Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest

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Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest

Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest (must see)

Right next to Matthias Church stands the imposing Fisherman’s Bastion, a monumental neo-Gothic, neo-Romanesque structure completed in 1902. Originally part of the old city wall, it traces its origins back to the Middle Ages when local fishermen, appointed by the king, defended this area. While the modern bastion’s primary function is decorative, it also serves as a viewing platform while also marking the millennium of Hungarian statehood.

The seven towers on display here are symbolic of the seven Hungarian chieftains who led their tribes to the land of present-day Hungary back in the 9th century. The turrets atop these towers have become prime spots for photography lovers for the great shots they provide over the Danube River below and the Pest side of the city on the opposite bank. Given their popularity, there is a small fee to access these turrets, though the rest of the bastion’s terrace is open free of charge.

At the heart of it all stands a statue of Saint Stephen, Hungary’s first king who reigned between the years 1000 and 1038. The wide ceremonial staircase leading up to the statue is flanked by several other notable sculptures, including one of statesman John Hunyadi, one of Saint George slaying the dragon, and the row of 10th-century soldiers guarding the gate at the top of the stairs, beneath the arch.

The arcades and benches around the bastion invite for quiet contemplation or, perhaps a touch of romance in a secluded setting. And for those looking to take in the sights with a refreshing drink in hand, a beverage restaurant sits at the top of one of the turrets, perfect for enjoying the beauty of Budapest laid out before you.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Budapest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Fisherman's Bastion on Map

Sight Name: Fisherman's Bastion
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Budapest, Hungary

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles

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