Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
Budapest, Hungary
25.05.2019
Budapest with Danube Banks, Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the capital city of Hungary, Budapest. This cultural site was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1987 due to its outstanding universal value in terms of its architectural and urban landscape. It encompasses the banks of the Danube River, the Buda Castle Quarter, and the Andrássy Avenue, which are all significant parts of the city's history and development.
The Danube River, which flows through the center of the city, has played a crucial role in the development of Budapest. It has been a major trade route since ancient times, connecting Eastern and Western Europe. The river also served as a defense system for the city, with its strategic location and natural barriers. Today, the banks of the Danube are home to numerous iconic landmarks, including the Parliament Building, the Chain Bridge, and the Buda Castle.
The Buda Castle Quarter, located on the western bank of the Danube, is a historic district that dates back to the 13th century. It was once the residence of Hungarian kings and is now a popular tourist destination. The Buda Castle, a majestic palace complex, is the main attraction of the quarter. It houses several museums, galleries, and the National Széchényi Library. The Fisherman's Bastion, a neo-Gothic terrace with stunning views of the city, and the Matthias Church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, are also located within the Buda Castle Quarter.
The Andrássy Avenue, a grand boulevard that connects the city center with the City Park, is another important part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in the late 19th century and is lined with magnificent buildings, including the Hungarian State Opera House and the Hungarian National Museum. The avenue also features several iconic landmarks, such as the Heroes' Square and the Vajdahunyad Castle.
In addition to its architectural and urban value, Budapest with Danube Banks, Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue also represents the city's rich cultural heritage and diverse history. It has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans, Ottomans, and Austrians, which is reflected in its unique blend of architectural styles.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Budapest. It offers a glimpse into the city's past and its vibrant present. Whether you want to explore the historic Buda Castle Quarter, stroll along the beautiful Andrássy Avenue, or admire the stunning views of the Danube River, this site has something for everyone.
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This site has the remains of monuments such as the Roman city of Aquincum and the Gothic castle of Buda, which have had a considerable influence on the architecture of various periods. It is one of the world's outstanding urban landscapes and illustrates the great periods in the history of the Hungarian capital.
Budapest is the capital and most populous city of Hungary. It is the ninth-largest city in the European Union by population within city limits and the second largest city on the Danube river. The city has an estimated population of 1,752,286 over a land area of about 525 square kilometres (203 square miles). Budapest, which is both a city and municipality, forms the centre of the Budapest metropolitan area, which has an area of 7,626 square kilometres (2,944 square miles) and a population of 3,303,786. It is a primate city, constituting 33% of the population of Hungary.
The history of Budapest began when an early Celtic settlement transformed into the Roman town of Aquincum, the capital of Lower Pannonia. The Hungarians arrived in the territory in the late 9th century, but the area was pillaged by the Mongols in 1241–42. Re-established Buda became one of the centres of Renaissance humanist culture by the 15th century. The Battle of Mohács, in 1526, was followed by nearly 150 years of Ottoman rule. After the reconquest of Buda in 1686, the region entered a new age of prosperity, with Pest-Buda becoming a global city after the unification of Buda, Óbuda and Pest on 17 November 1873, with the name 'Budapest' given to the new capital. Budapest also became the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a great power that dissolved in 1918, following World War I. The city was the focal point of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 and the Battle of Budapest in 1945, as well as the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.
Budapest is a global city with strengths in commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. Hungary's financial centre, Budapest is also the headquarters of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, the European Police College and the first foreign office of the China Investment Promotion Agency. Over 40 colleges and universities are located in Budapest, including Eötvös Loránd University, Corvinus University, Semmelweis University, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Opened in 1896, the city's subway system, the Budapest Metro, serves 1.27 million, while the Budapest Tram Network serves 1.08 million passengers daily.
The central area of Budapest along the Danube River is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several notable monuments of classical architecture, including the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle. The city also has around 80 geothermal springs, the largest thermal water cave system, second largest synagogue, and third largest Parliament building in the world. Budapest attracts around 12 million international tourists per year, making it a highly popular destination in Europe.
Buda Castle (Hungarian: Budavári Palota, German: Burgpalast) is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. It was first completed in 1265, but the massive Baroque palace today occupying most of the site was built between 1749 and 1769. The complex in the past was referred to as either the Royal Palace (Hungarian: Királyi-palota) or the Royal Castle (Hungarian: Királyi Vár, German: Königliche Burg). The castle now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and The Budapest History Museum.
Buda Castle sits on the southern tip of Castle Hill, surrounded by the touristic area known as Várnegyed (Castle Quarter), which is famous for medieval, Baroque and Neoclassical houses, churches, public buildings, and monuments. The hill is linked to Clark Ádám Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge by the Castle Hill Funicular. The castle is a part of the Budapest World Heritage Site, so declared in 1987. The original Royal Palace was ruined during WWII, it was rebuilt in a simplified Stalin Baroque style during the Kádár era.
