Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle is located in the very center of Budapest, next to the city’s main Heroes’ Square. It is one of the most beautiful and romantic structures of the Hungarian capital, surrounded on all sides by Varoszliget Park. It is simply impossible to pass by Vajdahunyad Castle without stopping and admiring it at least from afar.

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The castle harmoniously combines elements of many famous buildings located on the territory of Hungary – this was the idea of its creators. All this has made the look of Vajdahunyad so recognizable that even the most unsophisticated tourists will not confuse the unique architectural ensemble with any other.

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Video: Vaidahunyad Castle

Contents

Highlights

At first glance, one might get the impression that Vajdahunyad Castle is at least several centuries old. However, it would be wrong: in fact, one of the most famous sights in Budapest is just over 100 years old. But it is hard to escape from this impression, because in front of it, as in front of a real ancient castle, there is even a moat with water, not to mention the presence of elements inherent in medieval buildings.

Across the moat is a bridge, passing through which and past the Gothic-style gate, you can enter the territory. Nowadays, Vajdahunyad Castle houses the Museum of Agriculture, one of the most interesting museums in the country, which is visited not only by guests of the city, but also by Budapest residents themselves. Visitors are introduced to the traditions of local winemaking that go back centuries, and even have the opportunity to taste samples of famous Hungarian wines.

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History

Vajdahunyad Castle owes its appearance to an important historical date – the thousandth anniversary of the Hungarians finding their homeland, which was in 1896. In preparation for the celebrations, it was decided to erect the so-called “Historical Pavilion” in the City Grove – as Varoszliget Park was called at that time. One of the most talented architects of the time, Ignatz Alpar, worked on its creation.

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A few words about the Master himself. As a child, he was lazy and naughty, and no one even thought that such fame would come to him. Everything changed when the boy turned 15 years old. He barely finished elementary school (only four grades, and that with difficulty), as his father sent him to work on one of the city’s construction sites, where he worked as a mason’s assistant. Later, already without prodding, Ignatz graduated from high school and then entered the Academy of Arts in Berlin and received a doctorate in architecture.

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But let’s return to his creation, the “Historical Pavilion”. It was a kind of town with reduced models of buildings made of papier-mâché, plywood and wood. And not just any buildings, but the most famous ones, among which were the fortress of the town of Shegeshvar, the church in the vicinity of the village of Yak on the border with Austria, the towers of the fortress of Catalina in Brasov and a number of other, no less famous castles, towers and temples.

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The most notable in this row of architectural “celebrities” was a copy of the majestic residence of the Corvinus dynasty in Romania, or, otherwise, Hunyadi Castle in the modern Romanian town of Hunedoara, in the south of Transylvania. It was built back in the XIII century by Janos Hunyadi, a Transylvanian voivode, regent of Hungary and father of the great Hungarian king Matyas I (Matvei Corvinus). The layout of this particular building impressed visitors so much that the entire exposition was named Vajdahunyad.

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After the festivities were over, the “Historical Pavilion” was dismantled, but the people of Budapest could not forget the beauty of this wonderful creation of architects. On the wave of nostalgic feelings, the Budapest authorities decided to rebuild the Vajdahunyad Castle in its former place, but already made of stone – what they call, for centuries! The grand opening of the new architectural complex took place on June 9, 1907 – by Franz Joseph I himself, Emperor of Austria-Hungary (however, some sources claim that the presentation of the castle took place a year later).

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Architectural features

On the approach to Vajdahunyad Castle, visitors are greeted by a bronze sculpture of its creator Ignác Alpár, which seems to invite them to enter. This is not the only statue on the territory of the architectural ensemble, there are several of them. One of the most famous is the monument to the monk Anonymus, the first national chronicler, who is the author of the invaluable historical book “Deeds of the Hungarians”, which was published at the beginning of the 12th century. There is a belief that if you touch or rub the pen from under which his works came out, the one who did it can discover new talents and even become a genius. Or, at the worst, will come here again to help the famous monk to record the history of modern Hungary.

