It is thought the first Palace built on site was at the end of the 13th century by King Bela IV.
The palace has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries because of wars and revolutions and so very little remains of the original buildings.
It was last destroyed during the Second World War. After this archeologists unearthed the remains of the medieval castle surviving under the thick level of earth fill. The palace was recontructed by 1966 with parts of the 15th-century Gothic palace remains built into the reconstruction.
The Buda Castle Quarter, is now a World Heritage Site, declared in 1987.
The Royal Place today houses the Hungarian National Gallery and The Budapest History Museum.
Matyas Fountain designed by Alajos Strobl in 1904, stands in the northwest courtyard.
The Labyrinth of Buda Castle is situated in a depth of several storeys, under Buda Castle. This 1200-meter-long complex of caves and cellars welcomes its visitors with historic walls and mysterious exhibitions. Every day from 9.30 am till 6.00 pm. Also, night-time with oil lamps every day from 6.00 pm. till 7.30pm! (Entrance price : 1,500 Forints)
"The unique calcereous tuff caves of Castle Hill were created as an effect of the hot water springs at the dawn of the history of the Earth. These caves then served as refuge as well as hunting ground for the prehistoric man (the "Hunter of Buda) appearing half a million years ago.
Later the small caves were connected to each other and also to the cellarage of the houses of the Castle District for economic and military purposes, and the complex thus developed into a veritable labyrinth. In the 1930s, as part of the wartime defence program, the complex of cellars was converted into a shelter large enough to accomodate as many as 10,000 people. Reinforced - and also disfigured - with concrete, it served as a secret military installation during the Cold War."
Address of Castle
Szent Gyorgy Ter (1 district)
Castle Quarter
Address of Labyrinth of Buda Castle
Úri u. 9. & Lovas u. 4., Castle Quarter
Tel:+ (36) 1 212 0207
Email: info@labirintus.com
How to Get There
Metro M2 (Red) - Moszkva Ter.
or Bus 16 from Deak ter
or from Chain Bridge walk up by the narrow streets and paths.
or take the expensive funicular (cable car) up the hill.
External Links
Labyrinth of Buda Castle
|
