Holy Trinity Column (Szentháromság
Szobor)
I. Szentháromság tér, Metro: M2 Moszkva tér, Várbusz (Castle Bus)
Treated as just another snapshot by the coach loads of tourists that descend on Castle Hill during
the summer, the solemn meaning behind the Baroque style Holy Trinity column is often lost
amidst the frantic clicking of camera shutters.
The column, which stands in the centre of Szentháromság
tér (Trinity Square) was built by Buda's Council in the early part of the 18th century to
serve as a lasting memorial to those who died in the devastating plague of 1691.
At the foot of the column, the biblical King David is depicted praying for an
end to the plague, while on the main body a multitude of saints and cherubs can be
seen under the golden Holy Trinity.
The square itself, which used to be a market place in medieval times, is the
highest point of Castle Hill.
The Hungarian National Bank and International Bank Center
(Nemzeti Bank)
 V. Szabadság tér 8-9 and
Bank utca/Sas utca (Bank Center), Metro: M3 Arany János
u, Website: www.mnb.hu and www.bankcenter.hu
Think of two heavyweight boxers in the ring and you'll get some idea as to the size and style of
these two buildings, which stand opposite each other on Bank utca.
Whilst neither can be considered among Budapest's finest, Ignác
Alpár's 1905 Hungarian National bank is undoubtedly the grander of the two. On the
first floor level are elegant limestone reliefs depicting every aspect of money, commerce and
trading in the early 20th century.
Inner City Parish Church (Belvárosi
Plébániatemplom)
 V. Március 15 tér,
Metro: M3 Ferenciek tere, Open: 9am-12:30pm, 6pm-7pm Mon-Sat,
6pm-7pm Sun
Standing at the Pest end of the Elizabeth Bridge, the Inner City Parish Church was saved from
demolition by popular protest at the time of the original bridge's construction (one of the
earliest environmental campaigns in Hungary). While the church's origins date back to the 12th century, it's
easy to spot how the building has been altered and enlarged over the centuries. Indeed, it was
almost completely rebuilt twice in the 14th and 18th centuries. The Turks also used it as a mosque
while they occupied the city, and you can still see a carved Muslim prayer niche on the right side
of the church's main altar.
Labyrinth/Catacombs of Buda Castle
(Budavári Labirintus)
 I. Úri utca, Metro: M2 Moszkva
tér, Várbusz, Bus/16, Open 9:30am-7.30pm Mon-Sun, Budapest Card accepted, Website: www.labirintus.com
The labyrinth of caves and tunnels which stretch for over 10 kilometres beneath Castle Hill are
said to have been joined together by the Turks during the middle ages for military purposes. In the
17th century, parts of the catacombs were used to store wine. More recently, the immediate area
under Úri utca served as an air-raid shelter during World War II. Today, about 1.5
kilometres are open to the general public, with an area of the labyrinth set aside for a waxwork
exhibition on early Hungarian history.
Unfortunately, there's no way of visiting the caves unless you
pay to see the exhibition (which we found disappointing and pricey). One plus point however, is the
Labyrinth café which has live music performances during the summer from blues and jazz
artists. Guided tours of the caves - which start every 10-20 minutes - are given in four languages
including English.
Back to Top
|
