Budapest History, Hungary

Budapest is a historical city of Hungry and was created with the unification of separate towns like Obuda, Pest and Buda in 1873. It is ranked among the most beautiful cities of the world. Budapest has vibrant culture and fascinating history.

The city is the geographic and transportation hub of Hungry. It is also known for its unique values of traditions, history and culture. The city is bisected by the River Danube and it is also known as the City of Spas. Budapest is divided into the 23 districts.

The area of Budapest has been inhabited from early times by the Celts in the 3rd century BC. In the Christian era, the town was conquered by the Romans who incorporated it in the Roman Empire. In 106, the town became the capital of province Pannonia.

From the eighth century, this region was inhabited by different tribes and ethnic groups.  The archeological findings in this area indicate that this area was densely populated and it may have been a trading center for the people of different regions.

In the 9th century, the Hungarians appeared in this region.  The Hungarians established their settlement in Csepel.  They also established the seat of their prince near Danube River. The Mongols invaded Buda in 1241. The Castle of Buda was fortified in this period.

In the 13th century, Buda took over the major roles. Castles were enlarged and churches were reconstructed.

After the invasion of Tatars, significant fortification work began all over the country. During this period, the royal castle and the walled city were built on Castle Hill. In the middle ages, Budapest emerged as the economic and cultural center of the country and at the beginning of the sixteenth century the city reached its peak.

During this period, Hungary extended over a large territory and united with Poland and Lithuania. The rule of Hungarian crown extended from the Baltic to the Adriatic Sea. A strong Hungarian empire came into existence in Eastern Europe and Buda became the economical, political and cultural hub of the country.

The economic role of this region enhanced when the trades started here and linked Eastern and Western Europe. Greeks, Germans and Arabs were active participants in the trade.

Buda is greatly influenced by Italian Renaissance and its cultural role got significance during the reign of King Matthias.

In the eighteenth century, the population of the city continued to grow. In the nineteenth century, Buda witnessed major developments and economic boom.

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• Must visit the Tropicarium in Budapest
  review by angel posted more then 30 days ago
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  If you're interested in visiting central or Eastern europe, you must visit Budapest. Budapest was my favorite city befor I went first time to Prague, but I'm still recomanding this city for everyone. I think it is the most beautiful and interesting city in Hungary. With its really interesting...
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  review by szbogi posted more then 30 days ago
  After the wedding we stayed some days in Budapest. Zoli's brother is living and working here, so we had a cheap place to stay:) At this time Anita, a girl from the United States was staying at Zoli's brother as well. Her family and Zoli's family are friends for many years now. She came here alone...

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Read our members' travel tips about Budapest

• Matthias Church
  travel tip by Sayuri87 posted more then 30 days ago
  The Matthias Church or Church of Our Lady is a 700 years old Catholic temple. It was named after the great king of Hungary, Matthias Rex. It's building style is a mixed one because of the changes that were made on it throughout the...
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