Locations

A romantic walkway famed for its spring cherry blossoms, named in 1946 after poet Árpád Tóth (1886–1928), who lived in the district. From here you can see almost the entire Buda Hills.

One of the Castle District’s oldest Gothic monuments and the only medieval church tower still standing in Buda. This was the parish church of the Hungarians; although Joseph II later closed it, his successor Francis I was crowned here.

Next to the Town Hall, the former barracks later housed the Museum of Military History; today it again serves the Ministry of Defence.

This two-storey Classicist building was erected in 1835 by master builder Lajos Kimnach as his home, later acquired by the Treasury to house the Royal State Printing Office. Since 1993 it has been the seat of the Buda Castle Municipality.

Former marketplace of the medieval civic town, centred on the 1922 statue of St. John of Capistrano.

At No. 4 Vienna Gate Square, Samu Pecz’s Neo-Romanesque building houses the country’s largest collection of historical documents.

Built in eclectic Neo-Baroque style to the designs of Mór Kallina.

A vibrant centre of Hungarian literature between the World Wars. In 1932 it became the home of Lajos Hatvany (1880–1961), a great patron of the arts and a founder of Nyugat, the 20th century’s most influential Hungarian literary journal.

The northern entrance to the Castle—once called the Saturday or Jewish Gate—took its present form in 1936 for the 250th anniversary of Buda’s liberation.

In the Middle Ages this was “Saturday Street” or “Jewish Street”; Buda’s two medieval synagogues stood where Nos. 21–23 and 26 stand today.

Site of Hungary’s first printing press, named after the pioneer András Hess.

Framed by the Bastion’s arcades stands the statue of János Hunyadi—father of King Matthias and famed “Turk-slayer”—by architect Schulek and sculptor István Tóth (1861–1934), unveiled in 1903.

Schulek’s Neo-Romanesque terrace is one of Budapest’s defining silhouettes and a must-see attraction.

Alajos Stróbl’s (1856–1926) monument depicts Hungary’s first king and state founder.

Designed by Frigyes Schulek in Neo-Gothic style, it is one of Hungary’s best-known churches—long a venue for coronations and royal weddings. Did you know? Charles Robert of Anjou was crowned here; King Matthias married here twice; and in 1916 the last Hungarian king, Charles IV, was also crowned here.

Completed in 1904 to the designs of Sándor Fellner (1857–1945), this striking building with its late-Gothic façade originally housed the Ministry of Finance.

In 1694 the Buda Council decided to erect this monumental memorial to the 1691 plague. The foundation stone was laid in 1700; the column was consecrated in 1713.

Designed by Venetian-born Venerio Ceresola and built by master János Hölbling (1660–1736), this Baroque building once served as Buda’s administrative centre. The corner features Pallas Athena, guardian of the city.

The Castle’s busiest and most important square—also the centre of the medieval town—named after the Trinity Column (1713). Did you know? Since 1718 an octagonal public fountain here was fed by springs from the Buda Hills—the locals’ daily water source.

This equestrian statue honours the celebrated hussar general on Úri Street.

György Zala’s (1858–1937) statue commemorates the soldiers who fought heroically to recapture Buda Castle in 1849.

On this corner plot stands the rebuilt former headquarters of the Red Cross Society, designed by Hauszmann at the turn of the 20th century.

Behind the yellow post office façade hides a mysterious Baroque palace, built in 1760 by Baron Ferenc de la Motte and purchased in 1773 by pharmacist József Beer.

Once the marketplace attached to St. George’s Square, it remains one of the Castle’s main squares.

Alajos Stróbl’s sculpture portrays a Hungarian hussar from the era of Maria Theresa. (The word “hussar” originally referred to Hungarian light cavalry fighting the Ottomans—and later famed across Europe.)

This back-to-back Neo-Renaissance ensemble by Mór Kallina (1844–1913) originally housed the Royal Hungarian Ministry of Defence and the General Staff; it has been reconstructed under the Hauszmann Program.

Heading towards Dísz Square, you’ll see the Baroque former Carmelite monastery—restored within the Hauszmann Program—adjacent to Sándor Palace. Today it serves as the Hungarian Prime Minister’s residence.

