FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
GNTO

Experience History in Budapest

by Akhil Kalepu

Oct 11, 2014

© Scanrail | Dreamstime

History

A financial hub of Central Europe, Budapest is a popular destination for its beautiful sites and rich history. The city’s story begins with Aquincum, a Celtic settlement that became part of the Roman Empire as Pannonia Inferior before the Hungarians migrated to the area in the 9th century. Originally three cities, Buda, Óbuda and Pest separated by the Danube River, Budapest combined the cities in 1873.

 

Over on the Buda side is the Hungarian Parliament Building, the largest building in the country and still the tallest in Budapest since it was originally built in 1904. The architecture is a symmetrical Gothic Revival style filled with frescoe, stained glass and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. The building is still used for the National Assembly of Hungary, though guided tours are open to the public.

 

The Castle District is steeped in history, home to three churches, six museums and a host of historic buildings. One of the most favorite sites here is Matthias Church in the heart of the Castle District. It is of the Roman Catholic denomination, built in the 14th century and housing a number of religious artifacts and medieval carvings.

 

Budapest’s crown jewel would have to be Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace, built on the south end of Castle Hill and overlooking the Danube. Its foundations date back to the 14th century, enduring multiple battles, occupations and reconstructions in its lifetime. Today it houses three museums and the National Széchényi Library.

 

Across the river in Pest lies Andrássy út, a main street of Budapest that dates back to 1872. Today it is lined with shops, cafes and theaters, highlighting Budapest’s crossroads as a historic city with a progressive future.

 

#TrazeeTravel

Insta Feed
Dining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024

Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America

You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.

Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City

Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.

Destinations
Nov 20, 2024

What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?

Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.

Destinations / Europe
Nov 20, 2024

Where to Find the Best Stargazing Spots in Ireland

This year, the Northern Lights put on quite the display across Ireland, but don’t think these lights are the only thing you can see in Ireland. In fact, many spots across the country provide some of the best opportunities to stargaze thanks to low levels of light pollution. Ireland has three International Dark Sky Parks and even more spots which, although not accredited, are worth a visit for anyone wishing to see the sky in its unfiltered form.

Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History

Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.

Hotel
Nov 19, 2024

A New Ritz-Carlton Comes to Cancún

After a hiatus, The Ritz-Carlton brand is coming back to Cancún, with the 2027 opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún, Punta Nizuc.