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Visegrád - Renaissance PalaceHistoric Hungarian Castle and Citadel on the Banks on the Danube
One of the most atmospheric and historic of Hungary's many castles is at Visegrád, close to Budapest, high on a hill overlooking the Danube River.
Visegrád, some fifty kms from Budapest, is where one of the most spectacular castles in Hungary can be found. It was once the royal capital of the country. The PalaceThe palace, built on the vantage point overlooking the Danube bend, dates backto the 4th Century. Its name - Visegrád - means "castle in a high place". The CitadelAt the top of the Sibrik Hill the Citadel was established in the tenth century, and renovated between 1247 and 1265 by King Béla. The lower castle, overlooking the river, was built during the Middle Ages. It was during this period, in 1335, that King Charles Robert met with European rulers: the Polish, Czech and Slovak kings, and members of royal families from various states in Germany. They became known as the Visegrád Four, a title which is still familiar. Castle HeydayThe castle reached its heyday between 1458 and 1490, when King Matthias Corvinus and Queen Beatrice, using Italian renaissance builders and decorators renovated the original Gothic building, and it is these elements - Gothic and Renaissance - that can be seen today amongst the ruins. Solomon's TowerWith walls up to eight metres thick in places, it stands guard beside the river and the road. It was originally built to keep watch on the river, and dates from the 13th century. Museums and DisplaysWith its associated museums and displays, Visegrád and its castle make a pleasant destination for a day trip from Budapest. In the castle grounds, various craft people display and demonstrate their skills: candle makers, felt workers, stonemasons, bead makers, leather workers, and potters turn out their wares. For a small fee, you can have a go at these crafts yourself, enhancing your understanding of how people of those times lived and worked. Children are especially welcomed to try. Panoramic ViewsFrom the top of the hill, the panoramic views across the Danube bend make the steep climb worth while. For the faint hearted, or faint footed, there's also a bus that makes the trip. Other ActivitiesIf you wish to spend more time in Visegrád, there's plenty to do besides explore the castles - forest walks, bicycling, a bobsled track available for use all year, and horse riding are just some of the activities that are on offer in Visegrád or nearby. From Visegrád, you can also cross the Danube by boat, and at Kismaros take a narrow gauge railway into the Börzsöny Hills to the royal hunting grounds. Getting to Visegrád From BudapestBuses for Visegrád leave Árpád Híd bus station. The journey takes over an hour. Trains leave Nyugati station for Nagymaros-Visegrád. You need to leave the train at Nagymaros and catch the ferry across the river to Visegrád. If you have a car, follow Highway 11 out of Budapest. But one of the nicest ways to get to the town is by boat. Although it takes longer than bus or train, it's a great way to go, at least one way. Boats for Visegrád leave Vigadó Tér. July Castle Games FestivalThe Middle Ages really come to life here during the Visegrád castle games held from the 7th to the 9th of July. Events include a royal procession, medieval arts and crafts fair, jousting tournaments, archers, horseshows, demonstrations of ancient weaponry, and Italian flag throwers.
The copyright of the article Visegrád - Renaissance Palace in Castles/Forts/Cathedrals Tours is owned by Christiane Birkett. Permission to republish Visegrád - Renaissance Palace in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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