Buda Castle Quarter - Budapest, Hungary
Posted by: marcius
N 47° 29.790 E 019° 02.420
34T E 352403 N 5262201
The castle is part of the Budapest UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared in 1987.
Waymark Code: WME9DX
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Date Posted: 04/22/2012
Views: 53
First inhabitants moved up here in the 13th century after the devastating Mongol attacks. Budapest Castle District's Golden Age started when the Royal Court moved here. During the 15th century, under the rule of King Matthias, Buda became one of Europe’s most influential cities. The Turks invaded Budapest Castle District in 1541 and ruled it until 1686 when the Austrian Habsburgs and their allied armies took back the hill. The siege left Castle District in ruins.
After the Turks the Habsburgs moved here. Reconstructions began immediately, following the old street layout. The Castle became a government district. The current elegant Baroque appearance was formed by the mid 18th century. The battles in 1944-45 ruined the place again.
Reconstructions after the war rebuilt Budapest Castle District: the buildings by the Habsburgs were reconstructed, the street pattern of the medieval city has been kept and much of the architectural features have been restored.
People still live here. Cars are banned from Budapest Castle District: only people who live or work in the area, guests of the Hilton Hotel, taxis and the Várbusz have permission to drive up here.