2023 BLAZING IN BUDAPEST
idenfiable structures. Sll the country’s largest building aer more than a century, this Neo‐ Gothic building was inaugurated in 1886, marking Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary (Hungary was then part of the Austro‐ Hungarian Empire.) The large, impressive structure boasts 691 rooms, and someone has counted off 19 kilometers of corridors and stairs running throughout. Whenever the government is not in session, guided tours are available and last approximately 45 minutes. This is the opportunity to view the Holy Crown of Hungary and associated crown jewels in the building’s central Domed Hall. BUDA CASTLE & CASTLE HILL High above the Danube, Castle Hill (Várhegy) is the home of Budapest’s major medieval monuments and museums. Chief among these is 18th‐century Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), an enormous 200‐room palace built on the same site as the original building designed to defend against Mongol and Tartar invaders. Several museums, including the Naonal Gallery (main wing) and the Budapest History Museum (south wing), occupy four floors. Just like a large poron of the city, Buda Castle lights up beaufully at night. The castle courtyards remain open 24
Built especially for this year’s World Championships, Budapest’s National Athletics Centre was built on the eastern bank of the Danube River, south of central Budapest. With the temporary upper deck in place, its capacity is 36,000 seats.
hours a day. Castle Hill is worth a look for its walkways from the medieval period, including architectural styles from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque. The enre historic complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. SAINT STEPHEN’S BASILICA This landmark is the naon’s most significant religious building and home to the Holy Right Hand of Saint Stephen, the first king of Hungary. As the cathedral’s most precious holy relic, the mummified body part is displayed under glass in the chapel to the le of the high altar. By taking one of the two elevators available, visitors can go up to the cupola for sweeping 360‐degree views over the city and the Danube. There are frequent organ and classical music concerts at the site.
of Western European conveniences along with the energy, old pomp and affordable prices of Eastern Europe. This mixture of cultural influences can also be found in Budapest’s culinary tradions and restaurant scene. Hungarian food and café culture can be experienced all over the city, in places like Gerbeaud Café, the Százéves, Biarritz, Fortuna, Alabárdos, Arany Szarvas, Kárpáa and the world‐famous Mátyás‐ pince restaurants and beer bars. All pepper originates from ancient Mexico, and so it is strange that a pepper‐derived Hungarian spice is regarded as the very best in the world. Paprika , that reddish‐brown powder, is a mainstay of many Hungarian naonal dishes, including gulyás, a meat soup; “pörkölt”, a stew internaonally called goulash; and paprikash (or paprika gravy), a recipe that
The Crown, Sword and Globus Cruciger of Hungary on view at Parliament
FOOD CULTURE Budapest features a combinaon
combines chicken, broth, paprika, and sour cream.
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