9 things you might want to know about the Buda Castle

Budapest is well-known for its secrets and beautiful historical sites, but there is one that stands out high among the others, the Buda Castle and the Castle District. This architectural wonder is one of the oldest jewels of the city which has lived through almost all the major historical events that happened in Hungary. We have collected some interesting facts about the Castle to help you get to know the nation’s history through it.

1. A classy cavalcade of styles

The castle was built originally in Gothic style, but bore traces of the Renaissance as well. The Renaissance style was first used outside its ‘home’ in Italy in Hungary, thanks to King Matthias Corvinus, who

introduced this style not just through renovation, but also through inviting artists and scientists from Italy.

When the Turks took the castle in 1541, they started to re-design the buildings and interior in Muslim style. However, their residence did not last long, as the Habsburg forces retook the castle in the 1680s. The sieges laid serious waste to the building, so it was agreed to demolish the ruins and build a smaller palace in its place. This took place between 1714 and 1723.

In 1896 it was renovated again, this time by Miklós Ybl, who is known for the designs of the Hungarian Parliament and by Alajos Hauszmann. The following photos were taken by Hauszmann:

The Second World War seems to be the biggest tragedy in the history of the Castle, as only one hall was left intact after the sieges and bombings out of the 900, the Nádor crypt. However, several rooms were saved and renovated and today are part of the Budapest History Museum in building E.

2. Europe-wide praise

When Sigismund became the head of the Holy Roman Empire, Buda became Europe’s political centre and capital city. Since the king resided in the castle, his residence itself was declared a jewel of Europe too. Travellers in the middle ages used to say that Europe had three crown jewels:

Venice on the waters, Florence on the plains and Buda on the hills.

3. Part of the world heritage

In 1987 the first Hungarian addition to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites was announced. There are several Hungarian wonders on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but the first one is the Buda Castle and the Castle District. Owing to this honorary title, the castle’s renovation proved to be a dodgy process as serious alterations to the original plans cannot be made.

4. A cultural centre

The Buda Castle is worth a visit not just because the wonderful and artistic architecture and because of its historical value or the view of Pest that you get from here, but also because of the various ways in which culture flows through it. The castle itself gives the home to the National Széchényi Library, the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Aside from these institutions, the Budapest Wine Festival (September 6-9 this year) and the Festival of Folk Arts (August 17-20) are both organised here.