Budapest: A gem in Central Europe
By Wendell Gaa
Since the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s, Budapest, Hungary has steadily risen to become one of the most popular destinations throughout all of Europe.
This historic city which is famously divided by the Danube River between the relaxing atmosphere of the hilly Buda side and the vibrant energetic Pest side has so much to offer to visitors and its own residents alike.
I first traveled here way back in 2010 as a side trip during a summer scholarship course which I had taken up at the University of Debrecen in Hungary’s eastern region. I was back here with my mother and two aunts in November where we began an enriching Danube River cruise tour. It was unquestionably delightful and nostalgic.
My first trip here introduced me to some of Budapest’s highlight attractions such as its iconic Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Heroes’ Square and thermal baths at the upscale Gellert Hotel. On my return visit, my family and I this time had the honor and privilege to be hosted by Philippine Ambassador to Hungary Frank Cimafranca and his wife Lu for a hearty welcome supper. We were grateful to Ambassador and Madame Cimafranca for their warm company on our first evening before we returned to our hotel on the Buda side.
We were pleased to know that right nearby our hotel was Budapest’s famous Fisherman’s Bastion, which is a lookout terrace adorned with Neo-Romanesque castle walls and towers from where we could get a spectacular panoramic view of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city with its skyline horizon beautified by the sight of the architectural wonder of the Parliament Building. This was the perfect morning walkway for us.
We then decided to stroll to the nearby Buda Castle which had been the historic royal palace seat of the Hungarian Kings from the 13th century until the end of World War I in 1918 when the monarchy was abolished. Viewing the fine baroque style of the castle complex with its rustic, green-colored dome was a pleasant sight typical of rich European heritage. Within the complex is the absorbing Budapest Historical Museum which is rich with relics of Hungarian history.
However, the biggest highlight of our three-day visit was stopping by the city’s St. Stephen’s Basilica, the most significant church throughout the whole country which is named in honor of the first King of Hungary St. Stephen I, the founder and first Christian ruler of the nation who is also considered by many to be one of the greatest historic royal figures in all of Europe. A World Heritage Site, this Catholic cathedral is the largest church in Budapest and is the third largest church in modern Hungary. It also happens to be one of the two tallest architectural structures in the city (the other being the Parliament Building).
Madame Cimafranca accompanied us as we toured the St. Stephen’s Basilica, and we were surely impressed with the intricately designed interior, particularly the celestial sanctuary and altar. While sitting down and appreciating the cathedral ornaments around us, we had the further pleasure of meeting a few other Filipino tourists who were visiting in from the U.S. and Ireland.
The presence of St. Stephen is literally still here in the form of his mummified right hand which is encased inside a lavish golden reliquary. It was mesmerizing to look at St. Stephen’s hand which is nearly 1,000 years old!
