Saturday, November 2, 2013

Visiting Budapest [Part 1/6]: Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion

The first part of this six part series of images from Budapest, shows our first day in the city, during which we visited the Castle Hill. There are many historical and tourist attractions located on this hill, amongst them the Buda Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion.

This Series includes:
Part One: Visiting Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion
Part Two: Visiting Heroes Square, City Park and the Zoo
Part Three: A Night in Budapest (1)
Part Four: A Night in Budapest (2) 
Part Five: Visiting Great Market Hall and roaming the city
Part Six: Visiting the Hungarian Parliament

click on the images for a bigger view

In the 13th century, King Béla IV. ordered fortresses from stone to be built. The fortress of Buda was also founded at that time.


Later, during the Turkish occupation of Hungary, it was under Turkish rule for over 150 years. Not even the Habsburgs cared much about it, as the empire was ruled from Vienna. During the second world war it was badly damaged. The Palace was founded around 1247, but the royal seat was in Visegrad until the 15th century. It went under major reconstructions several times.

One way of getting to the palace is by the funicular next to the Tunnel, which has a 95 metres long, 48% steep track.


Before we arrived on the side where the Buda Castle is located, we took some images on and next to the famous Chain Bridge.










The Fisherman's Bastion depicted in the next image, is only 100 years old, even though its architecture suggests that it's much older. I was surprised by that. As it turns out, in medieval times, the fish market was nearby and the bastion was built to commemorate the fishermen who protected this part of the city. The seven tent-like turrets symbolize the seven Hungarian tribes that arrived to the Carpathian Basin in 896.


The view from the Bastion is simply amazing. You have whole Budapest at your hand.



 From up here you can spot the Hungarian Parliament on the other side of the river Danube.







We actually returned to these spots on our third night in Budapest, because we heard that the view of the city at night was magnificent. And as it turns out, that was an understatement. But more on that in the other parts of this trip, that will follow.

40 comments:

  1. It's a wonderful serie Mersad.... the light, colors and compositions are very nice..... thats also for the lovely smiles on the faces..

    Greetings and i wish you a nice weekend.

    Joop

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  2. Oh my - what beautiful photos of such a beautiful place! Your photography is stellar!

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  3. Hallo Mersad...

    das sind ja vielleicht geniale Fotos und Impressionen .

    Ein Traum :)

    Liebe Grüße und ein schönes Wochenende

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    Replies
    1. Danke Timur. Wünsch Dir auch einen tollen Sontag.

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  4. Mersad, these photographs are superb! Each is so beautifully composed. The best use is made of the lighting. Each is crystal clear. Very impressive.

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    1. I tired to get the best out of the light, because we visited these places during the middle of the day.

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  5. just beautiful structures and area! and that steep track! wow!

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    Replies
    1. The funicular is quite something. And there was a very long line to get to it.

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  6. Superb captures as always, Mersad, and yes, your composition is terrific!! Such a beautiful place and incredible buildings!! I'd love to ride up on that steep track!!! WOW!! Enjoy your weekend!!

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  7. to me the whole city is amazing... nothing like this in the US for sure...great photos. i love the chain bridge, the bridge and the photo... and that little car on the steep rail is truly amazing and even more amazing would be trying to walk up or down those steps beside it.

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  8. A very nice mix of tourist views and portraits!

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  9. Love this city, great serie, congrats
    Ciao
    Stefano

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  10. Absolutely beautiful photos, Mersad! That chain bridge is fascinating.

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    1. Thanks Linda. The bridge is really a big tourist magnet.

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  11. I would love to ride in a funicular - it looks like a thrilling ride. Your views of this beautiful city are wonderful.

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  12. Wow these are wonderful, Mersad! I enjoyed the tour of the city! So many pretty sights to see! Lovely photos!

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    1. Hope you'll enjoy the other parts too.

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  13. Amazing photography! What an incredible city! Lovely tour!

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  14. Well done, Mersad. I visited several of the same places when I was in Budapest, but I am sure my photos were not as fine.

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    1. And I'm sure you're not giving yourself enough credit! :)

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  15. Terrific photographs, the buildings and the girls. And you, of course. I remember riding a funicular and the excitement as it moved slowly towards scenic vistas.

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    1. It does move slowly, but the ride doesn't take that long.

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  16. I went all the way back through your IPad versions and am now looking forward to your 'official' photos. The portraits of your travel companions are wonderful I don't see how they could be improved.

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    1. Thank you. I just uploaded Part Two. Hopefully you'll like it.

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  17. I think a visit to Budapest should be added to my list of things to do. Wonderful shots you are sharing here.

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  18. Excellent photos. I loved visiting Budapest. Did you spend time in any of the spas?

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    1. We had every intention, but unfortunately not enough time.

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  19. What wonderful images. That architecture is gorgeous! I hope you all had a great time together.

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  20. Looking forward for more amazing places to travel like this one, thanks for sharing.
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    ReplyDelete

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