The History of Budapest

The history of Budapest leaves magnificent architect intact.

The History of Budapest

Budapest is not only Hungary’s capital city but also a frequently visited destination for many tourists travelling both near and far. What makes it such a grand place to be? Where does it get all its charm? Why does it attract so many visitors throughout the year? All these questions will be answered shortly as we delve deeper into Budapest’s magnificent history that makes it the lively, happening city we recognise it as today!

What was Budapest like in the past?

Long before Budapest became one city it was three separate cities, namely Buda and Obuda on the west banks of the Danube and Pest on the eastern banks. The city has been around for many years even dating back as early as the Stone and Bronze Ages. The Italians influenced the region of Buda whilst the Romans had influences in Pest.

It is said that during Medieval times the Celtics first built the city of Budapest and in later years the middle section of the city was used as a military settlement and later on with development around the main city it became more commercial and the Romans took to building baths, houses with indoor heating, roads for easy travel and more.
After WWI, in the year 1849 the very first “chain bridge” that linked Buda with Pest was built across the Danube which further show-cased the union of the two regions ruled by dual monarchies and marking Budapest as its capital city. The country was later involved with WWII in which most of its territories were lost and destroyed due to American and British air raids as well as attacks by Soviets and Romanian troops. The Nazi Germans also killed many Jews in Hungary during the German occupation.

Hungary gained liberty and fought back in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 which as a result some remnants of war time can be seen and many places where rebuilt such as the Erzebet Bridge. Heroe’s Square was built in honour of the heroes who played a role in shaping Hungary by conquering and securing the territory during Medieval Times and brought with them the Maygar people. Thus the history of Budapest is filled with battles and strife.

What makes it such a grand place?

You cannot visit Hungary without seeing the iconic Budapest; it enjoys the Danube River flowing through it which adds more splendour to this region. The banks of the Danube along with the Buda Castle district are marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1987. It also features Andrássay Avenue, Heroes’ Square (Hosök Tere) as well as the Millennium Underground Railway, all forming part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and all are located in Budapest.
Where does Budapest get all its charm?

The city bears magnificent charm with all its beautiful architecture from the Middle Ages to modern day and thus gives it a unique look which some describe it to be an “architectural paradise”. Structures are influenced by the Romans, Turks, and various periods including Renaissance, Gothic, Neo Boroque, Romantic, Classism, Art Nouveau and more.

Why does it attract so many visitors?

Budapest offers many things to do for the traveller passing through and those wishing to stay a while. It is not only shrouded in history but also bears a variety of cultures and affords lots to do such as amazing night life, fast paced action activities such as airsoft combat, health spas and baths are simply to name a few.

There are also several great tour packages to take advantage of such as:
• City tour (History of Budapest and more)
• City tour with a waterbus
• Dinner, party and cocktail cruises
• Danube Blend Helicopter Flight
• Danube speedboat cruise
• 3, 4, 5 Hour Expanded Jewish Heritage Tour
• Pub Crawl and party Cruise on Danube

Whether you choose to work and live in Budapest or simply visit and enjoy the many tourist attraction and learn more about its heritage, make sure that you add it on your list of things to do!