THE GREAT JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
Have
a look at the recently restored Budapest Great
Jewish Synagogue. With colourful dome, fresh
maroon and ochre stonework, it is one of the biggest
in the world, it seats over 3000 worshippers. There
is a Jewish Museum in the Great Synagogue with relics
from the 18th and 19th Century including the Holocaust
in Hungary. VII Dohany U 2. There is also in Budapest,
a recently opened memorial to the Hungarian Jewish
Martyrs.
The final years of World War II, the Jews
in Budapest were targeted by the Nazis with
dreadful consequences.
SAINT STEPHEN’S BASILICA (Szent Istvan
Bazilika)
Like so much of Budapest, the Basilica is a mix of
styles with classical and neo-renaissance features.
It was started in 1851 and not completed until 1905.
The Church is decorated with many fine works of art,
paintings, scultures (most by Hungarian artists).
In the Church is the relic of St Stephen – his
preserved right hand – it lies
in a richly decorated case.
THE CHURCH OF ST MATTHIAS
The Church of Saint Mattias (Matyas-Templom)
is on the ramparts of the Castle, from your Street
Map of Budapest you’ll see the Church is on
Szentharomsag Uta.
The Church dates back to the middle ages
but in the 15th Century it was rebuilt by King Matthias.
Inside the Church, are the towering neo-gothic arches
framing the ornate altar, the walls with some magnificent
frescos.
This Church was used for the coronation of several
of the Kings of Hungary.
Behind the St Matthias Church is an equestrian
statue of St Stephen the first King of Hungary
977- 1038.
BUDAPEST TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS –
The sights below are “must do’s”
on any visit to Budapest. After you’ve been,
you’ll have your own list. Budapest has a wide
range of important sightseeing options
but many people go without a pre-prepared list of
what they want to see – this is wise because
around every corner in Budapest is something likely
to appeal to someone. Another point about sightseeing
in Budapest is that many people don’t have a
mental picture of the magnificent buildings
such as the Budapest Parliament Buildings, the Royal
Palace in Budapest, etc – despite the fact they
are stunning.
1. Spend some time on Castle
Hill, Buda Castle, Royal Palace, Obuda
2. Go to the Budapest
Citadella and The Freedom Monument
3. Walk up Andrassy
Street to Heroes Square
4. Grab a bit of Culture
in Budapest – Opera,
Concert, Folk Music, etc
5. Look at the wide Danube
River and cross over the Chain Bridge
6. Take a trip to somewhere outside
Budapest – Danube Bend, Visegrad,
Esztergom, Cruise on the Danube, Szentendre (St Andrew)
etc
7. Soothe your aches in a Thermal
Bath, visit Vajdahunyad Castle and
City Park (Varosliget)
8. Go on a trip to Statue’s
Park
9. Visit some Churches,
the Great Jewish Synagogue, St Stephen’s
Basilica, St Matthias Church
10. Admire the Houses
of Parliament but make sure to take a
tour of the
interior
