“Gold train” of Hungary exhibited in Budapest
The original train was built in 1938 to carry one of Hungary’s most important national and Catholic relics around in the city.
Hungary has many beautiful features you can discover. Budapest offers enough activities for a lifetime, but if you are only here for a weekend, we have some tips as to what you need to see.
Top things to do in Budapest – VIDEO
The country has a history of over 1000 years. Our “founding father”, Saint Stephen, the first king of the Hungarian state, was crowned in 1000. He is probably the nation’s most significant figure, whose robust and elegant statue you can find on Heroes’ Square. Everything he left for his son and the country is a true relic that needs to be protected. Like the “Saint Right” (Szent Jobb), King Stephen’s mummified right hand that created the foundation of the Hungary we know today.
Our most important relic is currently in the Saint Right Chapel of the Saint Stephen Basilica in the city centre. There was a time when it was intended to be rolled around in the city on wheels, bringing it closer to the people.
A train was built in 1938 for the relic to be put in one of its carriages.
Unfortunately, the Second World War completely destroyed it, but only after it saved the country’s future.
The legendary train left in January 1945 towards Austria, packed with the Hungarian National Bank’s gold stock of 30 tonnes, its foreign currency reserve, and many key documents (including those that once belonged to King Matthias).
The name “Gold train” comes from this heroic action. Considering its important role, the Holy Crown of Hungary was also exhibited in the carriage.
Since the country is celebrating the foundation of the state on August 20, the reconstructed carriage of the original train, which once carried the relic, is also showcased. If you want to see a good amount of Hungarian history,
you can find the train on Kossuth Square, right behind the Parliament.
The reconstruction works lasted five years. The car now looks almost identical to the original design. The only exception is that it complies with today’s modern traffic safety rules, highlights Hello Magyar.
From the square, you can go along Alkotmány Street where the so-called Városok sétánya – Promenade of Cities is set up, to present the diversity and cultural richness of Hungary.
If you need more program ideas for the final and most important day of the three-day-long, festival-like celebration, here is a detailed list of events.
Read alsoRoyal Palace’s renewed St Stephen Hall opens to public – PHOTOS, VIDEO
Source: hellomagyar.hu, mnb.hu
My mother was on the train so I will show this to her. She was a child and is now 85
My father and his family escaped on it. They were one of the rare whole families on it because his father was a director in the Banknof Hungary and his father was deputy Prime Minister.