Fisherman's Bastion

Overview

Fisherman's Bastion was built between 1895 and 1902 to designs by the architect Frigyes Schulek, named after the fishermen who defended the market in medieval times. Its seven white turrets represent the seven Magyar tribes. From the bastion there are panoramic views over the Danube, the Chain Bridge and the Parliament, making it the city's most famous photo spot, and it is especially spectacular at sunset and after dark.

History

The bastion was built as part of the millennium celebrations marking 1,000 years since the Magyar conquest, and takes its name from the guild of fishermen who were responsible for defending this stretch of the city wall in the Middle Ages. Matthias Church behind it, where Hungarian kings were crowned, was restored at the same time in neo-Gothic style.

Highlights

• •Panoramas over the Danube
• •Night views of the Chain Bridge and Parliament
• •Matthias Church next door

Practical tips

• •The terraces are free; the towers cost about EUR 8
• •Sunset is the best time to visit

Practical information

Best time

April to October

Tickets

Exterior free; towers about EUR 8

Opening hours

Open all day

Local food

Goulash soup, chimney cake, foie gras and Tokaji wine

Getting around

Metro lines M1 to M4 and trams cover the city, and the two banks of the Danube are linked on foot by bridges

Visa

Hungary is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Budapest is a popular destination, so book an appointment early.

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