Residence of Palatine Joseph (1776–1847)—“the most Hungarian Habsburg”—and later his son Joseph Karl (1833–1905); the palace is now being fully rebuilt under the National Hauszmann Program.

This modern wrought-iron gate by architect György Vadász and sculptor Pál Kő was inaugurated in 1995. Did you know? The gate’s name refers to the raven (corvus) in the Hunyadi family coat of arms. Matthias adopted the Latin surname Corvinus from this emblem—a raven holding a ring.

This corner bastion and cannon tower, a memento of the 1541–1686 Ottoman occupation, was built around 1620 by Karakas Mehmed, the Pasha of Buda. It has survived multiple sieges.

Designed by Hauszmann and once adorned with stained glass by the world-famous Miksa Róth, it hosted splendid shows by the Royal Guard’s Spanish Riding School.

György Vastagh’s (1868–1946) dynamic statue stands before the Riding Hall and symbolises the courtyard’s former function.

Wonderful views open towards the Tabán and Krisztinaváros quarters.

Hungary’s largest library moved into the Palace in 1985 and holds more than 10 million items.

One of Hungary’s most important museums, presenting the story of Budapest and the Royal Palace.

Created in honour of Hungary’s first Christian king, the hall showcases the finest Hungarian artisans of the turn of the 20th century—now restored to its original splendour by the National Hauszmann Program. A true visitor hub: information desk, gift shop, lockers, restrooms and value combo tickets. Did you know? St. Stephen’s son, Prince Emeric (1007–1031), died from a boar’s wound while hunting; he was later canonised—you can spot him on the wall.

At the entrance to the Budapest History Museum, Károly Senyei’s allegorical pair contrasts the ravages of war with the calm of peace.

The fearsome lions guarding the Palace entrance were sculpted around 1900 by János Fadrusz (1858–1903), who lived below Castle Hill.

The main ceremonial courtyard of the Royal Palace and one of the Castle’s iconic spaces.

Built 1901–1903 to Hauszmann’s plans for the palace guard, the building was reconstructed under the Hauszmann Program; today it hosts a restaurant and exhibition space.

Alajos Stróbl’s celebrated group shows King Matthias, hunters and the legendary beauty Ilonka. One figure with a falcon and manuscripts is Galeotto Marzio—astronomer, poet, historian, philosopher and physician. The ensemble was restored under the Hauszmann Program. (Legend of Ilonka and the prince: a bittersweet love story ending in reunion in the hereafter—ask your guide or read the on-site panel for the full tale.)

Founded in 1957, the Gallery houses the largest collection of Hungarian fine art. Did you know? On select Wednesdays the Gallery hosts “Wine Wednesdays” (6–10 pm) with Hungarian wines, live music and exclusive guided tours.

Often called Hungary’s most beautiful terrace—and one of Budapest’s favourite viewpoints.

József Róna’s famous equestrian statue honours Prince Eugene (1663–1736), one of the most heroic commanders of the Christian armies. Did you know? The statue was originally commissioned by the city of Zenta (today in Serbia). When the city couldn’t pay, Emperor Franz Joseph arranged for the state to purchase it and place it here—saving the sculptor from bankruptcy. (For more details, see the on-site info placard.)

This playful work by sculptor Károly Senyei (1854–1919) shows children teasing fish.

Named after the dragon-slayer, this square remains a symbolic centre of the Castle and a stage for major events in Hungarian history—from executions to coronations.

This elegant Classicist residence, built in 1806 to the plans of Mihály Pollack (1773–1855), is the official residence of the President of Hungary.

Created by Gyula Donáth, the Turul—sacred bird of Hungarian origin legends—stands above one of the city’s finest panoramas.

This Neo-Baroque ornamental gate, marking the boundary between the Royal Palace and the Castle District, was built between 1902–1905 to the designs of Alajos Hauszmann (1847–1926).

At the Buda end of the Chain Bridge lies the middle of Budapest—and of Hungary: from here, the kilometre markers of all major roads are measured. Don’t miss Miklós Borsos’ (1906–1990) “Zero Kilometre Stone.” Take a photo “at the centre of the country”!