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Active tourism

Lights, Camera, Budapest: Europe’s Hidden Film Capital

Budapest has become a top choice for filmmakers due to its affordability, architectural versatility, and strong production infrastructure. Lower production costs and attractive tax incentives make it a financially smart option, helping position Hungary as a major European film hub. The city’s diverse architecture allows it to stand in for various European capitals and historical settings with minimal modifications. Combined with highly skilled local crews, state-of-the-art studios, and a central European location that simplifies logistics, Budapest offers everything needed for efficient and high-quality film production. Evita (1996): Budapest as a Stand-In for Buenos Aires The 1996 musical drama Evita, based on the life of Argentine political icon Eva Perón, stands as a landmark example of a major Hollywood production choosing Budapest as its filming location. Starring Madonna as Eva and Antonio Banderas as Che, the film chronicles Eva’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming Argentina’s First Lady. Budapest was selected…

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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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Attractions

The Best Places to Visit in Pest: A Complete Guide

While Budapest is often admired as a whole, its eastern side, Pest, has a unique charm that sets it apart. This vibrant district is where history, culture, and modern life intertwine, offering visitors everything from grand architectural landmarks to quirky museums, lively squares, and atmospheric cafés. Whether you’re drawn to the magnificent Parliament Building, the soothing Széchenyi Thermal Baths, or the bustling Central Market Hall, Pest has something for everyone. In this guide, we explore the must-visit spots that make Pest an essential part of any Budapest itinerary. History landmarks and monuments The Hungarian Parliament Rising majestically along the Danube, the Hungarian Parliament Building is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture and one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. With its towering spires, intricate carvings, and a magnificent 96-meter dome, it stands as a symbol of Hungary’s rich history and national pride. Inside, its lavish halls gleam with gold accents, stunning frescoes,…

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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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History

A History Etched in Stone and Steel: An Encounter between Capitalism and the Echoes of Communism

Budapest, for the first time visitor, reveals itself as an intriguing enigma from the very first moment. The majesty of the Danube, the elegant bridges linking Buda and Pest, everything is undeniably captivating. However, as we begin to explore, a curious duality emerges, a whisper of a not-so distant past that intertwines with the present. One senses it in the imposing architecture that suggests a Soviet influence, especially on the Buda bank, and then in the unexpected appearance of monuments dedicated to U.S. presidents. This initial contradiction awakens a desire to understand the history behind these seemingly disparate elements. The initial visual juxtaposition between the grandiose, possibly older architecture and the visitor’s perception of Soviet-style buildings generates immediate curiosity. Moreover, the presence of American monuments in a once-communist capital represents a significant and potentially startling contrast, immediately underscoring the city’s complex history and transition. Influence of communism in the architecture…

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History

General History of Budapest: Monuments

Budapest is a city that, over the centuries, has been able to emerge from countless conflicts and transformations. From its origins as a Roman settlement to its unification in 1873, the Hungarian capital has witnessed invasions, sieges and reconstruction processes that have forged a unique identity. This historical tour highlights the monuments that have survived wars and upheavals, and offers recommendations for visiting them, discovering the city’s resilience and rich cultural heritage. Historical Context From its Origins and the Roman Legacy The history of Budapest dates back to Roman times, when the settlement of Aquincum was founded on the territory now occupied by the city. This settlement became the nerve centre of the Roman province of Lower Pannonia, leaving a legacy in the urban organisation and archaeological remains that can still be seen in different parts of the city, such as the Aquincum Museum. The Roman presence marked the beginning…

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