Budapest, Hungary
by: Rick Chapo
Located in Eastern Europe, Hungary is diverse and
beautiful country. The undisputed treasure of the
country is Budapest.
Budapest – A Tale of Three Cities
Over 2,000 years old, Budapest is a large city
containing traces of the various forces that have ruled it
over time. Romans, Turks, Goths and many others have
conquered the city. Somehow, the various influences
work in such a way as to make the city sparkle.
In a bit of trivia, Budapest was historically considered
three cities. The three cities were Pest, Obuda and
Buda. Although grouped together, the cities were
naturally divided by the Danube River which forks in the
middle of the city. In 1873, the three cities were
combined into one and given the Budapest name.
Although Budapest has more attractions than could
possible be covered in one article, here are a few must
see locations.
Budapest Castle District
Situated in the Buda section of Budapest, the Castle
District sits on the eastern side of the Danube.
Positioned a couple hundred feet above the Danube,
the entire city of Budapest can be seen from the
numerous vantage points. The view is so amazing, the
Italians coined a saying, “Europe has three gems –
Venice on the water, Florence in the plains and Buda in
the hills.” The Italians definitely got it right.
Buda Castle
Visiting Buda Castle is like stepping back into the
heights of the renaissance. The Castle is adorned with
red marble stairways, gothic facades, bastions and epic
statutes overlooking the Danube. The fountains around
the Castle simply can’t be described with words.
Holy Trinity Square
Just to the south of Buda Castle lies holy trinity square.
The Church of the Holy Lady, which is also known as
Matthias Church, dominates the square. The church has
served as the location where Hungarian Kings
undertook their rule and many famous figures are
interred on the grounds.
Behind Matthias Church is the rather interesting
Fishermen’s Bastion. This Roman bastion has the
appearance of a mini-castle at Disneyland. The views
from the parapets are amazing as you take in the
Danube River as it cuts through Budapest. Just outside
of Bastion, however, you have to keep your eye out for
something amazing.
Hungarians historically have been some of the best
horsemen in the world. As part of the tradition, the
horseman carried bullwhips instead of ropes. Big bull
whips. And they like to crack them just outside of the
bastion. If you aren’t paying attention when this occurs,
the world’s loudest snap will send scare the “you know
what” out of you. The only thing I can equate it to is the
sound of rolling thunder, but without the rolling. When it
happens, drinks, food and cameras go flying.
If you’re visiting Budapest, the Castle District is
definitely worth a visit. In fact, the District is a good
reason to go to Budapest.
Budapest Spas
Budapest sits over a tectonic plate fault line, which
usually is a bad thing. In this case, however, the location
of the city corresponds with a plethora of hot mineral
springs. Enterprising Hungarians have build spas on the
springs and are open for business. The spas are “over
the top” with an opera house feel. Floating around
peacefully, one feels like European royalty.
If you are traveling to Europe, plan on devoting a week
to Budapest. For those in love with Prague, one visit to
Budapest may change your mind.
The Gellert Spa Hotel is located in the center of
Budapest on the eastern shore of the Danube River.
From the front, the hotel looks like a classic renaissance
building you would find in Paris or Vienna. The entrance
to the hotel opens onto an indoor pool that looks like
something out of ancient Rome. The square pool is
surrounded by baroque columns and covered by a glass
roof two stories above the water. Palms, plants and
relaxing Hungarians are everywhere. It is staggeringly
impressive.
For roughly ten dollars, you can have the full Gellert
experience. There is on mixed sex indoor pool and two
sections reserved for just men and women. In these
reserved sections, one can get massage services, but
keep in mind these are vigorous Turkish style
massages. Put another way, you will be getting slapped
around a bit instead of nearly falling asleep.
At the rear of the Gellert, there is an outdoor area that
rivals any Las Vegas hotel. Unlike Vegas hotels with
themes, this pool area is truly historic. The area comes
with marble steps, ceramic tile mosaics and lush
landscape. One tends to feel a bit like you are taking a
bath in the Vatican.
Other Spas
Frankly, there are spas all over the place in Budapest.
Although I didn’t personally visit it, I was told very good
things about the Kiraly Baths. Kiraly was apparently built
during Turkish rule and the spa experience is entirely
Turkish.
