Budapest, a city steeped in history, has seen countless stories to tell in its squares, streets and buildings. Today, we take you into the time tunnel, through the 19th and 20th centuries, and explore the legendary squares that have survived and disappeared. Can you recognize them at a glance?
1.Deák Ferrenc Tér de Jac Ferenc Square.
Dejac Ferenc Square is the heart of Budapest and the meeting point for the city's residents and three metro lines. It has always been so. As early as the 19th century, it was already a transport hub and was a horse station until the opening of the first metro line on the European continent, the Underground Railway, in 1896. Throughout its history, the square has had different names, until 1867, when it was named after a prominent Hungarian politician (often called"Wise man of the nation") is officially named. Today, it is still a lively center.
2.v r smarty tér Piazza Voroš Marti.
If Ferencplatz is the place to meet, then Volosmalti Square is the place to stay. Here, you can enjoy it to your heart's content"Hang out", such as the iconic Gerbeaud Café, which was founded in 1858 and is a gem within the historic building of the Hungarian Commercial Bank in Pest (the one you see in **). Don't miss the chance to try a slice of the signature gerbeaud cake. For a more laid-back vibe, head to Hard Rock Café for a juicy burger, or head to StYes, it's a bit of a tourist attraction, but it's a focal square at the end of Váci Utca, so you can enjoy the vibrancy of the city to the fullest, or hop on the Millennium Metro to get away from the hustle and bustle.
3.Ferrenciek Tere Franciscan Square.
Franciscan Square, named after the Franciscan church and monastery, is a stone's throw from the Danube and the Elizabeth Bridge. The majestic Clotilde Palace stands right at the entrance to the square, not to mention the famous shopping street Vassy Strasse, which runs parallel to the square. If you're looking for more landmarks, St. Francis' Church and ELTE University Library are both worth a visit. An interesting historical discovery is that until 1972 there was a tram passing through the square and a tunnel was built, but in a major reconstruction in 2014 both tunnels were erased. Take metro line 3 to Ferrenciiek Tere.
4.Kolosy Tér Colosi Square.
Buda is a charming residential area where you can still feel some of the small town and old town. The area was founded in the 1st century AD as a military camp and settlement for the Roman Empire, leaving behind the ruins of Agincum. The square Colosi in the picture is named after the freedom fighter György Kolosi in 1848. The square shared space with the Luzhcha Steam Mill until 1921, when most of the mill's buildings burned down to make way for the construction of several storey apartment buildings. In **, a café called Güttler Kávéház can be seen, which has now been turned into Starbucks. However, the rest of the building silently bears witness to the passage of time.
5.Széll Kálmán Tér Salee Kalman Square.
Salee Kalman Square is another important transportation hub. Metro Line 2 has a stop here, in addition to multiple buses and trams – it's quick and easy to get to Buda Castle or to the famous Normafa hiking site. Once upon a time, it was a brick workshop and mine, and later, Buda's first ice rink was built here. Over time, a number of other sports facilities have also appeared, such as tennis courts and athletics centers. During the Soviet era, the square was once called Moszkva Tér as a tribute to Moscow, and in 2011, in honor of the Hungarian Prime Minister, the square was restored to its original name. In 2016, the square was renovated to form its current landscape.