The Hungarian Girl » Hungary

Photographer of the Week: Krisztina Erdodi

The Hungarian Girl — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:02:40 +0000

Each week we will select a photographer whose work either showcases or reflects elements of Central and Eastern Europe from professionals to hobbyist photographers around the world. This week our photographer is Krisztina Erdodi from Budapest, Hungary. Here’s a brief collection of her photos that showcase the many beautiful regions of Hungary.

Name: Krisztina Erdodi
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Camera Equipment: Canon PowerShot A710
Inspirations: See and show the beauty of Hungary
Favourite Destination: Buda Castle District (Budapest) and a lot of marvellous lands of Hungary.
Website Link: http://picasaweb.google.com/kittacsiga

The ‘Sziklás’ hill in Buda hills. You can find many hiking possibilities, very close to the capital. Most of them are nature reserves, such as this one.

Amazing panorama from Citadel of Visegrád. Visegrád was a royal residency in the medieval age. Due to King Matthias’ palatial construction, it became Europe’s most beautiful renaissance royal court at that time.

Colourful houses nearby the fishpond, in the lovely old town of Tapolca.

Gate tower of Sümeg castle. It’s the best-preserved fortress in Hungary, where spectacular medieval shows are held every summer.

View from St. George hill, in the beautiful Upper Balaton area.

If your interested in becoming our photographer of the week, please visit our contact page.

Sziget Festival

The Hungarian Girl — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 04:24:12 +0000

The Sziget Festival takes place on Óbudai-sziget ("Old-Buda Island"), an island in the Danube, Budapest, Hungary. Photo courtesy of Sziget Festival.

Get the party started!

Hungary’s largest and most popular music festival will be happening from August 11- 16th on Óbudai Island, in the heart of Budapest.

The event draws hundreds of thousands of revellers for a week of great music, camping and partying.

Highlights for this year include performances by Iron Maiden, Muse, Fear Factory, Billy Talent, as well as upcoming bands from Hungary. A series of art exhibitions, literary events and classical music concerts and children’s programmes are also held at the festival, making it a highly diverse gathering.

The Sziget Festival originally started in 1993 as a relatively low-profile student event playing host to various Hungarian artists and has grown into a large European festival attracting over 400,000 visitors each year, half of which come from outside Hungary.

For more information including the program schedule and tickets, visit the Sziget Festival website.

Hungarian Wine Facts

The Hungarian Girl — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:14:00 +0000

Hand-crafted Hungarian wine bottles.

Hungary may not be the most well-known wine producing nation. However, it has certainly contributed to many apsects of wine and winemaking.

Here are some facts about wine in Hungary.

• Only three European languages have words for wine: Latin, Greek, and Hungarian.

• Vines believed to be indigenous to the region were first cultivated in Roman Times.

• Hungary is one of the few countries in the world where it’s entire land can be used for vine growing.

• There are currently 22 wine regions in Hungary.

• More than 60 percent of total wine production is white, although red wines are growing more popular and their production is increasing.

• The most well known dry red wine of Hungary is Egr Bikaver, bull’s blood of Eger.

• The vineyards of Tokaj were the first in the world to be classified according to quality.

• Throughout the 17th and 18th century, Tokaji aszu was a cherished commodity enjoyed by the royals of Europe.

• In the Hungarian National Anthem, the poet Ferenc Kölcsey (1790-1838) wrote about the country’s most precious gifts. Included is the wine of Tokaji: “In the grape fields of Tokaj, You dripped sweet nectar.”

• Somló is the smallest wine region in Hungary.

• California’s wine industry was jumpstarted by Hungarian immigrant, Ágoston Haraszthy, who shipped 300 different vine cuttings in 1861.

• Hungarian viticulturalist Zsigmond Teleki became world-famous by finding disease resistant varieties during the philoxeria epidemic that swept through Europe in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

• Hungary’s 22 wine regions lie between the same parallels as France’s Champagne and Bordeaux.

• The word for wine in Hungarian is “bor.”

The Hungarian Girl Discussion Forum Contest

The Hungarian Girl — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:30:46 +0000

Interested in travelling to Hungary or Eastern Europe and looking for some guidance? You could win one of Lonely Planet’s travel guides to Hungary, Eastern Europe or a Hungarian phrasebook by simply posting on the new discussion forum. Here’s how:

Register on The Hungarian Girl Discussion Forum
Post an approved new topic or a reply in any of the categories (see terms & conditions)
That’s it! Three winners will be randomly drawn on September 15th for a Lonely Planet guide book or Hungarian phrasebook. Enter as many times as you want. Remember - the more posts you submit, the more you increase your chances of winning! Good luck!

