The site of Budapest, Hungary was first occupied by the Celts before 1 AD. Later the Romans created a fortified camp there with roads, amphitheaters and baths. The Kingdom of Hungary was officially founded in the 10th century. It was seized by the Ottoman Empire in 1541 and held by the Turks for over 140 years. In 1686 the city was reconquered by Christian forces and was incorporated into the Hapsburg Empire. Even until the 20th century the city was a prize coveted by each country that exerted control over that territory.
The brief Hungarian Revolution in 1956 saw Imre Nagy appointed as Prime Minister only to have him arrested and secretly executed two years late by the Soviets. The statue of him on a bridge was erected as memorial to his bravery.
Of course the Danube River plays a significant role in the commercial success of the city. Churches line the Buda side. Up on the hill is St. Matthias Church, with the Fishermen's Bastion fronting it. Below at the water's edge is the Church in Szilagyi Dezso Square.
The Royal Palace or the Castle perches atop Castle Hill. The Boy Jester Bronze is a popular statue on the Pest side.
Night time finds the city aglow in lights. Most impressive is the Parliament Building, the third largest such building in the world. Many 19th Century villas still adorn lovely tree-lined streets. Some now serve as embassies. A city that has lasted two millennia, Budapest has much to offer the curious traveler.
