How To Climb And What To See In The Citadel Of Budapest
The citadel of Budapest is the highest point in the capital of Hungary, as it is located on the Gellert Hill and, therefore, is visible from any corner of the city. In this article we will tell you, among other things, how to go up to it to enjoy magnificent views. Are you accompanying us on this journey to the heights?
Characteristics and history of the citadel of Budapest
The citadel of Budapest was built in 1854 by order of Julius Jacob von Haynau and with a design made by the military man Emanuel Zita, together with Matyas Zitterbath and Ferenc Kasselik. A construction that was erected after the defeat of the Hungarian Revolution.
As a result, a fortress was created surrounded by a wall two hundred and twenty meters long, sixty wide and four high. In this way the Habsburgs tried to better control the city and exercise their power over the Hungarian people.
In 1897, after the peace between the Habsburgs and the Hungarians, the citadel passed into the hands of the latter and was partially and symbolically destroyed. Its history turned black again when during World War II the Nazi army built a bunker inside the citadel and established part of its anti-aircraft defense there.
How to climb the citadel of Budapest
As we have seen, the citadel of Budapest is located on top of Gellert Hill, surrounded by a beautiful forest. To get there you can take the bus line 27 or a tram. In the latter case you have to follow number 47 or 49.
Another possibility is to ascend on foot along a path, such as the one that begins from the Elizabeth Bridge or the one that begins in the Szent Gellért square. During the journey there are benches where you can sit down to catch your breath and, at the same time, observe the wonderful landscape that opens up before your eyes.
You just have to opt for the option that best suits your needs or preferences. Of course, in transport it takes half an hour, but we save having to climb stairs or slopes.
Once at the top we find an informative sign, which welcomes tourists and which helps us to locate ourselves and see where each point of interest is. In this way we will know which direction to take depending on the destination we choose.
Also from above you can see the impressive Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge over the Danube River, the Parliament and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. These are four of the most prominent symbols of Budapest.
What to see in the citadel of Budapest
In addition to enjoying the magnificent views of the capital of Hungary from one of the viewpoints, in the citadel you can visit the fortress, equipped with sixty cannons. To access it, you have to pay an entrance fee of 1,200 Hungarian forints.
Already inside, there is the World War II bunker we are talking about. It houses several rooms full of wax figures that recreate scenes from the time, as well as a large collection of war images that deserve to be seen.
At the top, the Monument to the Liberation stands out, erected after the liberation of the city by the Russian army. It represents a woman raising a palm branch and under her, two other figures that symbolize the defeat of fascism. Besides, there is a restaurant where you can recharge your batteries after the visit.
On the other hand, you can take advantage of visiting some nearby places of interest, such as the Rudas spa, established more than four hundred years ago by the Ottomans; the Rupestrian Church of Budapest; the Gellért spa; the Buda Castle, which served as the residence of the Hungarian kings; or the Parish Church of the Center.
