Greetings fellow Steemers,
It's time for Vol. 2 of my Budapest adventure!
In Vol. 2 will we march across the Danube River and have a closer look at the castle perched so beautifully upon the Buda Hills.
Resting atop a hill on the western edge of the Buda side of the Danube, lies the Buda Castle. Built in the 14th century, it was the seat of power for the Hungarian kingdom right up until WW1. The castle has been destroyed multiple times by varying invaders and was promptly rebuilt repeatedly and declared a world heritage site in 1987. Hopefully it will not suffer another demolition and remain as breathtaking as it is today for future generations to enjoy as I have enjoyed it. There are a great many stairs no matter which direction you approach the castle. Be prepared for a trek up a steep hill. Of course there is vehicle access, but most tourists were on foot, as was I. Water is an essential supply. Do not forget it!
It is easily identifiable by its baroque architectural style. As it was first constructed on the tail end of the medieval age and of its original layout, only the foundations remain, and thus, the architecture lacks any gothic traits in favor of the more inviting and sweeping style of baroque architecture.
Upon reaching the courtyard, visitors are greeted by a massive copper stature an eagle clutching a sword. It peers down upon the city from its station high on the hill, watching over the city, weapon at the ready.
Just down the stairs under the eagle and its glaring stare, I was treated with a sight of horsemen, riding in full traditional wardrobe and trotting off to the house of the Prime Minister. What a happy accident to be in their path at the right moment.
Fittingly, behind these men trotting on their horses is a large proud statue of a nobleman on his own copper steed. This is known as the Equestrian Statue of Sigismund. Segismund of Luxembourg was an important man as he was King of Hungary in 1411 and by 1433 he was the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. His reign lasts a short four years, but his statue stands watch out front of the Buda Castle indefinitely.
Beautiful panoramic views of the entire city are visible from the castle courtyard and they are truly a sight to behold. It is also one of the many more romantic spots to take loved one or new acquaintances, as is much of the city to be honest. Young lovers can be seen fluttering about the city, stars in their eyes as they breathe in the charged vibe of Budapest.
On the way down, the statue of a priest fusses over you as you descend the many stairs back street level. There is also a small performing arts open-air theatre wrapped up in the lower courtyards where summer concerts and choirs can be viewed (not pictured).
Half way down I discovered this little hut of a building. The door was ajar, thus, I ventured inside. I am pretty certain I was not allowed inside as it went nowhere, but I stole a few shots of the wonderful ceiling, twirling staircase, and glass dome above before scuttling out ahead of security :).
At street level, you are greeted by a duo of roaring lions, guarding the southern entry point and across the street sits quite possibly the longest bench I have seen in my life for pedestrians to sit and take in the view of the castle.
Here ends our little journey. Enjoy a few more photographs of the castle below and be sure to join me for Vol. 3.
Lovely flower beds line the front of the castle inviting would be photographers (That would be me :3) to take sweet macro photos with foreboding architectural elements looming behind in a fuzzy haze.
Here is an extreme angle of the former emperor's equestrian statue.
A view from the opposite end of the courtyard.
Back view of the eagle.
Here is a view of the castle from a distant hilltop to the south.
This shot was taken from the rooftop of the basilica.
Finally we have a purely magical shot of both the Buda and Pest sides of the river being joined by the many bridges connecting them as one.
See you again soon. Happy Travels!
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