This iconic building has been a King's castle, a Queen's folly, a nunnery, a university – and a ruin.
Buda Castle’s imposing silhouette is impossible to miss on the hill above the Danube, and it has more to offer than just great architecture. This castle has been repeatedly caught up in the thick of history. Thirty-one sieges, countless sackings and at least three relentless poundings by artillery have seen Buda Castle reduced to rubble many times. Each time, the people of this city have, eventually, picked up the pieces and started Buda Castle anew.The Buda Castle you see looming over you, as you cross the Danube on the Chain Bridge, is a mishmash – some old and much new. Parts date back to the first fortifications here, in the 12th century. Most, though, was carefully reconstructed in the 1960s, from the ruins left over from the Battle of Budapest, one of the most destructive battles of the Second World War.When it came to the reconstruction, the historical architects went to great lengths to recreate the original medieval and Renaissance parts of the castle. Most of these had been lost in the castle's numerous renovations down the centuries. But now you can stand in the Royal Chapel, started in the 14th century, or view the slender vaults and arches of the Gothic Hall, built by King Sigismund in the 15th century.Most of the Castle, however, is a replica of the 19th century Baroque palace, originally built by architect Alajos Hauszmann, for the Austro-Hungarian emperor Franz Josef. In its mammoth wings, with their never-ending corridors and suites, you'll find the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery and the National Széchényi Library. Some of the most fascinating art is to be found outside the main palace, including the dramatic statue of the Turul Bird, echoing the pre-Christian religion of the Magyar nomadic tribes. The Matthias fountain is an amazing group of statues in honour of King Matthias Corvinus. An altogether sweeter tone is set by the Fountain of the Fishing Children, noted for its exquisite nets. Buda Castle is full of such diverse surprises – a thousand-year old jigsaw puzzle ready-made for an endless sightseeing journey.
