Budapest
Budapest, the largest city, is the capital and also the cultural, economic and industrial centre of Hungary. Approximately 1.8 million people - 18 percent of the country’s total population - live in Budapest. The capital is located along the two embankments of the Danube. The Buda side of the city reaches up to the hills, while the Pest side was built on the flood plain of the Danube. The 235-meter high Gell rt Hill rises on the Buda side of Budapest, nearly in the centre of the town, offering a fine view to the capital. Seven public and two rail bridges span the Danube in its Budapest stretch.
Among the many spectacular sights of the capital there is the Royal Castle and the Castle District. The extremely rich collection of the Hungarian National Gallery and the country’s biggest library, the National Sz chenyi Library is in the Castle too. On the Pest side rises the neo-Gothic building of Parliament. The numerous thermal and curative springs deservedly elevate the capital to the rank of ‘city of spas’.
Culture
Hungary was the homeland of Franz Liszt, B la Bart k and Zolt n Kod ly, whose music was inspired by the rich national folk traditions. In the 19th century Hungary produced its first important native-born composer, Ferenc Erkel, who composed the Hungarian national anthem and the first Hungarian opera. Hungary is a highly musical country; its violinists and pianists are particularly celebrated virtuosi world-wide. Hungary has more than 5000 public libraries, and more than 100 public museums are maintained throughout the country. In 2001 Hungary continued to strengthen the structures necessary to participate in Community structures. The decision of the Association Council on the participation of Hungary in the “Culture 2000″ programme was adopted by the Government and entered into force in July 2001.
Naturally Budapest
Budapest is unique among European capitals, oft quoted as the town of caves and medicinal waters. Eight protected natural resources can be found in this city of two million. The excursion spots and the caves open to visitors can all be reached by public transport. For pleasant walks we suggest Gell rt Hill and Tab n on its slopes, between Buda and Pest the Margaret Island, on the Pest side the City Park and N pliget.
- P lv lgy Cave (P lv lgyi Barlang)
The stalactite-rich cave, the longest in the Buda Hills and the third longest in Hungary, was discovered in 1904 during quarrying. It has been a nature-protected area since 1944. So far more than 7200 meters of winding passageways have been explored; the vertical dimension is 104 meters. Some may find the 500-metre cave trip rather tiring in view of the different heights to be mounted. - Szemlõ Hill Cave (Szemlõ-hegyi Barlang)
2200 meters have been explored, the vertical dimension is 50 meters. The site is a listed nature protection area, and the visitor will find that the cave walls are covered with aragonite crystals.
- Sas Hill Natural Reserve (Sas hegyiterm szetv delmi ter let)
The 266-meter-high Sas Hill, a huge outcrop in the middle of the city, has retained the cold- and
warm-loving plants of the dolomite flora, and it is the habitat of the protected Hungarian, or Pannon lizard. - Budakeszi Game Park (Budakeszi Vadaspark)
A vast forest with marked footpaths, about 8 km from the city centre. Natural flora, indigenous and naturalised animals of the Buda Hills, observable from lookout hides.
- Martinovics Hill (Martinovics hegy)
The top of this 259-metre-high hill affords a remarkable view. The hilltop is a nature reserve and a popular meeting point for dog owners. - Budapest Botanical Gardens (formerly known as Fûv sz garden)
Scene of the famous children’s novel “The Boys of P l Street” written by Ferenc Moln r, featuring Orchid and Bromeliad exhibitions.
- Buda Arboretum of the University of Horticulture
and Food Industry
The 7.6-hectare arboretum, established in 1893, has been protected since 1975. Now it boasts over 1,400 tree species. Free entry