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Strolling Andrassy Street in BudapestThis Avenue Leads to Heroes Square and the Millennium Monument
Two museums just off this street are dedicated to two of Hungary's most famous composers - Liszt and Kodaly. Also along here is the Museum of Far Eastern Art.
Andrassy Street leads away from the commercial bustle nearer the River Danube and to the well-photographed Heroes Square. The square is famous for its 1929 Millennium Monument and the statue of Archangel Gabriel on its 36m/120ft. tall Corinthian Column. In front of the column is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Franz Liszt Museum This is in a corner house with the entrance on Vorosmarty Street and is a must for lovers of Liszt's lush compositions. The outside of this 19th century house has bas reliefs above the second floor windows depicting several composers: Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and, of course, Liszt. Inside are rooms displaying some of his furniture, documents and pianos. This is only one of several houses where Liszt lived during his sojourns in Budapest. The Zoltan Koday MuseumKodaly, said to be one of the 20th century's greatest composers, lived in this house at Kodaly Korond 1 from 1924 until his death in 1967. The museum is made up of three rooms that are in their original style and a fourth that is used for exhibitions. Here it is possible to see some of the composer's handwritten music scores and correspondence. As with Liszt's museum, there is also a piano that belonged to Kodaly. Ference Hopp Museum of Far Eastern ArtMr. Hopp (1833-1919) was a wealthy merchant and was the first great Hungarian traveler. He left his collection of more than 20,000 items from places such as India, China and Vietnam to the nation. The museum is in Hopp's large villa and garden with the smaller items indoors and in the garden are large stone sculptures and architectural fragments. His Chinese and Japanese collection is at the Rath Gyorgy Museum at 12 Varosligen Avenue. Millennium MonumentHungary celebrated its millennium in 1896 but the monument was not completed until 1929. The Archangel Gabriel's column is a part of the monument and in his hands he is holding St. Istvan's Crown and the apostolic cross. These items signify Hungary's conversion to Christianity in the 11th century under King Istvan (Stephen). The equestrian statues are of Prince Arpad and six of the conquering Magyar warriors. The statues within the colonnade are of great Hungarians such as statesmen and monarchs. The Royal InsigniaFor many years the gold crown among the insignia was thought to be St. Stephen's Crown, but research discovered that it wasn't created until 70 years after King Stephen died. To see the Royal Regalia, a visit to the Hungarian National Museum is a must. There is a separate room for these items. Incidentally, during World War II American forces discovered the items and removed them for safe keeping to Fort Knox. They were eventually returned to Hungary in 1978. The Gold Crown is decorated with precious stones and is of two sections - the lower being Byzantine and the upper being Roman, which was added in the 12th century. The Sceptre is 12th century with a crystal head which is thought to date from the 10th century. The Orb is gold-plated bronze and was created in the 14th century while the Sword is Renaissance, probably 16th century Venetian. The collection is completed with a fabulous Liturgical Gown which dates from 1031, but it was updated in the 13th century. As it is of silk cloth embroidered with gold thread and pearls it is a miracle that it is still in one piece. There are lots of wonderful tours available, including themed ones. For more information about Budapest log on to their web site. For a day away from the city it is worth the short journey to the pretty town of Szentendre.
The copyright of the article Strolling Andrassy Street in Budapest in Hungary Travel is owned by Barbara Bothwell. Permission to republish Strolling Andrassy Street in Budapest in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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