Win 1 of these Lonely Planet Prizes!

Hungary Travel Guide
Description: 6th Edition / June 2009, “You can have your cherry strudel and eat it with our latest guide to Hungary. Architecture, history, world-class wine – they’re all there for the enjoying. Throw in some Art Nouveau thermal baths or a drift down the Danube and you’ve got yourself a whole lotta happy.”

Eastern Europe Travel Guide
Description: 10th Edition / September 2009, “Dreaming of medieval castles and gorgeous art nouveau towns? Got a taste for exotic vodkas? Perhaps you’re curious about life in the post-Soviet world? There are more reasons to visit Eastern Europe than there are pages in War & Peace!”

Hungarian Phrasebook
Description: 1st Edition / March 2005, “If you thought a Rubik’s cube was difficult, imagine travelling in Hungary without this phrasebook! Take the confusion out of your travels and invent your own Hungarian experience.”

Contest begins: July 18, 2010
Last submission: September 14, 2010 11:59 pm EST
Winner’s will be randomly drawn and announced on September 15, 2010
Terms and conditions of the contest can be read here

Hollywood in Hungary

The Hungarian Girl — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:45:02 +0000

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (2008) was the first American production to shoot at the Korda Studios in Hungary.

Hungary has made appearances in a variety of foreign films and television productions. With its ever-expanding capacity of production facilities and unique varied locations, Hungary is making it’s mark in Hollywood. Cities like Budapest have been able to pass off as London, East and West Berlin, Paris and even Buenos Aires. Hungary has also provided significant tax incentives to foreign productions making it a very budget very location.

So, if your eager to see Hungary on the big screen, take a closer look at some of these productions.

Bel Ami (2011)

Staring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman, this upcoming film follows a young man’s rise to power in Paris by manipulating a series of powerful, intelligent, and wealthy mistresses. Budapest’s New York Palace Hotel is featured in the film. Rumor has it that Pattinson’s girlfriendKristen Stewart came to Budapest to spent time with him and to celebrate her birthday in the capital city.

The Pillars of the Earth (2009)

Set in 12th-century England, the narrative concerns the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The ambitions of three men merge, conflict and collide through 40 years of social and political upheaval as internal church politics affect the progress of the cathedral and the fortunes of the protagonists. Filming of this mini-series took place throughout Hungary and Austria.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

Set during World War II, this film is seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, an eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences. Most of the film was shot in Budapest with local Hungarian crew members and studio space being used.

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (2008)

In this superhero sequel, Hellboy must defeat the evil prince before The Golden Army can destroy humanity’s existence. The film was the first American production to shoot at Korda Studios in Hungary. The creature shop was led by the company Spectral Motion, and Filmefex contributed work in makeup and prosthetics. The latter company designed a creature for the troll market scene and built several statues and full-sized replicas of the Golden Army.

Munich (2005)

Based on the true story of the Black September aftermath, this film is about the five men chosen to eliminate the ones responsible for that fateful day. The hotel lobby of the Marriott Budapest Hotel, Puskás Ferenc Stadium, and Tököl Airport are just a few of the recognizable locations seen in this film.

I Spy (2002)

Based on the 1960′s television series I Spy. Two agents are are reluctantly paired for a dangerous mission to recover a missing jet. Hungary’s most famous landmarks, Buda Castle and Széchenyi Chain Bridge are featured in this action film.

An American Rhapsody (2001)

A young Hungarian girl struggles to find her place in the world when she’s reunited with her parents in the USA years after she was left behind during their plight from the communist regime in the 1950s. Budapest Ferihegy Airport makes a cameo.

Sunshine (1999)

Sunshine tells the story of a Jewish family living in Hungary through three generations, rising from humble beginnings to positions of wealth and power in the crumbling Austro-Hungarian Empire. The film includes many historical buildings and monuments throughout Budapest.

Evita (1996)

The hit musical based on the life of Evita Duarte, a B-picture Argentinian actress who eventually became the wife of Argentinian president Juan Peron, and the most beloved and hated woman in Argentina. The streets of Budapest are made to look like Buenos Aires. The Museum of Ethnography and Liberty Square can also be seen in the film.

