Vajdahunyad castle that grew out of the scenery

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Travelers going on holiday to Hungary must visit picturesque Budapest, the capital of the country. This is a delightful city where you can study its history through architectural monuments. It is no coincidence that the resort with thermal therapeutic baths, rich nightlife, wonderful parks is visited by about 20 million people a year. The pearl of the Danube is also famous for its centuries-old castles.

However, there is a unique architectural complex that locals call the main romantic attraction. The most visited Vajdahunyad Castle is located in the City Grove and shows the features of four architectural styles, which is surprising for buildings of this kind.

The history of the appearance of the castle

The story of Castle Vajdahunyad is very interesting, and probably the only castle in the world that grew out of scenery. It all started in 1896, when the Hungarians celebrated the millennium of their homeland. It was a real holiday with memorable events, and the authorities did not skimp on various celebrations. In the very center of the city, where the park is locatedVaroshliget, an unusual exhibition called "Historical Pavilion" was opened, the exhibits of which were made of cardboard and wood.

The inhabitants of Budapest and the guests of the glorious city were surprised at the copies of the buildings that played an important role in the history. Everyone liked the model of a beautiful building, which was an installation of the Corvin estate, located in Transylvania, so much that it was decided to build the Vajdahunyad castle in the same place, but from stone, not papier-mâché.

Mattyash I of the Hunyadi clan is the favorite ruler of the country's inhabitants, known as Corvinus, which translates as "raven". The pavilion that became the most popular at the Hungarian birthday celebration was named after him.

The main sensation of the exhibition

Vajdahunyad Castle was built by the famous architect I. Alpar, because it was he who invented a miniature copy of the extraordinary ensemble. The talented master prepared in advance for the opening of the exhibition and repeatedly visited Transylvania, sketching interesting structures.

The architect was running out of time, and due to lack of funds and time, he understood that he would not be able to build a historical castle out of bricks. In the end, he created a pavilion from improvised materials, which was called the "structure on chicken legs." However, the people liked the creation, and the visitors of the exhibition expressed a unanimous opinion that Vajdahunyad Castle became the main sensation of an important event.

Construction attractions

Ordinary residents were heard by the authorities of Budapest,therefore, everyone supported the idea of building an architectural ensemble that glorified the City Grove. This is how a majestic building made of stone, steel and reinforced concrete appeared, called the Vajdahunyad Castle. Hungary did not forget the merits of the architect, and a monument to Alpar, who left a cultural heritage, was erected next to an important landmark.

The construction of a large-scale structure lasted for twelve years, after which it opened its doors to everyone, and even the Emperor of Austria himself was present at the opening ceremony. Unfortunately, the building was seriously damaged by bombing several times during the Great Patriotic War, and until 1990 the castle was completely reconstructed.

Combination of architectural styles

The architect combined in one place what no one had ever done before. When creating the project, Alpar took elements from other architectural structures known throughout the world.

Thus, some parts of the capital's pearl may resemble the legendary castle of Count Dracula and the medieval fortress of Segesvár. On the left side of the monument, adored by the locals, there is a chapel built - an exact copy of the church located in the village of Yak.

Medieval tale

The Vajdahunyad stone castle (Hungary), which has never served as a defensive structure, has long attracted with its special beauty. To get inside the attraction, you need to go through a stone bridge through a massive Gothic gate.

They were originally built on the shores of an artificial lake, but just a year ago, the reservoir, which turned into a skating rink in winter, was drained, and an unremarkable lawn appeared in its place.

Romanesque building complex

What awaits visitors who first came to Vajdahunyad Castle (Budapest)? To the left of the entrance is the Romanesque part of the building, which is adored by tourists. It consists of a consecrated chapel replicating the church of the Yaka settlement, a monastery courtyard with openwork columns, in the center of which there is a decorative well.

The ensemble includes a covered gallery with luxurious halls intended for Emperor Franz Joseph, and later an administrative building was equipped here, inside which tourists are not allowed to enter. The Romanesque complex includes a corner structure, invented by the architect and called the Torture Tower.

Behind it is a Gothic ensemble, and the Baroque and Renaissance parts are connected by a passage for the convenience of tourists. The magnificently decorated buildings are truly admired by visitors, who admit that Vajdahunyad Castle (Budapest) is the most beautiful architectural monument.

How to get there?

You don't have to pay to enter the local attraction, but to get to the museum inside it, you need to pay three and a half euros. There is a 50% discount for children who come with their parents to Vajdahunyad Castle.

How to get to the majestic building located in the centercities? You can get to the Heroes' Square station by metro, choosing the orange line M1, and walk a little towards the park. Buses number 70, 75, 79 also go to the castle.