BUDIN CASTLE

 We say that Budin Castle and its surroundings should be at the top of your list of places to see. Because in this region, the cobblestone streets from the Middle Ages, historical buildings under UNESCO protection, the most magnificent examples of gothic and baroque architecture and the magnificent panorama of Budapest are worth seeing. If you have limited time, Budin Castle, Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church are the top priorities. But if you have time, we say you should give this place its due by wandering the streets of the region and taking a coffee break in its cafes.

The most beautiful view of Budapest is arguably seen from here. It's worth a visit for that alone.

Let's get to its history… The first settlement in this region started in the 13th century after the Mongol invasion, with the aim of protecting Buda (one bank of the river is called Buda, the other is Pest). After 1265, Budin Castle and the surrounding area became the palace complex where the Hungarian Kings lived and ruled the country. King IV. Béla had the first royal residence built on this hill between 1247-1265 and became the first noble resident of Budin Castle Hill. The golden age of the hill was in the 15th century: When King Matthias Corvinus and Beatrix of Neapolitan married in 1476, many Italian artists and craftsmen accompanied the new queen, and the Buda region thus underwent a European transformation.

Unfortunately, after the 1526 Mohac War with the Ottoman Empire, Buda was destroyed except for the Palace. But later it was rebuilt in Baroque style. During this period, the region became the central government district. In 1529, the Ottomans occupied Buda again, but this time the Palace was also damaged.

Finally, in 1541, Buda became the center of the Budin province of the Ottoman Empire. Although Turkish travelers enthusiastically talk about the beauty of this place, the Ottomans left this place to its fate. In fact, there were places used as barracks, warehouses and barns. Until the Habsburgs took the city back with the Siege of Budin in 1686, the palace complex, which the Turks called the inner castle and fortress, was not repaired except for the walls.

During the Second World War, Buda was again destroyed by bombings and rebuilt.

Today, this area has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1987, thanks to its Gothic buildings, 18th-century Baroque houses and cobblestone streets. Although it has undergone many changes since its original form in the 13th century, the main streets of the area still remain as they were in the Middle Ages. The ideal way to do justice to these streets is to visit the castle area with a walking tour accompanied by a professional guide. Click here to buy tickets for the walking tour where you will tour the castle streets with a historian.