In our new series we took a well-known point (Deák square) and we show you how to get from here to the main attractions of Budapest. And we will also tell why that will be good for you. Third part is coming! Let’s get to know Heroes' Square this week. And if we are already in that area, let’s put Andrássy Avenue, Museum of Fine Arts and Széchenyi baths under the microscope as well.
To get to these attractions, the starting point is the city center again. From the Deák Square, the easiest approach is metro M1 (a.k.a Millennium Underground Railway) which takes us straight to the Heroes' Square under the Andrássy Avenue. It is the second oldest underground railway in the world (the first being the London Underground's Metropolitan Railway), and the first on the European mainland, so it worth to see. It was built from 1894 to 1896, and in 2002 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But if you prefer the surface transport, choose the bus 105, which runs along the same route, so you can admire the Andrássy Avenue during these few stops. And as Andrássy Avenue will be an inevitable part of our way (we will travel on or under it), let's see what interesting spots are in the area.
The Andrássy Avenue itself was constructed in 1872 and is lined with spectacular Neo-renaissance mansions and townhouses featuring fine facades and interiors. The inner part is one of Budapest's main shopping streets, with fine cafes, restaurants, theatres, and luxury boutiques, while the outer part is more of a classical diplomat quarter with residential palaces fronted by small gardens and a couple of embassies. The whole avenue was recognized as a World Heritage in 2002. If we are walking on Andrássy Avenue, be sure to stop at the Hungarian State Opera House: it is a neo-Renaissance opera house designed by Miklós Ybl, a major figure of 19th century Hungarian architecture.
photo:pb.jegy.hu
But the real adventure begins when we reached the Heroes' Square. It’s one of the major squares in Budapest, noted for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important national leaders, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If we are standing on the square, just turn around our heads: Museum of Fine Arts and Palace of Art can be found on the two sides of the square, facing each other. The left one is Museum of Fine Arts, the right one – obviously – is the Palace of Art. The first has for example Ancient Egyptian art, Classical antiquities and old master paintings (13th to 18th centuries) collections, while at the latter (Műcsarnok in Hungarian) we can enjoy temporary exhibitions, now in connection with the International Year of the Light.
On the area behind the Heroes' Square there is the City Park, one of the biggest public parks in Budapest. There are plenty of interesting sights to visit (you can find all of them on our map), but now we would highlight three of it:
Vajdahunyad Castle was built between 1896 and 1908 as part of the Millennial Exhibition which celebrated the 1000 years of Hungary since the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin in 895. The castle was designed by Ignác Alpár to feature copies of several landmark buildings from different parts the Kingdom of Hungary, especially the Hunyad Castle in Transylvania (now in Romania). As the castle contains parts of buildings from various time periods, it displays different architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Originally it was made from cardboard and wood, but it became so popular that it was rebuilt from stone and brick between 1904 and 1908.
photo:upload.wikimedia.org
The second place we recommend here is the Capital Circus of Budapest was originally opened in 1891, although it has changed locations since then. Its current building opened in 1970 and is the only stone circus in Central Europe. It seats 1850 people, and features animal, clowning, and artistic acts. From 4 April there is a new show called “Circussimo!” a real sensation, circus superlative hasn’t seen for decades. Real world-class stars will arrive from four continents of world.
The last one is Széchenyi Bath, the largest medicinal bath in Europe and it was built in 1913 in Neo-baroque style. Its water is supplied by two thermal springs; their temperature is 74°C (165°F) and 77°C (171°F), respectively. The outdoor pools (swimming pool, adventure pool and thermal sitting pool) are 27- 38 °C, the swimming pool's depth is 0.8 - 1.7 m. Guests can use the water streaming, whirlpool and massaging water, the complex also includes saunas and steam, and even massage services are available. So everyone can find whatever they wish for.
