Europe 2019 - Day 43 (Part 3)

18 June 2019, Tuesday 

Then we passed by the equestrian statue of King Stephen I (977-1038), built in 1906. We also saw a statue of Ferenc Kazinczy,  a Hungarian author, poet, translator and linguist. Today his name is connected with the extensive Language Reform of the 19th century, when thousands of words were coined or revived, enabling the Hungarian language to keep up with scientific progress and become an official language of the nation in 1844. Yet another statue we saw was of Count István Bethlen de Bethlen, who was a Hungarian aristocrat and statesman and served as Prime Minister from 1921 to 1931.

We also saw ruins of the Blessed Virgin and Saint Sigismund Chapel, most probably erected about 1410. The tombs of 2 Queens were found here. Its walls were pulled down after 1767 and recently some remains were found. Perhaps in time to come it would be rebuilt and restored. 

Then to Buda Castle or the Royal Palace, one of the main attractions here in Budapest. Following the Mongol invasion, in 1243-44 King Béla IV encircled his palace with walls and this is when the foundation of Buda was formed. During the reign of Sigismund of Luxembourg (1387-1437) the central section was enlarged and in 1541 the ensemble of buildings constructed in Renaissance style was captured by the Ottomans. After the siege of 1686, Emperor Charles III raised a garrison on this site. The palace was hit by lightning in 1820 and destroyed during fighting in 1849, following which it was rebuilt in Neo-Baroque style between 1851-1856. Now it is the Budapest History Museum and the Budapest National Gallery. 

Next, to Buda Tower or Mary Magdalene Tower which is also within the Buda Castle complex. This is a 600-year-old bell tower built in gothic style that miraculously endured every single siege at the neighbouring Buda Castle. Nearby there was also the coronation mantle of the Hungarian Kings cast in bronze. The original mantle was donated by King Saint Stephen and Queen Gisela as an expression of their gratitude in 1031, and was manufactured from Byzantine silk, embroidered with gold and silver. 

From the late 12th century, it served as the coronation mantle of the kings of the Árpád Dynasty, and of all the later Hungarian Kings. It was used at this location in 1792 for the coronation of Francis I, and for the last time on 30 December 1916 when it covered the shoulders of Charles IV in Matthias Church. The bronze sculpture of the mantle was made by Tibor Rieger who said “I worked on it from 2000 to 2004 in order to express my gratitude to the Lord Almighty for King Stephen I, the founder of Hungary.” The original mantle is displayed in the Hungarian National Museum. 

Then we stopped for lunch, I had what they said was traditional Hungarian food which was goulash soup, chicken paprika with noodles (it’s not really noodles but some kind of pasta) and a dessert. It’s actually called the tourist menu. But of course. I am a tourist here, so why not. I also bought some souvenirs here - it’s expensive but I need some from every country so no choice.

Then to the Fat Policeman statue which is literally a bronze statue of a fat policemen; his belly looked very shiny because I think many people rub it while taking a photo with the result that his belly is polished and shiny.

Next, to St Stephen Basilica, a Roman Catholic basilica. The church is named after Saint Stephen I of Hungary, the first King of Hungary (975-1038), whose "incorruptible" right hand is said to be housed in the reliquary (a container for relics). There is a Latin phrase in front, at the top part of the church: ego sum via veritas et vita meaning "the way and the truth and the life". The words are taken from John 14:6, and were spoken by Jesus Christ in reference to himself.

Then to Andrassy Avenue, a boulevard dating back to 1872. Locally it is known as “the vintage street”. It is lined with spectacular Neo-renaissance mansions and townhouses featuring fine facades and interiors. It was recognised as a World Heritage Site in 2002. It is also one of Budapest's main shopping streets, with fine cafes, restaurants, theatres, Embassies and luxury boutiques.

Next, to the Great Synagogue which is the largest synagogue in Europe. The synagogue was built between 1854 and 1859 in the Moorish Revival style, with the decoration based chiefly on Islamic models from North Africa and medieval Spain (the Alhambra). I find this really odd, a synagogue with Muslim motifs. There is hope yet for mankind!