Gellert Hill, Budapest (must see)
Rising high above the Danube, Gell茅rt Hill is a dolomite rock named after the bishop who brought Christianity to Hungary. Standing at 140 meters, it offers some of the best views in Budapest鈥攁n unmissable panorama of the entire city.
Once, in the 18th century, this hill was a peaceful countryside covered in vineyards, but over time, that peaceful scene changed. The 20th century saw much action here, particularly during World War II and again in 1956 during the Hungarian Revolution. From this very height, Soviet tanks fired down on the city in an attempt to crush the uprising. Today, the hill is crowned by Hungary鈥檚 own 鈥淪tatue of Liberty,鈥� commemorating Budapest鈥檚 liberation from Nazi forces in 1944. Wth its palm leaf symbolizing victory, peace, and eternal life, the statue later came to represent Hungary鈥檚 inclusion in the Soviet bloc; however, after political changes in the 1990s, Budapest鈥檚 liberal mayor renamed it the 鈥淪tatue of Freedom鈥� to honor those who fought for independence.
Nearby, you'll find a citadel, built in the 19th century after the Hungarian uprising against Hapsburg Austria. Strategically placed to oversee both Buda and Pest, it was designed to control the city in case of further unrest. Though now a historic landmark, the structure was mostly used as a prison and shelter over the years. Unfortunately, it is no longer open to the public.
As you walk up and down the hill, you鈥檒l find charming spots offering unique views of the city that you won鈥檛 find elsewhere. If you get hungry along the way, there are food and drink stalls at the top. But even if you're here for views and views only, Gell茅rt Hill is well worth the climb!
Once, in the 18th century, this hill was a peaceful countryside covered in vineyards, but over time, that peaceful scene changed. The 20th century saw much action here, particularly during World War II and again in 1956 during the Hungarian Revolution. From this very height, Soviet tanks fired down on the city in an attempt to crush the uprising. Today, the hill is crowned by Hungary鈥檚 own 鈥淪tatue of Liberty,鈥� commemorating Budapest鈥檚 liberation from Nazi forces in 1944. Wth its palm leaf symbolizing victory, peace, and eternal life, the statue later came to represent Hungary鈥檚 inclusion in the Soviet bloc; however, after political changes in the 1990s, Budapest鈥檚 liberal mayor renamed it the 鈥淪tatue of Freedom鈥� to honor those who fought for independence.
Nearby, you'll find a citadel, built in the 19th century after the Hungarian uprising against Hapsburg Austria. Strategically placed to oversee both Buda and Pest, it was designed to control the city in case of further unrest. Though now a historic landmark, the structure was mostly used as a prison and shelter over the years. Unfortunately, it is no longer open to the public.
As you walk up and down the hill, you鈥檒l find charming spots offering unique views of the city that you won鈥檛 find elsewhere. If you get hungry along the way, there are food and drink stalls at the top. But even if you're here for views and views only, Gell茅rt Hill is well worth the climb!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Budapest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: 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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Gellert Hill on Map
Sight Name: Gellert Hill
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Budapest, Hungary
Create Your Own Walk in Budapest
Creating your own self-guided walk in Budapest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Souvenir Shopping
It will definitely be a pity to leave Budapest without exploring local specialty shops and bringing home something authentically Hungarian. A large number of the city鈥檚 specialty shops are found on V谩ci Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that parallels the Danube, extending for more than 15 blocks, with something for every taste and wallet. At its most southerly end, you will find Central Market... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Pest Introduction Walking Tour
Separated from its western neighbor Buda by the wide sweep of the Danube, the eastern side of Budapest takes up almost two-thirds of the city. While Buda rises in hills and castle-topped cliffs, Pest spreads out across a flat plain, buzzing with energy and a rather bourgeois spirit. Some of Hungary鈥檚 most iconic landmarks call this side home, including the grand Parliament building itself. No... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Andrassy Avenue Walking Tour
Dating back to 1870 and recognized as a World Heritage site, Andr谩ssy Avenue is a long, wide boulevard named after Prime Minister Gyula Andr谩ssy (served 1867鈥�71) that connects Budapest's downtown with the City Park. The entire stretch is lined with caf茅s, restaurants, luxury shops, as well as cultural institutions, elegant neo-Renaissance apartment blocks, mansions, and embassies with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Margaret Island Walking Tour
Stretching for around 2.5 km, Margaret Island (鈥淢argit-sziget鈥�) on the river Danube is a popular green oasis / recreational area that serves as Budapest's playground since the 1870s. Flush with beautiful landscaped parks, ancient ruins and various sports facilities, the island can be accessed either by the historical Margaret Bridge on the south or the Arpad Bridge in the north, from... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Buda Introduction Walking Tour
Hungary鈥檚 capital is relatively young, having emerged in the late 19th century after the merger of two neighboring towns鈥擝uda on the western bank of the Danube and Pest on the eastern side. Buda, with its hills and historic character, is home to the grand Hapsburg palace, still exuding the imperial charm of a time when wealth and power reigned.
From the heights of Castle Hill or Gell茅rt... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
From the heights of Castle Hill or Gell茅rt... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Jews were officially allowed to settle in Pest in the early 18th century. By the late 1700s, a small but growing community had taken root, and the 19th century brought rapid urbanization and expansion. The Jewish population soared, with many Jews becoming integral to Budapest鈥檚 economic and cultural life.
Following the Nazi occupation in March 1944, they were forced into a ghetto centered in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Following the Nazi occupation in March 1944, they were forced into a ghetto centered in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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