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To the left of Vajdahunyad Castle there is an exact copy of the monastery, built in Romanesque style, and a small chapel. The entrance to the latter is interesting in itself: the gate of the church, which is located in the west of the country, was the prototype for it. A little farther on one can see buildings made in the Gothic style: they are somewhat reminiscent of a knight’s citadel.

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Your attention will undoubtedly be attracted by the magnificent loggia on four consoles and a fragment of the apse of the chapel, also in the Gothic style. When Ignác Alpár, the creator of the castle ensemble, celebrated his 70th birthday in 1925, a medallion with his image, which can still be seen today, was placed here as a token of respect for the renowned master.

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To the right of the gate is a tower facing the lake. It is a one-to-one replica of the tower of the fortress of the town of Shegesvar (Sigisoara) in Romanian Transylvania, a historical region that once belonged to the Kingdom of Hungary. Opposite are courtyard buildings that combine elements of Gothic and Renaissance style in a surprisingly harmonious way.

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The walls of Vajdahunyad Castle are decorated with bas-reliefs of two august persons – King Matyas I Corvinus himself and Queen Consort Beatrice of Aragon, daughter of the Neapolitan monarch Ferdinand I and his wife Isabella, Princess of Taranto. Her majesty, being of Italian descent, laid the foundations of the Renaissance tradition in Hungarian national art.

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The most beautiful building within the castle complex is the Ják Chapel. It is usually used for various celebrations, such as weddings in the traditional Magyar style. If you want to get in touch with the Hungarian national flavor in all its beauty and richness, you should definitely come here on the days of such celebrations. The palace, which was built in the Baroque style characteristic of 18th century architecture, will impress with its exquisite forms.

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Vajdahunyad Castle is especially beautiful and unique at nightfall, when the multi-colored lighting is turned on. The bizarre play of light and shadow gives the architectural ensemble a striking resemblance to the scenery for a play. It is not by chance that its territory often becomes a pavilion for movie shootings, including those by famous directors from Hollywood. At other times, various festivals and concerts are held here, gathering a huge number of spectators, including tourists.

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Museum of Agriculture

The Museum of Agriculture – incidentally, the first of its kind in the world – is located in one of the wings of Vajdahunyad Castle. Its expositions show in a very interesting and visual way how the agricultural sector has developed from ancient times to the present day.

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There are many photographic materials on display here, showing unusual crops and rather bizarre breeds of animals. There are many examples of the machinery with which many generations of Hungarians (and not only) have worked the land.

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A very interesting collection is exhibited in one of the halls – all hunting trophies, namely stuffed animals and birds. It is so impressive that it is considered one of the largest in the world. It is clear that this hall is bypassed by animal rights activists and simply very impressionable people. It is also undesirable to take children here, as it will not be the easiest experience for a child’s fragile psyche.

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Opening hours and ticket prices

Vaidahunyad Castle is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday until 5 p.m., with Monday as a day off.

The cost of one adult ticket is 1100 Hungarian forints or approximately 255 rubles. There is a 50% discount for children and seniors. If you want to take photos or videos in the Vajdahunyad area, an additional fee of 5,000 HUF is required.

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How to get there

You can get to the famous Budapest castle by metro, bus and car. The oldest metro line not only in Budapest and Hungary, but also in the whole of Europe, the MI Orange Line, leads to Varoszliget Park, where Vajdahunyad is located. You have to get to Széchenyi fürdő station, which goes directly to Heroes’ Square, which is just opposite the park.

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Bus numbers 70, 75 and 79 run to the park. There are many stops around, so it is simply impossible to get lost or miss your flight.

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Those who like to walk a bit often prefer to get to Vajdahunyad Castle by car, because the nearest parking lot to Varoshliget Park is some distance away, 25-30 minutes away on foot.

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