Fisherman’s Bastion
The Halászbástya, or Fisherman's Bastion, is a well-known landmark in Budapest, located near the Buda Castle in the city's first district. Due to the spectacular perspective of Budapest from the Neo-Romanesque observation terraces, it is one of the most prominent tourist attractions. The main façade of the Fishermen's Bastion is roughly 140 meters long, with the southern aisle being approximately 40 meters long, the northern aisle being 65 meters long, and the ornate center parapet being 35 meters long. Its seven high-pitched stone towers represent the seven Hungarian chieftains that created Hungary in 895.
The original walls were erected in the 1700s as part of the castle defenses. According to historians, this section of the castle walls was once guarded by the guild of fishermen (halász), who resided under the walls in the so-called Fishtown or Watertown. The current edifice was erected in Neo-Romanesque style between 1895 and 1902 on the foundation of a stretch of the Buda Castle walls by architect Frigyes Schulek, who was also in charge of the restoration of the Matthias Church. As part of the Várkerület District, it has been a World Heritage Site since 1987.
The lower terraces of Fisherman's Bastion are free to see and accessible 24 hours a day, but the top terrace and tower need a ticket. It may be a purely cosmetic monument with pale walls, many windows, arches, arcades, and seats, yet it is unquestionably one of Europe's most compelling and charming sights.
Location: Budapest Tóth Árpád sétány & Gránit lépcső