If you get the chance to visit Budapest, make sure you
drop by one of the spas. Prices are relatively cheap and
the experience is definitely worth it.
by: Rick Chapo
Located in Eastern Europe, Hungary is diverse and
beautiful country. The undisputed treasure of the
country is Budapest.
Budapest – A Tale of Three Cities
Over 2,000 years old, Budapest is a large city
containing traces of the various forces that have ruled it
over time. Romans, Turks, Goths and many others have
conquered the city. Somehow, the various influences
work in such a way as to make the city sparkle.
In a bit of trivia, Budapest was historically considered
three cities. The three cities were Pest, Obuda and
Buda. Although grouped together, the cities were
naturally divided by the Danube River which forks in the
middle of the city. In 1873, the three cities were
combined into one and given the Budapest name.
Although Budapest has more attractions than could
possible be covered in one article, here are a few must
see locations.
Budapest Castle District
Situated in the Buda section of Budapest, the Castle
District sits on the eastern side of the Danube.
Positioned a couple hundred feet above the Danube,
the entire city of Budapest can be seen from the
numerous vantage points. The view is so amazing, the
Italians coined a saying, “Europe has three gems –
Venice on the water, Florence in the plains and Buda in
the hills.” The Italians definitely got it right.
Buda Castle
Visiting Buda Castle is like stepping back into the
heights of the renaissance. The Castle is adorned with
red marble stairways, gothic facades, bastions and epic
statutes overlooking the Danube. The fountains around
the Castle simply can’t be described with words.
Holy Trinity Square
Just to the south of Buda Castle lies holy trinity square.
The Church of the Holy Lady, which is also known as
Matthias Church, dominates the square. The church has
served as the location where Hungarian Kings
undertook their rule and many famous figures are
interred on the grounds.
Behind Matthias Church is the rather interesting
Fishermen’s Bastion. This Roman bastion has the
appearance of a mini-castle at Disneyland. The views
from the parapets are amazing as you take in the
Danube River as it cuts through Budapest. Just outside
of Bastion, however, you have to keep your eye out for
something amazing.
Hungarians historically have been some of the best
horsemen in the world. As part of the tradition, the
horseman carried bullwhips instead of ropes. Big bull
whips. And they like to crack them just outside of the
bastion. If you aren’t paying attention when this occurs,
the world’s loudest snap will send scare the “you know
what” out of you. The only thing I can equate it to is the
sound of rolling thunder, but without the rolling. When it
happens, drinks, food and cameras go flying.
If you’re visiting Budapest, the Castle District is
definitely worth a visit. In fact, the District is a good
reason to go to Budapest.
Budapest Spas
Budapest sits over a tectonic plate fault line, which
usually is a bad thing. In this case, however, the location
of the city corresponds with a plethora of hot mineral
springs. Enterprising Hungarians have build spas on the
springs and are open for business. The spas are “over
the top” with an opera house feel. Floating around
peacefully, one feels like European royalty.
If you are traveling to Europe, plan on devoting a week
to Budapest. For those in love with Prague, one visit to
Budapest may change your mind.
The Gellert Spa Hotel is located in the center of
Budapest on the eastern shore of the Danube River.
From the front, the hotel looks like a classic renaissance
building you would find in Paris or Vienna. The entrance
to the hotel opens onto an indoor pool that looks like
something out of ancient Rome. The square pool is
surrounded by baroque columns and covered by a glass
roof two stories above the water. Palms, plants and
relaxing Hungarians are everywhere. It is staggeringly
impressive.
For roughly ten dollars, you can have the full Gellert
experience. There is on mixed sex indoor pool and two
sections reserved for just men and women. In these
reserved sections, one can get massage services, but
keep in mind these are vigorous Turkish style
massages. Put another way, you will be getting slapped
around a bit instead of nearly falling asleep.
At the rear of the Gellert, there is an outdoor area that
rivals any Las Vegas hotel. Unlike Vegas hotels with
themes, this pool area is truly historic. The area comes
with marble steps, ceramic tile mosaics and lush
landscape. One tends to feel a bit like you are taking a
bath in the Vatican.
Other Spas
Frankly, there are spas all over the place in Budapest.
Although I didn’t personally visit it, I was told very good
things about the Kiraly Baths. Kiraly was apparently built
during Turkish rule and the spa experience is entirely
Turkish.
If you get the chance to visit Budapest, make sure you
drop by one of the spas. Prices are relatively cheap and
the experience is definitely worth it.
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