Tuesday, April 4, 2023

FISHERMAN'S BASTION

Budapest has a long and vibrant history when it comes to entertaining and delighting its travelers, one who especially like art and architecture, ancient history with charm that's second to none.

Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church are found in Budapest's Castle District on the Buda side of the city. This gorgeous, neo-Gothic viewing platform is dramatically medieval looking and provides probably one of the best viewing spots in Budapest. Connected to it is Matthias Chruch-which is just as incredible on the inside as the outside...and not far away is Buda Castle, while in front is a panoramic view of all of Pest and the Danube River. One's eyes can't help but be drawn to the famous Hungarian Parliament Building. Fishman's Bastion was built between 1895 and 1902 and was inspired by the architectural style of the early medieval times and was built to celebrate the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian State, when the first king started his rule. The 7 towers feature the 7 chieftains who led their tribes to the present-day Hungary to settle down in 895. The architect was Frigyes Schulek who also restored and redesigned the Matthias Church. The construction of the Fishman's Bastion in intertwined with the restoration of the church and it's T-shaped Bastion arrangement was to embrace the church while enhancing its beauty and also connect the Castle hilltop with the Danube side settlement, Fishtown. The Bastion was badly damaged in WWII, but soon restored by the son of the architect.

The Matthias Chruch connected to Fisherman's Bastion is breathtaking. I might be a sinful creature but adore church architecture. The interior and exterior of this place didn't disappoint. According to the tour guide the church was originally built in in the Romanesque style in 1015, although few point of reference can be seen. The current church was constructed in the florid late gothic style in the second half of the 14th century and then restored in the late 19 th century. Stunning. The building also has it's importance as two kings were crowned within it's walls. 

We did the steps on the way in up the Buda hill, but as an added bonus took the lovely, old , wooden three-tiered funicular back down after our tour. Offered great views.

 We had a lovely afternoon nap afterwards

49 comments:

  1. So beautiful! But sheesh, all those stairs! I would have taken the funicular both ways!

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  2. All those steps mean one thing, an outstanding cardio workout! Congrats!

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    1. Warbucks4/04/2023

      It was a good cardio work out, and it also helped keep the Mistress's gluteus maximus perky and rounded. But I admit the funicular back down was a welcome site too.

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    2. HEY!!!!!

      And with an ass like his, who noticed the steps right???

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    3. Well I can't lie all the walking on the trip and those steps certainly gave my back end a work out!

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  3. There is a great big world out there and I must get out of the states and see all this magnificence. I see European cities and it make us look like peasants, lol.

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    1. I wondered if the day would ever come that we could travel again.

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  4. Oh what memories. Fisherman's Bastion...a must visit when going to Budapest! We loved visiting Fisherman’s Bastion, enjoying an afternoon, and had a beautiful view of the city. And the exterior of the Matthis Chruch was one of my favorite things to see on our trip.

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  5. LOVE THIS!!!!! I think of all your travels, Budapest would be hard pressed to not be my favorite. This is awesome. Stunning views of the Danube.... and beyond! It looks like something out of a fairy tale.

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    1. I think so far for me my two favorite trips have been Buenos Aires and a close second Vienna.

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  6. Welcome Back Mistress!!!!! I see I have some catching up. I had no idea you returned.

    Stunning place Budapest...it's been years. The architecture of this place is beautiful. Absolutely stunning views, with wonderful buildings all around. The weather looks a bit grey, but who cared right?

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    1. The weather was actually warmer than here but I would say three quarters of the trip was sort of overcast and rainy. But most days by mid-afternoon it was nice and sunny.

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  7. We would love this...all those steps everywhere...good exercise!!! And then the reward of seeing all this beauty and architecture?!?!? Hell yes. Beautiful views looking over the Danube and Pest side of town. I dare ask how long that nap was though??? LMAO!!!!

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    1. Not to be two TMI but when more boxes in bed there's not very much sleep time.

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  8. Wow, it looks like a fairy-tale castle! I'm glad you're travelling and making wonderful memories.
    Sx

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    1. It felt some damn good to get out of the country. Just to escape again, I'd come clean your whole home just for a trip abroad again, Scarlet.

