The history of Buda Castle dates back to the 14th century, as the seat of the royal court of the kings of Hungary, and was built in the late Gothic style. During the following centuries, the castle was enlarged and modified according to Renaissance trends, becoming one of the most important meeting points in Central and Eastern Europe.

During the Ottoman invasion of the 16th century, the Ottoman armies swept away the Hungarian resistance and seized Buda Castle. For nearly 160 years the Ottoman Empire occupied central Hungary, until an attempt by the sultan to take the city of Vienna caused the Germanic armies to drive them out of Buda Castle and the region in the 17th century.

The Hungarian kingdom was unified, and although Budapest remained a relevant city, the Hungarian crown remained in Vienna. Thus, the castle was completely rebuilt in the mid-18th century in the late Baroque style, as a symbol of the Habsburg rule over Hungary recovered from the Ottoman Empire.

Over time, Buda Castle underwent constant renovations and enlargements; its present extension dates from the second half of the 19th century when its surface was doubled and its architecture was embellished in a pompous neo-baroque style. At the beginning of the 20th century it was one of the most extensive and monumental royal residences in Europe.

During World War II, due to its dominant position over the city, the Royal Castle was seriously damaged during the Siege of Budapest, which prompted the subsequent communist government to rebuild it starting in the 1950s, this time in a severe neoclassical style.

Since then, different institutions settled in the old castle, such as the Hungarian National Gallery or the Budapest History Museum. On the other hand, and within the reforms carried out after the Second World War, the nineteenth-century gardens located on the slope of the hill disappeared to allow the recreation of medieval fortifications, turning the former royal residence into a public place of historical, cultural and leisure recreation for the city.

Today, Buda Castle is a popular tourist destination that preserves the history and culture of Hungary, as well as being an important exponent of monumental architecture in Budapest.

Its main structure, in its current version, seems rather austere compared to its previous versions. Its rooms and halls, on the other hand, preserve the abundance of ornaments and sumptuousness typical of past times.

The building consists of a series of wings, articulated around the Lion's Courtyard. The latter is surrounded by the National Library, the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. A funicular brings visitors from the Chain Bridge to the northern area of the castle grounds. At all times, the views of the city are breathtaking.

Another popular tourist attraction near the Buda Castle is the Fisherman's Bastion, a neo-Gothic structure that offers panoramic views of the river and Pest, the most modern part of Budapest. This place is especially beautiful at sunset, when the sun sets behind the city.

In addition to the attractions inside the castle, there are many more things to see and do in the surrounding area. Visitors can take a stroll up Buda Castle Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the Danube. They can also explore the nearby Castle Quarter, which features attractive cobblestone alleys, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. In this neighborhood, you can also find the Matthias Church, one of the oldest buildings in Budapest, and the Holy Trinity Square, where the equestrian statue of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary, is located.

Welcome to Hungary!