Animated Journeys : Budapest, Hungary-part 1

"TRAVELING - IT LEAVES YOU SPEECHLESS AND THEN TURNS YOU INTO A STORYTELLER"

(A travel quote)

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary, an East European country. The city is a sort of twin cities, Buda being the hilly district and Pest being the flat area, both of them being connected by many bridges, the iconic one being the 19th century Chain Bridge. Both the cities are divided by the mighty Danube River, the longest river in European Union. Budapest is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe.

Parliament Building :

The Hungarian Parliament Building, also known as the Parliament of Budapest after its location, is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. Its location along the banks of river Danube gives it a stunning look and hence is a popular tourist destination. It is located on the Pest side of the city and is the largest building since its inception. It was designed by architect Imre Steindl, who emerged as the winner of an international competition. The construction was started in 1885 and the building was inaugurated on the 1000th anniversary of the country in 1896. The architect of the building first went blind and later died before its completion. It is one of the largest and most stunning parliament buildings in the world. The two other administrative buildings larger than this are the Pentagon in USA and Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, Romania. It is built in neo-gothic style. The inside of the parliament is filled with numerous artefacts of art and craft. On display also are the crown jewels of King Steven. The facade seen from the Danube river side is actually the back of building, the entrance being on the other side at Kossuth Lajos square.

The magnficance of the building is amplified manifold when it is illuminated at night and viewed from the Danube river side. The cruise in The Danube river is one of the highlights of any one's itinerary. With a glass of Hungarian wine in hand, the cruise has its own luxurious charm. The other beautiful view of the parliament is provided at the Fisherman's bastion, on the Buda hill.

Chain bridge:

The chain Bridge, known locally as Szechenyi [Pronounced as Secheny] Chain Bridge spans the Danube river between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest. It was opened in 1896. Just like parliament, this has also an iconic status in Budapest and is one of its internationally recognised landmarks. It is a chain suspension bridge and is made of wrought iron and stone and was a symbol of advancement and national awakening. It was the first permanent bridge across the river Danube.

This bridge was picturised in the Hindi movie "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'. Although it was shown in the movie to be shot in an Italian location but actually it was picturised here in Budapest. The reason was purely economic, the cost of filming in Italy being much more than the cost of filming in Hungary.

Bearing the Szechenyi name are the beautiful Sauna Baths. Budapest is known for a number of hot water baths, Szechenyi being the biggest and most popular.

Hero's Square :

This is one of the major squares in Hungary, known locally as Hosok tere in Hungarian language. This is an iconic complex which showcases the statues of important Hungarian leaders and the seven Magyar chieftains. The horse riding statues of the chieftains encircle the column. It is also called the tomb of the unknown soldier. In the middle is a 40 meter high column bearing the statue of Archangel Gabriel on top. The square is also called the Millennium Monument as it was built for 1896 Millennium celebrations. It was completed in the year 1929. The site presently is used for wreath laying ceremonies on national days and has also been used as the location for many demonstrations and protests.

The complex gives a very panoramic view and gives a perfect backdrop for a photo shoot, which we did not miss.

The importance of the year 1896 :

The year 1896 is of huge importance in Hungary, as it marked the occasion of 1000th anniversary of the settlement of Magyars. This day was celebrated in the country in a big way. The Millennium exhibition was the highlight which was visited by more than 5 million people. The parliament building was inaugurated on this day and the Chain bridge was opened to public on the same day. The dome of parliament is 96 metres high as also is the dome of St.Stephen's Basilica. Also the Budapest metro was started in the year 1896.

The currency is Hungarian Forint. Though Hungary is a part of European Union, the country has comparatively more strict laws.