for being the historic residence of Hungarian kings, for its beautiful Baroque architecture, and for housing important cultural institutions like the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum.
Is entry to Buda Castle free?
Entry to Buda Castle’s grounds and courtyards is free, but admission to the museums and exhibitions located within the castle complex is charged.
Is Buda Castle worth going to?
Yes, visiting Buda Castle is worthwhile for its historical significance, impressive architecture, and sweeping views of Budapest. The museums inside provide rich insights into Hungary’s art and history.
Can you visit Buda Castle without a tour?
Yes, you can visit Buda Castle independently. The grounds and courtyards are open for self-exploration, and the museums inside can be visited without a guided tour.
How much time do you spend at Buda Castle?
It is ideal to spend 2-3 hours at Buda Castle, exploring its grounds, visiting the museums, and enjoying panoramic views of the city from its vantage points.
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