(Once a year you go someplace where you have never been before"- Dalai Lama)
Buda castle and Fisherman's bastion :
Belonging to the Hungarian Kings, the Buda castle is a historical castle and palace complex. Although originally built in 1265, the baroque palace seen today was built between 1749 and 1769. The palace was plundered and looted in world war II, first by Nazi troops and then by Russian troops.
Presently the castle complex has a Budapest history museum, the biggest and most important museum of the county and Hungarian national gallery which houses the famous art works
Fisherman's Bastion, located in the Buda castle complex is one of the most important tourist attractions as the location gives a unique panoramic view of the Danube River and the city, especially the parliament.
A church [Matthias church] and lookout terraces are located in the area. The bastion has seven towers, which represent the seven Magyar tribes who settled in 896. A horse mounted bronze statue of Stephen I of Hungary is also located in the complex.
St.Stephen Basilica :
It is the largest church in Budapest and named after the first Hungarian king St.Stephen. It houses the country's most sacred treasure - the mummified hand of St.Stephen. The hand is adorned with golden leaves and Ruby pearl bracelets.
Built in neoclassical style, the vast church can accommodate upto 8500 people. You can go up the dome and take a breathtaking view of the Budapest from there. Organ concerts with artists playing pipe organs are held regularly in the cathedral
Hungarian Horse show :
Hungarians are often referred to as Magyars due to old settlement of the tribes of Magyars in Hungary in the year around 896 AD. Magyar tribes originally lived in the region of now China. They being nomads travelled north first to Russia and then to Hungary, where they eventually settled. The Hungarian horse men are called "Magyar cowboys".
One of the highlights of the Hungarian tour, apart from the Danube cruise is the Hungarian Horse show.
About one hour drive from the city of Budapest, we reach a ranch. On arrival we are served a glass of wine or juice and then starts the showcasing of equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys.
The cowboys show extraordinary equestrian skills by making their horses to sit, kneel and lie down on command. They then demonstrate their skill by standing on two horses and then driving in same position with nine horses pulling a buggy at great speed.
Three course meal is accompanied by traditional band playing Hungarian gypsy music
Hungarian food :
Hungary especially the region of Kalocsa is called the Paprika capital of the world. Although paprika originated in Mexico, it has now come to be associated with Hungary. The spice is made from dried chilli peppers that are ground. The spice adds colour as well a distinctive flavour to the food.
Hungarian goulash is the famous and popular dish of Hungary which has paprika sprinkled on top.
Hungarian food is best sampled at the buffet served at the Hungarian horse show.
Interesting read which gives one excellent information about Hungry sitting at home
ReplyDeleteThanks Rakesh
DeleteExcellent narration on Hungarian culture! The equestrian show is light-hearted but v interesting. Great Budapest!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nirmal for your comments
Delete