Οι καλύτερες διαδρομές και πεζοπορίες στην Ουγγαρία

Ο Ιαπωνικός Κήπος στο νησί Μαργαρίτα (Margitsziget) είναι ένα από τα πιο γαλήνια μέρη στη Βουδαπέστη, και η λίμνη του αποτελεί την καρδιά αυτού του χώρου. Δεν είναι μια τεράστια υδάτινη έκταση, αλλά ακριβώς λόγω των λεπτομερειών και της ατμόσφαιρας είναι ένα πραγματικό κρυφό στολίδι.

Η Margaretenbrücke (στα ουγγρικά: Margit híd) είναι πολύ περισσότερο από μια απλή σύνδεση μεταξύ Βούδας και Πέστης. Είναι η δεύτερη παλαιότερη γέφυρα της ουγγρικής πρωτεύουσας και θεωρείται ένα από τα αρχιτεκτονικά στολίδια του Δούναβη λόγω του ασυνήθιστου σχήματος και της κομψότητάς της. Στη μέση της γέφυρας, ένας πλευρικός κλάδος διακλαδίζεται, οδηγώντας απευθείας στο Νησί Μαργαρίτα. Κατασκευάστηκε μεταξύ 1872 και 1876, σύμφωνα με τα σχέδια του Γάλλου μηχανικού Ernest Goüin. Αυτό εξηγεί επίσης την αδιαμφισβήτητα αισθητή γαλλική αύρα της γέφυρας (παρόμοια με το στυλ του Gustave Eiffel).

Ο πύργος νερού στο νησί Μαργαρίτα (Margitszigeti víztorony) είναι πολύ περισσότερο από ένα απλό τεχνικό κατασκεύασμα – είναι ένα από τα πιο κομψά ορόσημα της Βουδαπέστης και ένα αληθινό κόσμημα της ουγγρικής Art Nouveau.

“There remains to add,” writes Sigfried Grän OFM in ‘Noah, the Builder of the Ark and Inventor of Viticulture,’ “what we omitted above in our summary of the Noah story. Noah not only survives the Flood and, after his rescue, offers a burnt offering to the Creator, but he also incidentally becomes the inventor of viticulture. (...) In ancient Israel, the grapevine was considered the noblest of all plants. To own a vineyard, to enjoy its fruit, and to be able to rest in the peace of its shade was... the epitome of a happy and blessed existence.” (Source: “In the Land of the Lord. Franciscan Journal for the Holy Land,” Issue 4/2024)

The equestrian statue of Saint Stephen I (Szent István) is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest's Castle District. It is not only a popular photo opportunity but also steeped in symbolism and history. Stephen I was the first king of Hungary (crowned in 1000 or 1001). He is considered the founder of the Hungarian state, uniting the Hungarian tribes and consolidating Christianity in the country. He was canonized in 1083.

From this very lofty height, you probably have the most beautiful view of the huge parliament building on the other side of the Danube.

The "Great Musical Fountain" on Margaret Island (Margitsziget) is one of Budapest's most popular free attractions. Considered one of the largest fountains of its kind in Europe, it offers a stunning interplay of water, light, and music. The basin has a diameter of 35 meters, covering a water surface of over 1,000 square meters. The jets of water can shoot up to 10 meters high. Over 150 nozzles and around 250 LED lights create spectacular color effects, especially after dark. The fountain plays music daily from May to October. The program is usually arranged by hour.

The Franciscan monastery on Margaret Island (Margit-sziget) in Budapest is a fascinating testament to medieval Hungary. While the nearby Dominican convent (where Saint Margaret lived) often takes center stage, the Franciscan ruins tell a unique and intriguing story. The monastery was likely built at the end of the 13th century (around 1270), shortly after the Mongol invasion. It was dedicated to Saint John. The complex is a classic example of mendicant order architecture of that period. Particularly striking is the surviving south wall of the church, where the tall, pointed Gothic windows can still be admired. Adjacent to the church was a monastery building with a cloister, storerooms, and sleeping cells. Like almost all the buildings on the island, the monastery was severely damaged during the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century and eventually abandoned. Some of its stones were later used as building material for other structures in the city.