We arrived here in the afternoon of the 10th and in the evening had a night cruise to see the spectacular sights from the water. Oh my! It really is something with the parliament buildings, the castle, the numerous lovely bridges, etc., all lit up. Wow!!!
There has been a settlement here for about 2000 years.
The Buda Castle was built in 1243.
Prosperity really began in the late 15th century. As with most of Europe, it too was run over by one conquering force after another. The cities of Buda, Pest and Obuda became one in 1873.
It was between 1867 and WW1 that it really began to prosper. You can see it in the huge number of buildings and the size of them. One can imagine how absolutely spectacular the city must have looked in its heyday. Unfortunately, for the most part, with WW1, WW2 and the period of communism when it was behind the Iron Curtain, the beautiful old city is in a state of disrepair. Buildings seem to be of sound structure, not that I am an expert but…… Anyone in the reconstruction trades, will be guaranteed on-going work for ever.
Below will be examples of the architecture both good shape and deteriorating
condition.
The view from the Citadella
The rail station
Electric trains in middle of streets
Typical street…..two sides parking and one lane of traffic….one way!
.
Stairs to the Buda Palace
Part of the outside of the Buda Palace
Examples of that very prosperous time…The largest parliament building (neo-gothic)in Europe was built in Pest 1884-1904.
The parliament buildings by day!
The 2nd largest synagogue in the world in 1859….below!
In 1896, the first underground in the world was built under Androxyy Street. There is a promenade that runs along between the street and homes of the rich. Wooden planks were put down along it so the horses wouldn’t disturb the owners. Heroes Square was also built in 1896.
Heroes Square
Heroes Square
Gellert Hill was named after the priest who converted Hungarians to Christianity. For his trouble he was put in a barrel and thrown off the hill. There is statue to commemorate him. Also, at Hotel Gellert (art nouveau) ….is where one of the mineral spring baths are located.
Monument to Gellert, the priest that brought Christianity to Hungary
Some of the structures built into the bottom of Gellert Hill
One of the highlights of our stay in Budapest was going to the thermal baths at Szechenyi. It is a huge facility. There are 3 pools outside of varying temperatures and depths. Inside there are 15 smaller baths.
Front entrance to Szechenyi Spa and Mineral Baths
Looking to the left
Sort of middle
Looking to the left ….the coolest and shallowest pool. Steaming in the rain!!!
And a little more to the left!
Leaving the baths
gailstraveladventures 
So very interesting, all your travels through different worlds and how their history in buildings and monuments has persevered over many centuries!!
In the meantime North America is under the delusional idea that history can be re-written by destroying artifacts…………even one here in Victoria!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve got that absolutely right!
LikeLike