Music Box (1989)

Music Box tells the story of a Hungarian-American immigrant who is accused of having been a war criminal. The plot revolves around his daughter, an attorney, who defends him, and her struggle to uncover the truth. Principal photography for the film started on location in Chicago, but for later scenes of the film the production was actually moved to Budapest, as the director wanted authenticity in what he considered some of the key scenes.

St Stephen’s Basilica

The Hungarian Girl — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:21:53 +0000

St Stephen’s Basilica is the largest ecclesiastical building in Budapest, named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c 975–1038).

The spectacular St Stephen’s Basilica is a must see sight in Budapest. Named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c 975–1038), the building is a symbol of Hungarian statehood and spiritualism.

Its sheer size and complexity resulted in St Stephen’s Basilica taking over 50 years to build. Construction was started in 1851 under the supervision of József Hild; however, the building was not completed until 1905 along with the assistance of three different architects. Much of this delay can be attributed to the collapse of the dome in 1868 which required complete demolition of the completed works and rebuilding from the ground up. Cleaning and restoration work have also been carried out over the years.

Built in neoclassical style, it comprises of a two distinctive bell towers with a vast dome in the centre. Ionic columns and statues of twelve apostles adore the outside walls which can be seen from a distance.

The interior features elaborately decorated chapels, intricate carvings and sculptures, bronze mouldings as well as many famous Hungarian works of art. Of particular note is a painting by notable artist Gyula Benczúr, it shows St Stephen offering the Hungarian crown to Mary.

The interior consists of marble and gilded-stucco. Famous Hungarian works of art can be seen throughout the building.

There is also the mummified hand of Stephen, Hungary’s holiest relic housed in a small chapel to the left of the main altar. On August 20, the relic is paraded around the church and through the streets of Budapest to commemorate his legacy to Hungary.

Vistiors can take an elevator or climb the stairs up to the cupola, from where a scenic view of the city can be enjoyed. In the southern tower is Hungary’s biggest bell, weighing over 9 tonnes.

Music lovers can also enjoy the excellent acoustics of St. Stephens Basilica by attending one of the organ concerts, which are held throughout the year. The paved piazza, full of restaurants amd cafes just outside the basilica also makes an excellent stopping-off point.

Photographer of the Week: Réka Solymosi

The Hungarian Girl — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:15:40 +0000

This is the first in our series called “Photographer of the Week.” Each week we will select a photographer whose work either showcases or reflects elements of Central and Eastern Europe from professionals to hobbyist photographers around the world. This week our photographer is Réka Solymosi from Stockholm, Sweden. The following are 3 photos from her portfolio. If you would like to see more of her gallery, be sure to visit her website.

Name: Réka Solymosi
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Camera Equipment: Canon EOS 450D, various Sigma zooms and Canon EF USM fixes
Favourite Destination: any European capital!
Website Link: rekafoto.com

The inner dome of the St Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest.

Details at Kerepesi Cemetery, where many famous people rest.

Heroes’ Square under a stormy sky.

If your interested in becoming our photographer of the week, please visit our contact page.

Interview with Wine Importer Circo Vino

The Hungarian Girl — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:31:30 +0000

Weingut Markus Huber in the Traisental, Austria. Photo courtesy of Circo Vino.

Circo Vino is one of the newest wine importers in the United States to specialize in artisanal wines from unique terroirs. Their mission is to introduce great wine to the palates of America.

Owned and operated by Sariya Jarasviroj Brown and Anne Zakin who are long time veterans of the wine industry, they have recently partnered with Austria’s award-wining Weingut Markus Huber and Hungary’s Weninger Winery.

The Chicago-based company will now import both the Huber estate-grown wines and the winery’s internationally successful Hugo line.

Their distinct portfolio also includes wineries such as Emmerich Knoll, Peter Veyder-Malberg, Johanneshof Reinisch, Schellmann, Claus Preisinger, and Sattlerhof.

Respect for tradition, a sustainable vision for the future, creativity and humor are just some of the qualities that Circo Vino showcases through their work.

1) Tell us about Circo Vino?

Circo Vino is a small, privately-owned fine wine import company based in the United States. The company is owned by two women, Sariya Jarasviroj Brown and Anne Zakin. Sariya and Anne have worked for many years in the wine business with experience in all areas: restaurants, retail, distribution and importing. Previously both women worked with Vin Divino Ltd., an importer of primarily Italian and Austrian wine. Anne and Sariya helped to build the category of Austrian wine in the USA.

