The capital city of Hungary, Budapest, was created out of the unification of the separate historic towns of Buda, Pest and Óbuda in 1873. While the area had been inhabited since Roman times, it was from this date that the city’s expansion into a world capital really began. Budapest is bisected by the River Danube, with the city as much a natural geographical centre as it is the country’s transport hub. Covering an area of two hundred square miles and divided into 23 administrative districts, it is home today to a population of 1.8 million people.
Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant cultural heritage and has long been the focal point of the nation and a lively cultural centre. Recognizing the unique value of its traditions it has managed to maintain its magic and charm, and is rightly known as the Queen of the Danube. It has also been called the City of Spas, as there are a dozen thermal baths complexes served by over a hundred natural thermal springs.
With its multifarious and often embittered history, incredible architecture and rich cultural heritage, it is no wonder that Hungary's capital draws upwards of 20 million visitors annually. It has a complex identity, somewhere between Western luxury and simple traditions.
The broad avenues and leafy parks act as remnants of Soviet rule (which ended in 1991) and the elaborate bathhouses are a tradition borrowed from Ottoman rule. It also has a turn-of-the-century feel to it, for it was then - during the industrial boom and the capital's heyday - that most of the city was built.
The city is home to the largest synagogue in Europe (Great Synagogue), the largest medicinal bath in Europe (Széchenyi Medicinal Bath) and the third largest Parliament building in the world, once the largest in the world. The third largest church in Europe (Esztergom Basilica) and the second largest Baroque castle in the world (Gödöllő) are in the vicinity.
Despite spectacular development, Budapest has preserved its old world charm. It is the city where the pleasing harmony of different architectural styles and superb structures, the cafes, baths, the food and culture, combined with legendary hospitality blend into an unforgettable experience for visitors.