Buda Castle & Castle Quarter
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Buda Castle - by Nemanja Ćirić on Unsplash
Description
Buda Castle was the historical seat of power and residence of the Hungarian Kings. The first castle was completed in 1265 but the oldest remaining sections are from the 14th century structure built under the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund. That castle was destroyed during the siege of Buda of 1686 by the Christian forces who took it back from the Ottoman and, in its place, the current Baroque Palace was constructed in several phases mostly during the 18th century when it served as the residence of the Habsburg palatine of the Kingdom of Hungary. The courtyards and gardens are decorated with fountains and statues and the Castle Quarter (Várnegyed) is the oldest part of the city. It has an array of medieval streets with churches, Baroque and Neo-classical houses.
Access & Transport
The castle is at the southern tip of Castle Hill and can be accessed from the Pest side across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. From the base of the hill, one can walk or take the Castle Hill Funicular. You can also use tram line 17 or 56 and alight at Dózsa György station.
Instructions & Recommendations
The courtyard and gardens of the castle are accessible free of charge day and night. Only the interior rooms belonging to the National gallery and History Museum can be visited (admission fees apply). The castle is walking distance to the Chain Bridge, Gellert Hill & Citadella, and the monuments around Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya).
Environmental & Social
The castle quarter is quite urban but land intensity and traffic are still reasonable. Quite touristy and commercialized but also an integral part of the city's architectural and historical heritages.
Conclusion
The Castle Quarter is a relaxed and quite charming area to explore on foot and the Castle, though its interior cannot really be visited, provides the perfect backdrop to read about the Ottoman and Habsburg periods, and enjoy the fantastic views across the Danube.
Key positive
Long and interesting building history
Visually striking complex when viewed from Pest side
Plenty or architecturally interesting buildings in Castle Quarter
Key negative
Interior cannot be visited and little ornamentation
Suitability
There are some slopes so wheelchair users may require some assistance in places
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:2h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo