We were very fortunate with my travellers and got invited to the very top of the Buda Castle district, to the rooftop skybar of the Hilton Hotel. I highly recommend the White Raven Skybar, views are amazing and I can guarantee you’ll have a very good time. Don’t forget to reserve in advance!
The 20th of August is always very special for Hungarians, not only because we celebrate St. Stephen, the founder of the Hungarian Christian state but also because our country’s “birthday cake” is introduced. The cake is selected every year by the panel of reputable master confectioners, the applicants are to create innovative and creative cakes reflecting traditional Hungarian tastes and the cake should also have to be connected to the 20th of August holiday.
And now, please meet the “Green Gold of Őrség”, this year’s winner. It comes from a small Salgótarján cake shop and has the colours of the Hungarian flag (red-white-green). The layers of the cake are: pumpkin seed oil and almond flour sponge cake, white chocolate ganache, crunchy pumpkin seed praline, raspberry jelly and pumpkin seed jelly.
What can I say? We’we just tasted this beautiful cake with my guests today in the Ruszwurm cake shop near the Matthias Church and it was delicious. Enjoy!
The Buda Castle district is the oldest part of Buda, many of the buildings are originally from the Middle Ages. Buda became the capital of Hungary by the middle of the 13th century, the castle and the medieval town were constructed in the top of the Castle hill.
I don’t want to disappoint you but The Castle district is not a real castle. The Hungarian Medieval castle, residence of many of our great kings, constructed in Gothic and Renaissance architectures was destroyed in the 17th century. Only some parts of it are accessible in the Budapest History Museum, unfortunately the rest of the castle rest in the ground now.
You can walk up the hill along the ramparts of the Medieval Castle to get to the 18th century Baroque Palace which houses the Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery. The cobblestoned streets of the historical old town of Buda lead you to the Matthias Church, one of the oldest churches of the city originating from the 13th century. If you have some time, you really need to climb the 197 stairs to the church tower from where you can have the best view over our beautiful city.
From the top of the Fisherman’s Bastion you can enjoy the panorama over the Parliament building and the Pest side.
Continue your walk in the civilian town, admire the unique architecture of the National Archives and wonder around the old Jewish quarter. Probably the most interesting fact about the distric is that there is a 12 km long underground cave and cellar complex underneath the Castle District. There are 2 museums where you can discover this unique labyrinth. The Hospital in the Rock was a military hospital during WW2 and a nuclear bunker during the Communist era. The Labyrinth museum is all about scary fun and you might also meet Dracula, the infamous vampire count.
I’d be glad to show you the famous attractions and the hidden treasures of the neighborhood, too, book the Buda Castle walk!
One of the oldest churches of Budapest, a working church, an amazing place for wedding ceremonies, Matthias Church, where you can actually feel and see our history of thousand years in Europe. The church is located on the very top of the Castle hill, in the heart of the Buda Castle District.
There are very few places where you can see both Christian and Muslim ornaments, this church is one of them. It looks shiny and new from the outside, I’m sure you’ll be amazed by its interior too, especially after I reveal all its dark and funny secrets during the Buda Castle Walk. We might also climb to the spire, so that you can enjoy the amazing view from the top of the world. You can admire the stunning roof structure which is decorated by 250.000 ceramic tiles and can also see the church bells.
Budapest Matthias Church 
Budapest Matthias Church 
Budapest Matthias Church 
Budapest Matthias Church 
Budapest Matthias Church 
Budapest Matthias Church