The Hungarian National Archives (Hungarian: Magyar Nemzeti Levéltár) is located in the Castle District of Buda and is one of Hungary's most important cultural and historical institutions. It preserves the written records of Hungarian history and plays a central role in the research and preservation of the national heritage.
The archives were founded in the 18th century and are now housed in an impressive neo-Gothic building on Castle Hill, not far from Matthias Church and the former Royal Palace. The building itself is an architectural gem with a striking tower, tiled roof, and ornate facade details that blend harmoniously into the historic setting of the Castle District.
It houses millions of documents, charters, and manuscripts—including royal decrees, medieval manuscripts, administrative records, and private legacies. These holdings document more than a thousand years of Hungarian history. Researchers, historians, and interested visitors can browse the collections in the reading room or take part in guided tours that provide insight into the archive's work. In addition to its scientific significance, the Hungarian National Archives is also a worthwhile architectural and cultural destination in Budapest's Castle District, impressively blending history and the present.