Article Values of Hungary

I am #HistoricallyCurious

The UNESCO World Heritage list divides sites into those of outstanding culture and those of exceptional natural value. Most of them sit in the cultural category. Budapest counts as one, with three specific attractions: the Danube panorama, the Castle District, and Andrássy Avenue.

Indulge in an enriching voyage through Hungary’s UNESCO sites, where history and culture intertwine, offering travelers a guided adventure into the heart of the past. Embark on a historical journey and make sure to discover the following:

• In western Hungary, Pannonhalma Abbey, founded in 996, still functions as a center of church and art history, with a greenhouse and herb garden, cloisters, an archabbey museum, a gallery, and a chapel.
• In northeast Hungary, Tokaj – a wine region since 1737.
• Nearby, the Hortobágy National Park shows how man and nature can interact harmoniously; animal husbandry adapted to the saline pastures and wetlands.
• Closer to Budapest, Hollókő Ófalu refers to the Old Village, the medieval castle ruins above, and the surrounding greenery.
• The Fertő lake area features a unique landscape of vineyards and diverse wildlife, geologically and historically uniform on either side of the Austrian border that now divides it.
• Pécs, in southern Hungary, has an Early Christian Necropolis from the fourth century.
• The 1,200 caverns of Aggtelek straddling the Slovak border include the 26-kilometer Baradla-Domica cave system and Rákóczi Cave No.1, used in treating respiratory illnesses.

Budapest is a living history book ready to captivate visitors with its tales of triumphs, turmoil, and artistic splendor. A visit to Budapest is an immersive experience, connecting you to the soul of Hungary’s storied past:

1. The Banks of the Danube

Undoubtedly, the Banks of the Danube in Budapest offer a splendid view, with the iconic bridges crossing the river. The World Heritage Site extends from Margaret Bridge to Liberty Bridge and, on the Buda side, includes the historical complex of the castle district, Gellért Hill with the Statue of Liberty, and the famous Gellért Bath.

2. The Buda Castle District

The Buda Castle District is worth a special mention since with its many sights, this destination alone is worth a full day. Once in the center of the quarter, surrounded by the castle wall, take a look at the 19th-century Neo-Gothic-style Matthias Church and the Neo-Romanesque Fisherman’s Bastion; and don’t miss walking through Buda Castle, once home to kings and today housing the National Széchenyi Library, the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.

3. Andrássy Avenue

Andrássy Avenue has also been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List with its magnificent buildings, such as the Opera House designed by the rightly famous architect Miklós Ybl. Once there, you can admire the Neo-Renaissance Academy of Music or the art nouveau fashion hall Divatcsarnok. Make sure to include the magnificent Heroes’ Square as part of your stroll at the end of Andrássy Avenue.