I am 100% sure that during your stay in Budapest you will visit Heroes’ Square – and you should! When you are there take a look at City Park behind the statues. On the left, you can find Széchenyi Spa, on the right, there is City Park Ice Rink with a castle behind that looks as if it has just stepped out from a Disney fairytale. That is Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyad Vára), one of the most unique attractions in Budapest.
Vajdahunyad Castle, the fairy-tale building complex
Vajdahunyad Castle is a fairy-tale building complex in the City Park of Budapest. It was built in 1896 as a temporary structure and part of the Millennial Exhibition, along with such Budapest attractions as the Millennial Monument on Heroes’ Square, or the Fisherman’s Bastion in the Buda Castle, which celebrated the 1,000 years of Hungary since the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin in 895-896.
The idea was to present the different architectural styles which could be found and were used in Hungary in one building. Originally Vajdahunyad Castle was first built from wood and cardboard, but, due to the fact that this castle became one of the most liked constructions of the Millennial Exhibition, Ignác Alpár, the designer, rebuilt it in a permanent form using stable materials such as brick and stone in 1907.
Photo: András Zombory
Represented elements in Vajdahunyad Castle
Different parts of the building are copies of different Hungarian castles, palaces, churches, monasteries. The most interesting element is the exact replica of the Romanesque-style portal of Ják Chapel, originally found in Vas County. This gate has six layered arches with sculpted figures of the 12 apostles. The chapel itself and the garden of Vajdahunyad Castle are popular spots for taking creative wedding photos on your big day.
Photo: András Zombory
Ignác Alpár managed to show elements of the following buildings:
- Church of Ják
- Cathedral of Pécs
- Zápolya Chapel of Szepescsütörtök
- houses of Lőcse and Besztercebánya
- Saint Catherine’s Gate from Brassó
- loggia from the Town Hall of Bártfa
- Charles Gate of Gyulafehérvár
- some themes from the Royal Palace of Gödöllő.
Currently the building complex houses the Museum of Agriculture (Mezőgazdasági Múzeum) as well and you can see face to face with Anonymus in the garden of the castle.
Museum of Agriculture
Museum of Agriculture can be found in the baroque part of Vajdahunyad Castle. It is an interesting place to visit, not only for seeing the interior of the building (beautifully painted walls, crystal chandeliers, etc.) but also for the exhibits. You can gain insight of development of tools and machines, hunting and fishing, and wine-making.
There is a possibility for guided tours in different languages. Please check entrance fees and visiting rules HERE.
Statue of Anonymus
Anonymus was a chronicler in the XII century and wrote the first history book about the ancient Hungarians based mostly on legend and myth. Superstitious people say stories about touching his pen can give you good luck. I have also heard that by touching his pen can give writers excellent inspiration. Either way, just go ahead and touch the pen to ensure your luck. It cannot hurt.
Where to stay near Vajdahunyad Castle
Ibis Budapest Heroes’ Square
Ibis Budapest Heroes’ Square is located next to the Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian Art Gallery, Széchenyi Spa, Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, Heroes’ Square and City Park. A breakfast buffet is available every morning at the hotel. A terrace and a bar are also at guests’ disposal. If you arrive by car, no problem, the hotel provides parking for an extra fee.
Smart Hotel Budapest
Experience the smart technology in Smart Hotel Budapest! Innovation and wise resorts are waiting for you and your family. Two clicks for personalize room by using located tablets or even your mobile phone. Make yourself at home.
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest
This upscale boutique hotel is located in the historic Andrássy Avenue, also known as the Champs Élysées of Budapest and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll enjoy being a 5 minute walk away from Heroes’ Square and Széchenyi Spa. The elegance of this recently renovated building was erected in the 1930s. This Bauhaus style hotel offers modern comforts, gourmet breakfast, a restaurant and lounge and conference rooms.
Photo: András Zombory
Have a nice stay in Budapest!
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