Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most famous architectural structures in Budapest and is among the most popular attractions in the Hungarian capital. Along with the Vajdahunyad Castle, the M1 subway and some other buildings, it is one of the objects that were built to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarians’ acquisition of their historical homeland at the end of the 19th century. Thus, the Fisherman’s Bastion is also one of the youngest landmarks of the city on the Danube.

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Video: Fisherman’s Bastion

Contents

Highlights

‘ Fisherman’s Bastion with equestrian statue of St. Istvan
‘ View from the walls of Budapest

History

The Fisherman’s Bastion was begun in 1889, three years after the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarians’ occupation of the lands in the Middle Danube basin (the so-called “Homecoming”). However, this circumstance did not prevent the building from being dedicated to this anniversary date, which is indeed very important in the history of the nation. The construction of the Fisherman’s Bastion continued until 1905. Since then, the unique object, which is associated with fish and fortifications, has never ceased to please the eyes of locals and visitors.

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‘ Fisherman’s Bastion at night
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Architectural features

The Fisherman’s Bastion is part of the Buda Fortress, which served as a residence for the Hungarian kings, or rather its fortress wall. It is built in the Neo-Romantic style and is recognizable for its many balustrades, arcades, turrets, passages and observation decks. The site itself (Hungarian name Halászbástya) and the temple for which it provided the architectural backdrop are located on Holy Trinity Square (Szentháromság). It is known as the Matyáš Church, but is officially called the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. By the way, the first religious building on this place appeared in 1015 at the command of King Istvan. Subsequently, the church was repeatedly destroyed, but then it was restored – simultaneously with the construction of the bastion and reconstruction of the Buda Fortress in the XIX century.

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‘ Fisherman’s Bastion

Useful information

Fisherman’s Bastion is located at Szentháromság tér, Budapest, Magyarország.

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Official website: fishermansbastion.com (English language).

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The attraction is open to the public 24 hours a day. An excursion here is always a pleasant experience and acquaintance with unique architectural monuments, the condition of which is tirelessly monitored by the Budapest municipality. On the territory of the Fisherman’s Bastion you can take photos.

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‘ class=”fancybox” >Tourists on the balcony

Access to most towers and balconies is free. A ticket will only be required if you want to go to the very top. Different ages and social classes have their own cost. Thus, adults pay 700 Hungarian forints (about 165 rubles), children over 6 years old, students and pensioners – citizens of the European Union – 350 forints (82 rubles). Children under 6 years of age are admitted free of charge.

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Budapest Card holders – a discount card designed specifically for tourists and allowing them to save a certain amount of money and time if used wisely – are entitled to a 10 percent discount. By the way, the card holder can use all types of public transportation in Budapest for free and does not have to pay for admission to a number of museums in the capital.

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Note also that the fee for access to the topmost point of the Fisherman’s Bastion is not always charged. To visit literally all corners of the attraction without paying a penny, you can in the period from October 15 to March 15 at any time of the day and night, on other days – only in the evening, night and morning hours from 20:00 to 9:00.

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You can purchase tickets to visit the Fisherman’s Bastion from March 16 to April 30 (from 9:00 to 19:00) and from May 1 to October 15 (from 9:00 to 20:00). Please note: tickets are not sold online.

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How to get there

Budapest has an extensive public transportation network, but to get to the Fisherman’s Bastion it is better to take a bus. Routes No. 16, 16-A and 116 lead to the landmark. At night you can get there by bus № 916. Regardless of the time of day, get off at the “Szentharomsag ter” stop.

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