The Fisherman's Bastion is located in Buda, on Fortress Hill in the ancient neighbourhood of Var. Built in 1905 on the site of a former fishermen's market, the Fishermen's Bastion is a beautiful architectural monument and a jewel of Budapest. Its walls offer a wonderful view of the Danube, the panorama of the Pest district, and the neo-Gothic Parliament of Hungary.
The construction began in 1897 and was timed to coincide with the celebration of Hungary's millennium. However, by 1896 the work could not be completed and the grand opening did not take place until 1905. Together with the bastion the whole Trinity Square was reconstructed. Its name comes from the fact that on this place traded fish, and during the wars this area had to protect local traders and fishermen.
The architectural ensemble of the Fisherman's Bastion
The Fisherman's Bastion is just a very beautiful architectural ensemble and has no historical value. It is built of white stone, the author of the project is the architect Fridieš Šulek. These are galleries with seven towers and a square in the centre. Viaducts connect the towers, symbolising the seven Hungarian tribes united into a state. In the centre of the square on a majestic high pedestal of white stone is a statue of Saint Istvan, the first ruler to bring Christianity to the country. The Magyar king is depicted on horseback with an apostolic cross in his hand.
The viaducts are 140 metres long and about 8 metres wide, the main and most magnificent tower is called Hiradash. The style of construction is Neo-Romanticism with many balustrades, turrets, arcades, viewing platforms and passages. Under the bastion are underground passages and labyrinths, the total length of which, according to legends, is more than four kilometres.
The grand staircase that descends to the foot of the monument to Janos Hunyadi leads to the Vizivaros district. According to the architect's original plan, it was to descend to the waters of the Danube.
The Fishermen's Bastion was conceived as a backdrop for the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is known as the Church of St. Matyas. The church was built as early as 1015 by order of King Istvan, was repeatedly destroyed and was rebuilt together with the bastion and the reconstruction of Buda Castle in the 19th century.
During World War II, the architectural ensemble of the bastion suffered from bombing, but was fully restored in 1970.
The Fisherman's Bastion is a great place for photo shoots, panoramic shots and is used as a set in films.
On a side note
- Location: Budapest, Szentháromság tér., 5.
- How to get there: by bus #16, #16A, #116 during the day and by bus #916 at night.
- Official website: http://www.fishermansbastion.com
- Opening hours: daily and around the clock, but the highest level is open from 16 March to 30 April - from 9:00 to 19:00; from 1 May to 15 October - from 9:00 to 18:00.
- Tickets: free admission, tickets are required only for the highest level. Cost: 700 forints for adults, 350 for children, under 6 years old are free.
