Budapest is a beautiful city with countless treasures to see. Today, we are going to visit more of these fabulous places. Our plan is to start out day at St. Stephen’s Basilica. One of the wonderful things about Budapest is wherever you are walking, there is always something to see.
St. Stephen’s Basilica is truly a must see when in Budapest. Construction began in 1851 and was finally completed in 1905. As impressive as the outside of the Basilica is the inside is even more. To give you an idea of it’s size, it can accommodate 8000 worshippers.
Here are some pictures from the inside of the Basilica. Again these pictures do not do justice to the immense beauty but do give you an idea. I suggest adding a visit to St. Stephen’s Basilica to everyone’s travel list.
We continue with our day with a stop at Gelarto Rosa which turns out to be a fabulous idea! We actually visit here again before we leave. I recommend raspberry, elderflower and the peach was also delicious!
Our next stop is Hungary’s largest building, Parliament and the world’s third largest parliament building. It was designed in 1885 and completed in 1905. We were unable to do a guided tour, if you are interested in doing this, I suggest you book online in advance. We did enjoy the visitor centre and a walk around the grounds.
We walk down the Danube River to see the memorial Shoes on the Danube. This memorial was erected in 2005 as a tribute to the Jewish victims who were shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944–45. It is a sombre, powerful memorial and a reminder of past horrors.
We continue our day with a visit to the Great Synagogue. It is the second largest Synagogue in the world, seating for 3000 worshippers. It was built in 1859 and renovated in the 1990s. This was my first time in a Synagogue. The inside of the Synagogue was outstanding. If you are planning on visiting the Great Synagogue, your knees and shoulders must be covered.
Attached to the Synagogue is the Hungarian Jewish Museum. It has items from 3rd century and a Holocaust Memorial Room.
On the grounds outside of the Synagogue there is a cemetery, Heroes Temple and Holocaust Memorial “tree of life” the metals leaves are inscribed with family names of Jewish victims from WWII.
We take a break for supper. Then ride Tram 2, which has been named by the National Geographic as Europe’s most scenic tram journey. It is a great way to see some of Budapest’s beautiful sights (Parliament, Buda Castle). The tram runs along the Danube River.
We decide to end our night with a walk across Chain Bridge. The city at night is just as spectacular as it is in the light. There was a flock of birds flying around the top of Parliament and the lights kept shinning off of them, it was very neat to see.
Budapest, you are beautiful!
Em's Travel Diary 