"BUDAPEST" a Budapest Travel Page by rexvaughan

I was not sure what to expect of Budapest. Was it a dark Eastern European city with not much attractiveness? Was it still a somber place we thought this part of the world was under communist rule? Was there devastation still left from WWII? Well the answer to all of these is no. It is a large and lovely city with much to entertain and educate ignorant tourists like me. Any doubt about its beauty is removed by the magnificent views that greet you along the Danube. It is said to be the cultural capital of Eastern Europe and is a rich mix of various ethnic and religious groups which leaves it with a wonderful and diverse heritage.

Even the name tells you something of the city. Obviously it was originally two cities , Buda and Pest. I think also included was Obuda in the northwest part of the metro area. The city sits virtually on a the site of a 2000 year old Roman settlement and aslo on a thin crust over thermal springs which provide the city with wonderful thermal baths. I read that the word ‘pest’ comes from a Slavic word meaning oven.

The city dates its founding in 896 when the Magyars, led by Arpad settled here in that year. Arpad is held to be the first ruler in a dynasty that lasted another 4 centuries. These were evidently nomadic raiders who wreaked havoc on Europe for several decades until they were defeated in 955 at the Battle of Augsburg. This is a fascinating story as the Magyar troops evidently were expert warriors and had wonderful horses . They are said to have always had 3 or 4 horses each and would ride them in turn so as not to overtire their mounts and thus could strike and retreat quickly, At Augsburg they were led by one “Bloody Bulcsu” who was a fierce warrior but evidently short on strategic smarts.

Many of the things you will enjoy were built, added onto, or enhanced in 1896 in celebration of Hungary’s Millennium. Included are the construction of the continent of Europe’s first subway which is most of the Yellow Line at present; St. Steven’s Basilica, Hero’s Square Millennium Monument; the marvelous Great Market Hall; the stunning Parliament Building on the Danube and the State Opera House. Quite a celebration and still all stellar attractions.