Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Széchenyi Chain Bridge, one of Budapest's most recognizable structures, frequently ranks top on lists of Europe's most famous bridges. Seeing the ancient Chain Bridge with the Hungarian Parliament illuminated up on the river's edge is a great way to get to know Budapest! It is without a doubt one of the top things to do in Budapest, Hungary.
This stunning suspension bridge spans the mighty Danube, uniting the two sides of Budapest - Buda and Pest. It was commissioned by Count István Széchenyi and designed by William Tierney Clark. Chain Bridge is the most significant of Budapest's eight Danube bridges since it is the city's first permanent stone bridge across the Danube.
The bridge is beautiful no matter what time of day or year it is. It is your constant companion as you visit Budapest; you can admire it while taking in the panoramic views of the Pest side from Castle Hill, cruising down the Danube, or walking across the bridge connecting Buda and Pest.
According to locals, the artist, Marschalko János, who carved the two stone lion statues on the bridgeheads, jumped to his death from the Chain Bridge into the Danube after realizing he had missed carving out the lions' tongues.
Location: Budapest, Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051 Hungary