From their previous experiences, both women saw that there was a lack of connection between importers, their winery partners and customers who buy their wines. As well, due to the three-tier system of sales and distribution of alcohol in the USA, it was/is often difficult to bring wines to market at a fair price. Circo Vino was created to provide a vehicle for wineries to more directly connect with their clients in the USA.

While this isn’t a new concept since there are other importers who take a more direct approach, Circo Vino is one of the few to utilize a multitude of logistical options simultaneously. For example, we have customers who operate at a volume of business that allows them to ship their own full containers directly from the wineries. We have other customers who work with numerous wineries throughout Europe to direct import wines, but are not yet able to do enough critical mass of Austrian and Hungarian wines to build a container of just these wines. For these customers we have a warehouse in Livorno, Italy, a lively port of consolidation, from which they can pull wines in smaller quantities to combine with other orders they are consolidating at port. Yet another option we have is to consolidate orders for smaller state markets in the USA and bring them on our own containers. Once our container arrives in the USA, the customer can pick up their order from our stateside warehouse locations. We call this our Less Than Container Load (LCL) service. We also keep a small amount of product stateside to bridge the gap for customers who are in between direct orders.

Surely, none of this sounds very sexy, but for us it is very exciting. We want people to drink the wines we love and believe in. We want them to know the stories of the people who make these wines. We want the wine available in the USA to be fresh and offered at a fair price. We want to break down the barriers and mysteries of imported wine. The best way to do this is to offer a more direct relationship with our winery partners and make sure that wines are fresh and flowing in a flexible manner through our shipping model.

2) How did it get started?

We have been long time business colleagues and great friends. For many years we fantasized about opening a business together. We didn’t always know what the business would be, we thought of many options inside of and outside of the wine business, but the world of wine is what we both love. There was a great deal of change and upheaval in the import wine market in 2009 and we saw a great opportunity to bring new ideas to fore. We have always joked with one another that the wine business is like a three ring circus. We are contortionists, tightrope walkers, trapeze artists, lion tamers and sometimes shot from a canon. Anne was on vacation in Cape Cod and sent Sariya a text that just said, “it should be called Circo.” Sariya felt like they had shared a psychic moment since she too had been thinking about “a circus.” Circo Vino (Wine Circus) was born in spirit before there was a business plan or wines to sell.

Markus Huber's 2008/09 Riesling Traisental DAC and Grüner Veltliner Traisental DAC with limestone rock from the Erste Lage. Photo courtesy of Circo Vino.

3) Your company imports wine from Austria and Hungary. Can you tell us a bit about your wine selection?

Currently our portfolio is a great snapshot of Austria and a peek at Hungary. We work with seven Austrian estates and one Hungarian estate. Our vision is to have a small but intense portfolio that is representative of the important terroirs of the countries we represent. We also are interested in representing appellations and growing regions that have heretofore been underrepresented in the USA. For example, we love wines from the Thermenregion in Austria where they grow indigenous varietals like Rotgipfler and Zierfandler. From the Thermenregion we represent two wineries: Johanneshof Reinisch and Weingut Schellmann. We also love Sauvignon Blanc from Styria and this is why we work with Sattlerhof. We’ve succeeded in spreading the message about Grüner Veltliner in the USA. We want to now show how dynamic Austria really is – all the exciting, high-quality and delicious wine that exists that doesn’t start with the letter G. Of course, Grüner Veltliner remains queen and important to our own dinner tables and to our customers – we love it – but we are ready to expand the journey. This desire to explore is what led us to Hungary and Franz Reinhard Weninger. We have both had a long love affair with Austrian red wines. Austrian Zweigelt, Blaufrankish, St. Laurent and Pinot Noir have been served in our houses for years. When we heard about Weninger and their Kekfrankos, we had to check it out. What is fascinating about Weninger’s terroir in Sopron is that it is really a continuation of the Lake Neusiedlersee ecosystem that originates in Austria. If you look at a map, this area is like the missing link. So, while the flavors of the Weninger wines are unique there is an echo of Austria that you can taste in the wines. This is a great way to introduce Hungarian red wine to the USA since some Americans already have an idea about Austrian red wines but really only know Hungary for Tokay.

4) Why did you decide to choose those wineries?

