Citadel

The Budapest Citadel, majestically perched on Gellért Hill, is a symbol of the city’s turbulent history and resilience. Built between 1850 and 1854 by the Habsburgs, this fortress is a powerful emblem of military control and foreign domination, but over time it has transformed into a symbol of freedom and peace. The construction of the Citadel was commissioned by the Habsburgs following the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-1849, one of the many uprisings that characterized the 19th century in Europe. The project was carried out by Hungarian architects Emmanuel Zitta and Ferenc Kasselik, and the structure was completed using forced Hungarian labor. The fortress, 220 meters long and 60 meters wide, with walls 4 meters thick, was designed to dominate and control Budapest, offering a strategic view of the city and the Danube. Over the years, the Citadel has undergone several transformations. After the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, which led to the creation of the dual monarchy, the fortress lost its military relevance and was transformed into a barracks and hospital. At the end of the 19th century, Hungarian citizens demanded the demolition of the symbol of Austrian repression, and in 1900, part of the walls were symbolically damaged and the site came under the control of the city of Budapest. During World War II, the Citadel was used as a bunker by the Germans, and later, during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, it was occupied by Soviet troops who fired on the city to suppress the uprising. This troubled past has given the Citadel a deep meaning in the Hungarian collective memory, transforming it from a symbol of oppression to a place of commemoration and reflection. Today, the Citadel is one of the main tourist attractions in Budapest, thanks to its privileged location offering breathtaking views of the city, the Danube, and its bridges. From the panoramic terrace, visitors can admire 360-degree views that include the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge, making this place a landmark for photographers and visitors. One of the most iconic features of the Citadel is the Statue of Liberty, erected in 1947 to commemorate Hungary’s liberation from Nazi forces. This statue of a woman holding a palm branch, 14 meters high and placed on a 26-meter pedestal, is visible from almost every point in Budapest and represents the freedom and prosperity of the country. Inside the Citadel, visitors can explore the Wax Museum and the bunker, which provide an overview of Hungary’s participation in World War II. The museum houses a collection of photographs, documents, and other artifacts that illustrate this tumultuous period of Hungarian history, enriched by wax statues representing realistic scenes from that time. To reach the Citadel, visitors can follow various pedestrian paths that climb the hill, offering a pleasant experience between nature and history. For those who prefer to avoid the climb, it is possible to take a bus or a taxi. Visiting the Citadel is free, while entry to the museum and exhibitions inside the bunker requires a ticket.