Description of the attraction
The Fisherman's Bastion is located in Buda, on the Fortress Hill in the old district of Var. Built in 1905 on the site of the former fishing market, the Fisherman's Bastion is the most beautiful architectural monument and decoration of Budapest. Its walls offer a wonderful view of the Danube, the panorama of the Pest region, the neo-Gothic Parliament of Hungary is perfectly visible.
The construction began in 1897 and was timed to coincide with the celebration of the millennium of Hungary. But by 1896 the work could not be completed and the grand opening took place only in 1905. Together with the bastion, the entire Troitskaya Square was reconstructed. Its name comes from the fact that fish were traded on this place, and during the wars this area was supposed to be protected by the local merchants and fishermen.
The architectural ensemble of the Fisherman's Bastion
The Fisherman's Bastion is just a very beautiful architectural ensemble and has no historical value. It was built of white stone, the author of the project is the architect Frigyes Shulek. These are galleries with seven towers and a square in the center. Viaducts connect the towers, symbolizing the seven Hungarian tribes united in a state. In the center of the square, on a majestic high pedestal made of white stone, there is a statue of St. Stephen, the first ruler who brought Christianity to the country. The Magyar king is depicted on horseback with the apostolic cross in his hand.
The total length of the viaducts is 140 meters, the width is about 8, the main and most luxurious tower is called Hiradash. The style of construction is neo-romanticism with many balustrades, turrets, arcades, viewing platforms and walkways. Under the bastion there are underground passages and labyrinths, the total length of which, according to legend, is more than four kilometers.
A majestic staircase that descends to the foot of the Janos Hunyadi monument leads to the Vizivaros area. According to the original plan of the architect, it was supposed to descend to the waters of the Danube.
The Fisherman's Bastion was conceived as a backdrop for the Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos, which is known as the Church of St. Matthias. The church was built back in 1015 by order of King Istvan, was repeatedly destroyed and was rebuilt along with the bastion and reconstruction of the Buda Castle in the 19th century.
During the Second World War, the architectural ensemble of the bastion was damaged by bombing, but was completely restored in 1970.
Fisherman's Bastion is a great place for photo shoots, panoramic shoots and is used as a decoration in movies.
On a note
- Location: Budapest, Szentháromság tér., 5.
- How to get there: by bus # 16, # 16A, # 116 in the daytime, and at night by bus # 916.
- Official Website:
- Opening hours: daily and around the clock, but the uppermost level is open from March 16 to April 30 - from 9:00 to 19:00; from May 1 to October 15 - from 9:00 to 18:00.
- Tickets: free admission, tickets are required only for the highest level. Cost: 700 forints - adults, 350 - children, up to 6 years old - free.
