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History

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Active tourism

The Hungarian National Museum: A Treasury of Hungarian History and Culture

The Hungarian National Museum, or Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum, stands as a key institution in the heart of Budapest, acting as the main repository of Hungarian history, art and archaeology. Its mission encompasses the presentation of the rich and complex history of Hungary and the Carpathian Basin from prehistoric times to the present day. Housed in an impressive neoclassical building, the museum not only houses a vast collection of artefacts, but also serves as a symbol of Hungarian national identity. The purpose of this article is to offer a detailed overview of this important museum, providing practical information for visitors and highlighting its profound cultural and historical significance. Practical Information for Visitors For those planning to explore the treasures housed in the Hungarian National Museum, practical information is essential to facilitate the visit. The exact address of the museum is Múzeum körút 14-16, 1088 Budapest, Hungary. Its central location in Budapest…

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Art

Ernő Rubik: The genius behind the cube who was born in Budapest

The Rubik’s Cube is much more than a toy: it is a worldwide symbol of ingenuity, logic and perseverance. Since its creation in 1974, it has captivated millions of people thanks to its contrast between a simple appearance and impressive mathematical complexity, with more than 4.3 × 10¹⁹ possible combinations. As well as entertaining, it has established itself as an educational tool that stimulates spatial reasoning, memory and problem solving, and has spawned a global community of enthusiasts who share techniques, compete and celebrate their passion for this puzzle.What many do not know is that the Rubik’s Cube has Hungarian roots: it was invented in Budapest by Ernő Rubik, a sculptor and professor of architecture, who initially called it the ‘Magic Cube’. The connection with the Hungarian capital goes beyond its origin, as Budapest also hosted the first edition of the World Rubik’s Cube Championship in 1982, cementing its role…

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Active tourism

Budapest’s Secrets: Myths, Murmurs, and Mysteries

Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, is a city that pulses with rich history and vibrant culture, where the majestic river winds its way between grand monuments and picturesque streets. Beyond its architectural splendor and historical legacy, Budapest is also steeped in a fascinating tapestry of legends and folklore passed down through generations. These stories, often blending historical events with elements of popular imagination, not only serve as entertainment but also offer deep insights into the values, beliefs, and fears of Hungarian society over time. The Tongueless Lions of the Chain Bridge Among the many architectural marvels of Budapest, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Opened in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge to connect Buda and Pest across the Danube River. While its historic and symbolic significance is well known, the bridge is also wrapped in a peculiar urban legend involving…

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Active tourism

The Budapest Parliament: A Symbol of History, Architecture and Hungarian Sovereignty

The Budapest Parliament stands as one of the most iconic and photographed buildings in the Hungarian capital. Its distinctive profile, with its spires soaring skyward and its imposing presence on the banks of the Danube, has made it a globally recognised landmark. Standing majestically on the banks of the river running through the city, it dominates the cityscape and attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. Its strategic location not only offers spectacular panoramic views, but also makes it a visual focal point accessible from many parts of the city. More than just a government building, the Budapest Parliament is a living symbol of Hungary’s rich history, deep national identity and constant aspiration for sovereignty. Its construction and elaborate design were driven by a fervent desire to assert Hungarian independence in a period of significant political and social transformation. General Information The official name of this building in Hungarian…

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Active tourism

The Jewish Quarter of Budapest: A Historic Neighborhood Reborn

Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, owes its existence to the 1873 unification of three distinct settlements: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. This city, strategically located on the banks of the Danube, has served as a crucial crossroads of European history for centuries. Within this rich tapestry of historical development, the Jewish community has played an enduring and multifaceted role, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s identity, culture, and progress. From its earliest traces in Roman times to its vibrant presence today, the story of Jewish settlement in Budapest is one of resilience, contribution, and profound historical significance. This article aims to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of this remarkable journey, highlighting the key periods, pivotal events, and lasting impact of the Jewish people on the life and character of Budapest. The Origin and History of the Jewish Quarter ​The Jewish presence in Budapest dates back to Roman times,…