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  9. what great journey you had!

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  10. It looks incredible. No wonder you fell in love.

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  11. Anonymous4/05/2023

    Did you rub the horses balls for luck?

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  12. Is this Budapest or Kings Landing? Beautiful pictures!!!! I would have loved the funicular ride. And the views out form there are great. Really gives a perspective where everything is.

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    1. I wanted to arrive on a dragon...but couldn't find one. Do you have something I can ride?

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  13. Fabulous architecture. I do love the architecture and interiors of churches, even if I am not so fond of the doings of the churches.
    Lovely all that is stlla round in a world where we trash the old and stack up some new monstrosity.

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  14. Pretty pretty place. Walked up and rode down, that is backwards.

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    1. Yes walked up...I wanted to get the full affect upon entry!!

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  15. I would have to take that trolley thing up, or I'd never make it. That's one of the things that is pretty much making anywhere in Europe a pipe dream for me...the ADA is not a part of the lexicon. How do their physically disabled folks manage???

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  16. I got dragged round churches as a kid as my Mum was religious, my Dad less so, along with my two siblings and myself. Now I prefer not to go into a church unless I have to. If I could travel I might make an exception for these churches plus the Hagia Sofia (not that I would be allowed in there nowadays as Erdogan tightens his grip on Turkey).

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    1. I'm like you. The only time I enjoy touring and seeing churches and such on vacation. Budapest is right up there with those of Vienna and Buenos Aires. And a testament to them for still standing after I made my presence known inside!!!

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  17. I think I got tired just looking at those stairs. Excellent architecture. You'll never find that stuff here in California, that's for sure.

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  18. What a lovely and commanding location! It just blows my mind that there's architecture and buildings like this way back then. Could you even imagine us trying to replicate stuff like this now. And you know it would be nowhere near the quality or craftsmanship. This is only the second post and I'm already in love with the city. I should see if I could stronghold one of my kids to taking me. You know before I get too old!

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    1. If you could get a chance, I'd say go!!!!!! I know you'd love it.

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  19. It's magnificent. I just couldn't imagine living in a city with so much history and architecture like this. Talk about history carved in stone

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  20. The sheer beauty and intricacy of that architecture is spectacular! Jx

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    1. I was pleasantly surprised by the architecture there.

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  21. That's so beautiful but do I have to go up all those steps or will you find some tasty young boys to carry me? must have luscious bottoms

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Girl, I think with all the steps, my ass got bigger!

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    2. It's muscles, honey

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  22. So completely beautiful. Really.
    And that funicular reminds me of Pittsburgh! I love these photos. So jelly!!

    XOXO

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    1. It reminded me too of the incline cars out there. When are we going to ride it?!?

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  23. Great views, phenomenal architecture... what a place to relax sight see and take it all in. Im in so need of a trip soon.

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  24. Thanks for sharing your pictures.I love your vantage point from Buda, looking back toward Pest and with the famous Hungarian Parliament building in the one picture, this location offers a panoramic view which defines Budapest. Matthias Church, is stunning, honoring the country's most popular medieval king, Fisherman's Bastion is a beautiful place for viewing the cities.

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  25. This is one of the things you shouldn't miss in this magical city. I have always wanted to go to Budapest. The views across the Danube of the Parliament Building are something. This whole area looks worth half a day to take it all in.

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  26. Welcome back....what a trip!!!!! This place is something. They sure don't make building like this anymore. And could they? Bright and fairytale like, the white walls and turrets of this place are fun to look at and fun to look through I bet.

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  27. Cap Chasen4/05/2023

    Gorgeous post!!!!!

    A history lesson of Budapest! In 1872, the cities of Buda and Pest joined to form the new City of Budapest. In the late 1800's, two major projects were begun. The building of the Fisherman's Bastion (which opened in 1902) and the Parliament Building on the Danube. Today, Budapest is the 9th largest city in the EU. And you saw all of it!!!!

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  28. Thank you for sharing this. And so happy to have you home. I adore your travelogues. And the photos are perfect. Kizzes.

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  29. You are my guide to places I never had a chance to visit (the Cold War still had most places locked tight.) But Hungarian friends in London told me some wonderful stories!

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!