Ancient castles, shrouded in fleur of mysticism and mystery, have always attracted the attention of travelers. The walls of silent witnesses of the glorious past of the country remember internecine wars and long sieges. And visitors, immersed in a magical atmosphere, present magnificent receptions that were held by the owners of medieval structures, and colorful knightly tournaments.
Country of castles
The well-preserved castles of Hungary are recognized as the hallmark of the country, comfortably located in the heart of Europe. Architectural monuments, which are an important part of cultural heritage, are scattered throughout the state. And everyone who has read books on knightly themes can touch a story frozen in stone.
In the Middle Ages, local aristocrats built clan nests for themselves and their families, which were inherited. Restored in its original form, they now receive tourists from all over the world.
Unique architectural masterpiece
In the heart of Budapest is one of the most unusual structures in Europe, which can not be passed without stopping. Representatives of the local nobility never lived in the amazing Vajdahunyad castle in Hungary, which has a very interesting history.
At the end of the XIX century, the whole country celebrated its millennium, and in honor of such a significant event in the picturesque park Varoshliget a unique pavilion was built, made of wood, plywood and papier-mâché. The building, which was called the "hodgepodge" for the fact that it was a mixture of a variety of architectural styles, pleased the people. After the end of the holiday, the pavilion, popular among local residents, was dismantled, but authorities promised that a real castle, embodied in stone, would appear in the same place. And already in 1908, an architectural masterpiece, as if descended from the pages of a fairy tale, pleased the eyes of people.
It is curious that the architect, when creating the project, remembered the dark castle of Count Dracula in Transylvania, and guests should not be surprised that some parts of the building very much resemble it. The architectural complex also includes the current church of St. Jacob (Jacob) with a beautiful courtyard.
At first glance, tourists get the impression that the fabulously beautiful castle in Hungary, whose photos are admired by contemporaries, is an excellent example of medieval architecture. And even after travelers learn its history, they cannot get rid of this impression.
Dracula's castle in Hungary
40 kilometers from the capital, in the picturesque bend of the Danube, is another attraction, the powerful walls of which remotely resemble former greatness.
Vlad III Tepes - the ruler of Wallachia - has always been distinguished by severe temper and cruelty. He organized mass executions and enjoyed the agony of unfortunate prisoners imprisoned on a stake. Their bloodless corpses caused horror among the people. And soon there was talk that the famous governor was drinking the blood of his victims. The count, nicknamed Dracula, languished in a fortress on the rocky hill Sybrik, which was built by King Karl (Karoy) Robert. In the XV century, the ruler moved the capital of Hungary from Buda to Vysehrad, where he started the construction of a luxurious residence. But the castle gained fame thanks to its prisoner - Count Dracula, who was imprisoned for 12 years. Tepes, who was suspected of high treason, was arrested and thrown into the tower of Solomon. The stay of Vlad III in captivity overgrown with many legends.
In the XVI century, the Turks who invaded the country destroyed the Vysehrad castle in Hungary, the revival of which began only after 4 centuries. Now part of the historical monument is restored, and descendants can admire the former splendor of the royal residence. Most of the halls serving as observation decks remain open air. And to this day, the interest of tourists to the curious sights rising above the Danube, does not fade away.
"City in the city"
Buda Castle in Hungary is an entire architectural ensemble located on Buda Hill in Budapest. It is no coincidence that the beautiful royal residence is called the “city in the city”: its powerful stone walls separate the territory of the gigantic complex from the village.
The historical monument, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, was erected by order of King Bel IV in 1255. He ordered the construction of a fortification that would protect against the raids of the Tatars. And soon a city grew around the walls of the citadel.
Historical complex
Three centuries later, the Buda Castle became the center of Hungary, and Buda became the capital of the country. The rebuilding of the fortress walls begins, bastions are being built, churches and a palace in the Gothic style appear. Over time, the huge complex has declined, and the court staff does not have enough funds to restore it. In 1526, the Turks entered the city, and even the dilapidated Buda Castle in Hungary arouses their admiration. Conquerors turn palaces into soldiers' barracks, and churches into mosques.
The architectural ensemble, which did not spare the time, found its final form only 2 centuries ago: it was completely rebuilt by the Hungarian architect Miklos Ibl. During the Second World War, the castle was very damaged, and after its completion, the restorers immediately began large-scale work. Now contemporaries can enjoy the majestic complex, which is impossible to get around even in a few hours, and it is best to set aside to get to know it all day.
Castle covered in romance
This snow-white castle of Hungary, made in the English style, attracts tourists who want to immerse themselves in a peaceful atmosphere. But most of all, fans of classical music adore him, because the owners of the architectural monument - members of the count family Brunswick - were friends with the great Beethoven, who gave music lessons to the daughters of the head of the family. It is known that the composer devoted many works to his friends, including The Moonlight Sonata.
In the XVIII century, Brunswick became the owners of a small estate located in the town of Martonwashar. For more than 10 years, the count rebuilt the family nest under the direction of the architect I. Taller, and soon the tiny mansion turned into a magnificent palace with fabulous towers. A well-known statesman, who put his heart and soul into his house, built a small church. In addition, a huge garden was laid out where family members rested. However, at the end of the century, Joseph Habsburg became the new owner, who resolds the estate to Baron Dreher.
After World War II, the Brunswick castle in Hungary destroyed by bombing was simply forgotten. And only in 1953, the architectural masterpiece was gradually restored. He was even given the status of a national reserve.
Wonderful atmosphere of a wonderful corner
Now here is the Beethoven Memorial Museum, the exhibits of which tell about the friendship of the brilliant composer with family members. And in the summer, in a picturesque park, covering an area of about 70 hectares, concerts are held of the works of the last representative of the Vienna classical school. The amazing atmosphere of a wonderful place, tunes in to the lyrical wave, and the enchanting sounds of music make an indelible impression on all visitors fascinated by the natural beauty.
Symbol of eternal love
Being in the country of castles and not visiting the amazing creation created by the architect Jeno Bori as a sign of love for his beloved wife is a real crime. Looking at a grandiose building located on a hill in the suburb of Szekesfehervar, one cannot even believe that it was built by one person. The incredibly talented artist, who began to realize his dreams, worked for almost half a century, but he was not able to enjoy life in his brainchild: he died at the age of 80 in 1959, when the construction of the Bori castle (Hungary) was completed.
In a concrete architectural work of art, various styles are reflected. The symbol of eternal love, listed in the Guinness Book of Records, delights the eyes of visitors who are amazed at how an ordinary person could create a true masterpiece without special equipment.
Obsession and perseverance
The obsessed architect, for whom the construction of the castle became the meaning of his life, claimed that he was driven by the great power of love for his wife Ilona. She was a real muse, inspiring her husband to exploits. At every step here you can see sculptures, paintings, bas-reliefs depicting a beloved. Everything here is saturated with the atmosphere of romance, and it is no coincidence that the amazing building is very popular with newlyweds.
The walls of the castle are painted with colorful frescoes, busts of famous painters and architects who glorified the country's culture are installed in the garden and in the halls. And the sculptures of Hungarian kings silently narrate victories and defeats, joyful and tragic moments of history.
Visitors walking around the castle seem to be plunged into the past, experiencing an unusual sense of falling out of time. Each has a unique opportunity to touch a masterpiece filled with beauty and love.
Time spent in the walls of ancient castles of Hungary allows you to forget about the hustle and bustle. Each architectural pearl with its own history is the greatest cultural value in which the legends of the past come to life.