Strangest Attractions in Budapest"

"Strangest Attractions in Budapest"

Created by: Cityseeker

6 Locations Bookmarked

Hospital in the Rock "Hidden World of Medicine"

While the Buda Castle is a popular landmark, few are aware that underneath the castle hides a subterranean world with a story of its own. The hill hides within its heart a series of natural caverns and caves that came to be the site of a secret military hospital during World War II. Sheltered beneath the protective mass of the hill and hidden away from by Globetrotter19 enemies, the Hospital in the Rock saved countless lives while war waged on outside. As a reaction to the Cold War, the hospital was revived in 1956 and expanded to include bomb bumkers designed to protect the hospital's doctors, nurses and patients in the event of a nuclear attack. Today, the Hospital in the Rock has been restored and operates as a museum, with numerous exhibits that depict recreated hospital scenes with mannequins and historic medical equipment. The rooms of the hospital have been furnished much as they would have been during WWII, and offer an insight into the conditions under which the hospital staff operated. The Hospital in the Rock can only be visited as part of a guided tour. All tours leave from the entrance near the foot of the castle wall. Tours are offered every hour in English and Hungarian. Group reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance, so be sure to plan ahead!

+36 707010101 www.sziklakorhaz.eu/ [email protected] Lovas utca 4/c, Budapest

Cave Church "Chapel Carved Out of a Cave"

The Cave Church on Gellért Hill has an interesting and troubled history. Built upon the return of a pilgrimage, the church was shut down by the Hungarian Secret Police in 1951. Blockaded by a concrete wall, the friars were sentenced to death or prison and the chapel remained closed throughout communist times. It wasn't until 1989 that the church was by Andrew Bossi reopened. Today, the reestablished order is home to 10 friars, and this unique chapel is well worth a visit. The interior really has been carved out of a cave, complete with icons and candles in the nooks and crannies of stone, and the entrance affords panoramic views of the city and the Danube.

+36 1 385 1529 Szent Gellért rakpart 1, Budapest

House of Terror Museum "Somber Museum"

The House of Terror is one of Budapest's most popular and interesting attractions. The museum and its exhibits serve as a memorial to Hungarian victims of oppressive regimes in the 20th Century. The building itself used to function as a prison during these regimes. In addition to the museum's permanent exhibition, the museum also features changing by Tbachner temporary exhibitions. You should not miss House of Terror Museum if you are interested in learning about how Hungary gained independence from oppressive regimes and molded itself to be one of the most developed countries in Eastern Europe.

+36 1 374 2600 [email protected] Andrássy út 60, Budapest www.terrorhaza.hu

Time Wheel "Massive sand clock"

This is Budapest's latest landmark: it's eight meters high and doesn't actually tell the time. Instead, it is to be ceremonially turned over each New Year (at midnight of course) and the large amount of sand inside will then flow down, symbolising the relentless passing of time. It's a great idea for a new and interesting New Year tradition. by stanvpetersen Felvonulasi ter, District XIV, Budapest

Vajdahunyad Castle "19th-century Architectural Marvel"

Showcasing four distinct architectural styles, this fairy-tale castle was inspired by a historic Romanian castle. It was one of the commemorative structures that was rebuilt in 1896 as part of the millennium celebrations of the Hungarian Conquest. Constructed in brick and stone, it took four years to reconstruct the present structure. Its eclectic design, highlighting by Endrjuch various eras of Hungarian history is indeed a work of craftsmanship and ingenuity. It is located on the Varosliget lake, and along with its reflection that is mirrored in the waters, creates a picture of striking historic beauty. It is now the home of the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture.

Vajdahunyad setany, Budapest

Memento Park "Significant Historical Figures"

Few can deny the import and influence of Hungary's communist chapter on world history. With the fall of communist regime in 1989, the local government was faced with a dilemma - what to do with the numerous monuments dating from this period scattered across the city of Budapest. Following a novel idea proposed by the city government, the monuments by Ferran Cornellà were rounded up and relocated, clustered together at the Memento Park in 1993. The park itself is the work of the Hungarian architect, Ákos Eleőd; a landscaped garden that displays over 40 statues, plaques and busts of Stalin, Lenin, Marx and Béla Kun amongst others. Memento Park proffers no political agenda, and is instead simply a compendium of socialist- realist art. Of special interest is the replica of Stalin's boots, the only part of a monumental statue of the leader that was left behind while the rest was destroyed during the Uprising of 1956. On display at the old barracks are exhibits relating to the history of communism in Hungary and a documentary film featuring footage of secret agents.

+36 1 424 7500 www.mementopark.hu/ [email protected] Balatoni Ut, Budapest

JOIN US AT:

cityseeker.com