We both are drawn to wines that show a sense of place and good upbringing. As many people in our wine world, we love great ingredients, wholesome food, and we love good people. So, our selection of winery partners is generated from these simple ideas of place, purity, and honest work. Wine is the result of a collaboration with Mother Nature. We find when we work with people who share these basic interests, the wines are vibrant and excellently crafted. In the end, the choice to work with a certain winery is a mutual choice. It has to feel right for us personally and in a business sense. It has to click. It’s the wine that brings us together, but its our ability to be good partners to one another that sustains our business. If you look closely at our winery partners you’ll find that most of them are very careful farmers who work organically, biodynamically or sustainably. We are not dogmatic about choosing winery partners based on farming philosophies but we do find that farming choices influence the quality of the wines and therefore our overall assessment of enjoyment and appeal to others.

5) Is it better to focus on geographical origin or grape variety?

It is important to us to focus on both geographical origin and grape variety. All in all, though, it is the place that make the difference. Great sites produce wines with singularity and character. We love these kinds of wines. Not everyone can afford to drink ultra place specific wines though. So we look for a balance. We work with grape varieties that people recognize like Gruner Veltliner, Zweiglet, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir and we’ve found high-quality wines from our winery partners that sell for under $20 retail. These are more general , regional wines. We also work with winemakers who farm tiny single vineyard plots that yield intense, vineyard driven wines that are by nature more expensive.

6) Where do you see the future for the Austrian and Hungarian wine market? Do you think there’s a growing demand in North America?

We absolutely think there is a growing demand for Austrian and Hungarian wine in North America. A great example is a new restaurant in Portland, Oregon called Grüner. Grüner focuses on wines from Austria, Hungary and the Südtirol. They seek out the great Austrian red wines and want to expose their customers to everything Grüner Veltliner and beyond. It is widely excepted that, presently, to have an interesting wine list you must have Grüner Veltliner. There is a small but intense group of people in the USA who are tuning into Hungarian Wine. Hungarian wine poses greater challenges in a sense due to a great unfamiliarity with the language on the part of most Americans. We predict that restaurants will be the driving force of introducing these wines to the market. The new generation of restaurant goer and wine drinker in America is really interested in experiences and is more likely to take a leap to try something new and different because she or he is curious. Wine creates a bridge between cultures, histories and people. We find that our customers are very interested and want to know more about both Austria and Hungary.

7) Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

We welcome you all to join our circus.

Budapest Palinka Festival 2010

The Hungarian Girl — Tue, 04 May 2010 13:26:59 +0000

The 5th annual Budapest Palinka Festival will be happening from May 6th to 9th at City Hall Park (Városháza Park) from 12pm to midnight, and Friday and Saturday to 2am.

The four day event features over 300 palinka types prepared by master distilleries and specialist shops. Hungarian smoked sausages, cheese specialities, locally baked bread and grill food are also available. Apart from great food and drinks, visitors can enjoy the live music and entertainment such as András Lovasi from cult band Kispál és a Borz.

Visit the Budapest Palinka Festival, for more information and tickets.

Budapest’s Highlights

The Hungarian Girl — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:07:44 +0000

Széchenyi Chain Bridge with Buda Castle in the background.

Proclaimed as one of Europe’s most beautiful and majestic cities, Budapest has become a major travel destination that attracts over 20 million visitors a year. It boasts a wide range of things to see and do including museums and churches, coffee houses, Turkish baths and Roman ruins, historical sites, nature parks, as well as shopping and entertainment.

Here are just a few of the city’s best highlights.

The Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest. It is currently the largest building in Hungary and the second largest Parliament in Europe. The neo-Gothic structure was built in 1885 to 1902 by the designs of architect Imre Steindl for the millennium celebrations of 1896. The vast interior comprises of huge halls, over 12 miles of corridors, a 96-meter high central dome, and 691 rooms including more than 200 offices. Besides the impressive architecture, visitors can see the Holy Crown of Hungary also known as Magyar Szent Korona in the centre hall. The relic medieval crown is one of the most important symbols of Hungarian statehood dating back over 1000 years. The Parliament building is open all year round and can be visited on guided tours booked in advance. Tours are available in English, German, French, Russian, Hebrew, Italian, and Spanish.

St Stephen’s Basilica

St Stephen’s Basilica is the largest ecclesiastical building in Budapest, with a width of 55 metres (180 ft) and length of 87.4 metres (287 ft). It was named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c 975–1038), whose mummified arm, the Holy Right, is housed in the reliquary. The vast interior features intricate carvings, frescoes and chapels, gilded stuccos and bronze mouldings as well as famous Hungarian works of art. Visitors can take an elevator or climb the stairs up to the tower, from where a spectacular panorama of the city can be enjoyed.

