Castle District

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The medieval cellars beneath the district form a labyrinthine network used historically for storage and as bomb shelters during WWII.

2. 2

   Matthias Church features a roof covered in Zsolnay ceramic tiles, a distinctive feature of Austro-Hungarian architecture.

3. 3

   The district contains the Fisherman's Bastion, which was built in the late 19th century as a decorative viewing terrace rather than a military fortification.

4. 4

   The Buda Castle Labyrinth, located under the district, has served various purposes ranging from a wine cellar to a political prison.

5. 5

   The street Országház u. (Parliament Street) is named after the first Hungarian parliament building that stood there in the 18th century, long before the current Parliament was built on the riverbank.

6. 6

   Many residential buildings in the district still retain medieval gothic wall fragments hidden behind later baroque facades.

7. 7

   The district was a royal residence starting in the 13th century under King Béla IV.

8. 8

   The 'Holy Trinity Column' in the main square was erected in 1713 to commemorate the end of a plague epidemic.

Overview

The Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on Budapest's Castle Hill, serving as the historical and political heart of the city. The area features a network of medieval streets, baroque architecture, and the remnants of the Buda Castle complex. It was largely reconstructed following extensive damage during the Siege of Budapest in 1945. The district houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the Matthias Church. The limestone plateau overlooks the Danube river and is connected to the city's infrastructure by the historic Funicular. It serves as a primary location for state events and houses several diplomatic residences. The district is characterized by its preserved medieval layout and cobblestone pedestrian paths.

Insider tips

• Explore the narrow back alleys like Fortuna utca to escape the primary tourist foot traffic.

• Wear sturdy, flat-soled walking shoes as the original cobblestone streets are uneven and steep.

• Bring a refillable water bottle to use the public drinking fountains located in the square.