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History

Money in Budapest: An Emblem of History, Art and Resilience

The history of Budapest, as the heart of Hungary, is intrinsically linked to the evolution of its currency. Since medieval times, the region we know today as Budapest has been a centre of power and economic activity, which naturally made it a focal point for the minting of coins and the development of monetary systems in the country. Historical records mention the existence of forints minted under the reigns of Louis I of Hungary (1342-1382) and Matthias Corvinus (1458-1490), figures whose courts and governments had a significant influence in shaping modern Hungary, with Buda as a major centre. The Hungarian monetary system underwent a radical transformation after World War II. The massive hyperinflation of the pengő in 1945-46, considered the highest ever recorded, devastated the country’s economy. In response to this crisis, the Hungarian forint was introduced on 1 August 1946 as a crucial measure to stabilise the economy. The…

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Food & Drink

Beer in Budapest: Tradition, Divisions and Unique Flavours

When you walk through the bars and supermarkets of Budapest, it is easy to think that the main Hungarian beers have always been competing on the same ground. However, behind brands such as Dreher, Borsodi, Arany Ászok or Szalon Sör there is a history marked by tradition, innovation… and politically imposed divisions. Hungarian brewing has centuries-old roots, with a remarkable evolution from medieval home brews and monastic beers to the industrial boom of the 19th century, especially in the Kőbánya district of Budapest, considered the country’s brewing heartland. However, after World War II and during the communist era, the state restructured the beer market, assigning each brewery a specific geographical region, limiting competition and shaping local identities: Borsodi in the east, Soproni in the west, Dreher and Arany Ászok in the capital, and Szalon from Pécs in the southwest. This organisation left a lasting impression on the palate and consumer…

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Food & Drink

Unicum: Hungary’s Iconic Herbal Liqueur

Unicum is a renowned herbal liqueur (bitter) deeply embedded in Hungarian culture. It is often enjoyed as a digestive aid or aperitif and is considered one of the country’s national beverages. Many Hungarians even consume it as a home remedy for colds. Produced by the Zwack family for generations, Unicum boasts a rich history and a secret formula that has been carefully preserved for over two centuries. A Unique Flavor Profile The taste of Unicum is often compared to Jägermeister, but it is significantly earthier and less sweet. Recognizing the evolving preferences of modern consumers, Zwack introduced Unicum Next, a lighter, fruitier version aimed at Western European markets and a broader audience, including women. The Origin Story According to legend, the creation of Unicum dates back to the late 18th century. Dr. Zwack, a royal physician, formulated the herbal mixture as a medicinal tonic for Emperor Joseph II of the…

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Art

Shared Memory: Hungary and its tribute to the Hungarian fighters in the Spanish Civil War

Among the sculptures in Memento Park is the Monument to the Hungarian Fighters of the International Brigades in Spain. This work is located in the section of the park called The endless promenade of the concepts of the workers’ movement, where it coexists with other representations of communist ideology. Its location creates a visual and conceptual dialogue about this historical period. The monument was created in 1968 by the Greek-Hungarian sculptor Makrisz Agamemnon (Memos Makris), at the height of the communist regime in Hungary. It originally stood in the centrally located Néphadsereg Square (now Honvéd Square), a highly visible place in Budapest. However, after the change of regime in 1989, it was moved in 1993 to Memento Park, as part of the initiative to gather the communist-era memorials there. This move did not involve the removal of the work, but rather its recontextualisation within Hungary’s contemporary historical narrative. The sculpture…

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Art

The Shoes on the Bank of the Danube: A Silent Testimony to the Holocaust Tragedy in Budapest

On the banks of the majestic Danube, near the parliament, stands a poignant and austere monument that captures the attention of those who stroll along its banks. Known as ‘Shoes on the Danube Bank’, it stands as a palpable reminder of one of the darkest chapters in Jewish history: the mass executions of Hungarian Jews during 1944 and 1945. Through its simplicity, the monument manages to convey a profound message that resonates in the collective memory, inviting reflection on the loss and brutality of that period. Origin and Creation The story behind this striking monument goes back to the vision of film director Can Togay, who worked closely with sculptor Gyula Pauer to give shape to this idea. Togay, a renowned director and writer, together with Pauer, a Kossuth Prize-winning sculptor, conceived a monument that would be both austere and eloquent. The central idea of using the shoes abandoned by…

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