We start our Buda Castle District tour at the Palace, the ancient seat of royal power. It was rebuilt, extended, changed, burned down, and rebuilt again several times over, getting its current eclectic appearances only after World War II. The first to build on Castle Hill was King Béla IV. He erected a fortress on this spot around 1250 after a devastating invasion by Mongolian hordes. Renaissance King Matthias made it into the most famous court in Europe at the end of the 15th century. Then came the Turkish pashas who ruled the country from here for over 150 years, followed by a succession of Habsburg emperors. Your historian guide helps you discover these regimes and what their major monuments at the Castle tell us about Hungary’s fascinating, multinational past and present.

Begin at the commanding Palace, a symbol of royalty and rebirth throughout Hungary’s history.
Explore the magnificent Matthias Church with its lavish roof decoration and interior, and the romantic Fisherman’s Bastion with unrivaled views over Pest cityscape and the rolling Danube river below.
Stroll through the cobbled streets and baroque facades of the Castle Hill residential district, lovingly rebuilt when Habsburg-led troops retook it from the Turks in 1686 and again after the Russians crushed Nazi troops there in 1945.
Visit the house of an 18th-century pharmacist’s family, reflecting on everyday life in the Castle District.
End at the Vienna Gate with sweeping views to Óbuda (Old Buda) where the Romans founded the city, then named Aquincum.

Please note, a minimum of 2 participants is required
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
Please wear modest clothing (covering shoulders and thighs) for entering churches
Male visitors are requested to enter with their head bare unless this is against their religion