View from St. Stephen's Basilica in the bell tower.

Thermal Baths

There is no better way to relax than in one of Budapest’s magnificent thermal baths. One of the most splendid is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Pest that consists of a vast complex of indoor and outdoor pools. The Neo-Baroque building was established in 1913 to the design of Gyozo Czigler. Just as glorious is the Gellért Thermal Bath and Hotel located on the base of Gellért Hill on the bank of the Danube. The spa is decorated with original Art Nouveau furnishings with opulent tiles, statues and marble pillars. As well, both spas are renowned for their healing properties.

Matthias Church and The Fishermen’s Bastion

Located within the Buda Castle district, is the neo-Gothic Matthias Church. It was originally built in Romanesque style in 1015, and has since undergone several renovations and additions, most notably in the second half of the 14th century and in the late 19th century. The interior of the church contains a number of sacred relics and medieval stone carvings, along with replicas of the Hungarian royal crown and coronation jewels including the Loreto Chapel, the Royal Oratory, and the tomb of Bela III. The church also regularly hosts concerts throughout the year. Opposite is Fishermen’s Bastion which was built by Schulek in 1902, is the stretch of Buda’s defensive wall originally used as market place by the guild of fisherman for selling fish. Tourists still flock there for the unforgettable views of the city and the River Danube.

Central Market

The Central Market Hall is the largest indoor market in the capital and the most attractive. Built in 1890 and restored in 1994, it is a popular shopping site for both locals and tourists. You’ll find fresh meat and sausages, vegetables and spices, as well as the famous Hungarian paprika which you can bring home to sample.

Coffeehouses & Cake Shops

Coffeehouses and cake shops are an institution in Budapest that has existed since the beginning of the 16th century when coffee was introduced into the region by the Turks. One of the most famous is Café Gerbeaud, which was founded by Henrik Kugler in 1858 and expanded by its later owner, Emil Gerbeaud. The stunning crystal chandeliers, stucco décor, and noble-wood furnishings, all emphasize the splendid glamour of this place. Gerbeaud’s specialties include famous cakes, such as Esterházy and Dobos cakes, as well as all kind of cream cakes, extravagant bakery goods and exquisite ice-creams. Just as worthy is Ruszwurm, located in the castle district of Budapest. This charming café was built in 1827 by Ferenc Schwabl. Its original furnishings are still intact today including antique cabinets and Oakwood tables and chairs. At one time Ruszwurm supplied the aristocracy in the castle and the surrounding area. The Austrian Empress Elisabeth (1837-1898) is supposed to have been a customer.

State Opera House

One of the finest historical monuments in the capital, the Opera House, stands on Andrássy Avenue. Designed by Miklós Ybl, a major figure of 19th century Hungarian architecture, the construction lasted from 1875 to 1884 and was funded by the city of Budapest and by Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary. Its stately design is nothing short of enchanting with fairy tale staircases, regal boxes, an imperial stage and rich staterooms. Performances of opera, ballet, and classical and contemporary music are held nearly every day of the week.

Men playing chess at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

Buda Castle

Buda Castle is the historical castle complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest, Hungary, that was first completed in 1265. Built after the Mongol invasion, it was destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years, and has been renewed from time to time symbolizingthe country itself. The exterior comprises of intricate statutes including the grandiose Matthias Fountain, Monument of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Horse Wrangler, and the Turulbird. The interior houses the Hungary’s National Library, the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery’s exquisite collection of paintings. The nearby, beautifully renovated Sándor Palace is the residence and workplace of the Head of the State. Buda Castle was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Hero’s Square

Hero’s Square was built for the 1896 millennium celebrations. It is dominated by the Archangel Gabriel who is surrounded by seven statues representing the chiefs of the seven Magyar tribes who settled in this area. The large open space is dedicated to the Hungarian war memorial and attracts tourists, skateboarders and inline skaters by the dozens.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Perhaps, the most iconic symbols of Budapest, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge spans over the River Danube between Buda and Pest. It is especially impressive at night when it is lid up and can be seen at a great distance. The bridge was opened on 21 November 1849, and at 380m it was one of the largest suspension bridges at the time. It was named after István Széchenyi, a major supporter of its construction.