Buda Castle is by far one of the most famous buildings in the world. Standing tall and proud in the city of Budapest, it was the castle and royal palace of the Hungarian Kings who used to rule the whole of Budapest. First Built in the magnificent times of 1265, this opulent and imperial castle is one of the most famous palaces, taking its place right up there along with other famous castles such as Buckingham Palace and others.
About Buda Castle
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Nowadays, Buda Castle has been converted from the residence-styled and furnished Palace it was. It now houses two of the most important things in the nation of Hungary, The Hungarian National Gallery, a collection of some of the most famous and important artwork to have come out of Hungary, and the Budapest History Museum, which is one of the most famous museums in the whole of the nation.
History Of Buda Castle
In the past, the sprawling complex was referred to as the Royal Palace, as it used to be the residence of the Royal Family. The sheer importance and enormity of this castle can be understood when comes to know the fact that this site is one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the entire continent.
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Location Of Buda Castle
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Buda Castle itself is situated on the south tip of Castle Hill, quite possibly the most famous and well known hills in Budapest. The Hill itself is south of the District known as the Castle District, one of the most distinct districts in the city. This is because, like the Castle itself, the District also features distinct themes of Baroque architecture, with houses, churches and town halls all being perfect examples of Baroque architecture.
The Buda Castle Map
Features Of Buda Castle
Some of the main features of this castle are what makes it stand out amongst all the other ones! Take a look to know how and why this is the place you must visit on your next trip.
- The First Building: The actual first royal Palace situated on Castle Hill was built by King Bela IVth of Hungary. While the actual date is unknown, historians agree the Palace was built somewhere between 1247 and 1265.
- King Sigismund and Expansion: Most of the current standing palace was built and enlarged by King Sigismund, who required a magnificent castle to match his high standing among the various Kings and Lords of Europe. As a Holy Roman Emperor, he had to have a castle that showcased the true extent of his powers and influence, and the Buda Palace served this purpose faithfully. While this point is not accepted worldwide, most historians agree that under the personal patronage and care of King Sigismund, Buda Castle was the largest example of the opulent International Gothic style of architecture.
- Renaissance and New Ideas: After Beatrice of Naples, one of the most prominent women in the history of Europe, married King Matthias in 1476, Buda became filled with Italian artists and philosophers, who spread the Renaissance ideas far and wide within the country of Hungary. Buda, the capital, became one of the first centers of the Renaissance found north of the Alp Mountains. With the advent of new ideas and styles of architecture, the King rebuilt major parts of the entire Palace, adding several things, such as an Italian styled loggia.
- Nuns And The University: In the 1760s, the then Queen had no intention of using the opulent Palace as her residence. Unsure of whether to break the Palace down or convert it into a military fortress, the Queen gave the building to the Sisters of Loreto on 13th May, 1770. Soon after, the Queen decided that the University of Nagyszombat would be moved to the Palace, at which point the Nuns had to promptly move out.
Guided by Farkas Kempelen, a famous author and inventor, the Palace was converted into a building befitting a University. Cabinets, Shelves, a Library and a Printing Press were some of the many things that were built to accommodate the students and teachers. A four-storeyed Observation Tower, plotted and planned by Alfred Hillebrandt, was constructed, and thus the Palace was adapted to be used as an University.
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Buda Castle: Works Of Art
These works of art in the castlem though lost, are still worth knowing about and are a good news for all the history buffs because it’s always good to learn before you visit!
1. Hungaria
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This was one of the most famous pieces of sculpture in Buda Castle History. A group of three statues forming a greater whole, this was famous all across the land, and the loss of it is still lamented today. A central figure, the female representation of Hungary known as Hungaria dominated the spotlight, with two other semi-nude figures at her side, who represented her faithful companions Industry and Commerce. It was sadly destroyed in the 1950s.
2. Apotheosis of the Habsburg Dynasty
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The ceiling of one of the most famous rooms in the Palace, the Habsburg Room, was decorated with the most famous fresco to have been made in Hungary, the Apotheosis of the Habsburg Dynasty. This fresco was painted by Karoly Lotz, a famous sculptor. The fresco even survived the war, but did not survive the demolition of the northern facade in 1950.
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Buda Castle: Main Attractions
Check out this list of some of the main attraction in the renowned castle that really is a pure delight for your eyes and soul, while you’re out and about soaking in the gorgeous views here.
1. Matthias Fountain
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This is by far one of the most famous sculptures present in the Buda Castle to this day. It decorates the western forecourt of the palace, and displays four hunters led by King Matthias, hunting hounds, a killed deer and other displays.
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2. Horseherd
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This is one of the most beautiful statues in the Palace, and decorates the western forecourt, next to the Matthias Fountain. It shows the Hortobagy National Park horseherd taming a wild stallion, and is admired by everybody who visits the famed Western Forecourt in Hungary, Europe.
3. Fishing Children
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The Fountain of the Fishing Children on the Danube terrace was another one of the creations of famed sculptor Karoly Senyei in 1912, and shows a graphical display of two children fighting over a fish, with a fishing net and other implements nearby.
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4. Lions
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The work of famous sculptor Janos Fadrusz from 1901, these are two stone monumental lions guarding the path into Lions Court. Viewers have called the animals proud and dignified. Although one of the lions was destroyed in the war, it was remade in the 1950s.
Buda Castle: Additional Information
- The Hungarian Government offers Buda Castle Tours, which houses the National Gallery, The Budapest National Museum and the National Library, famous for its often held exhibitions.
- The Buda Castle Tickets are purchased at the door itself, with different Buda Castle Tickets prices for Adults, Students, Pensioners, Photo Tickets and English Audio Guides .
- The Buda Castle Opening Hours are from 10 AM to 6 PM. The Tour Timings for the Palace are:
- The National Gallery’s opening timings are from Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- The Budapest History Museum’s timings are 1st March to 31st October Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays) November 1st to February 29th Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
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So, plan your trip to Hungary with TravelTriangle for a serene holiday experience with your loved ones to this gorgeous Budapest beauty that you must visit! Don’t forget to book in advance for a hassle-free tour of this place as several tourists from different parts of the world are visiting this place during the peak season. Do not forget to share about it with your friends.
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