A photo essay of Budapest.

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, considered to be one of the largest cities in the European Union, is a combination of two cities Buda and Pest, which were united in 1873 to form Budapest.

Like most of the cities in Europe Budapest too bears the scars left by the Nazis. Let us take a walk through this beautiful city starting in Pest and then climbing to Buda to discover what makes it one of the most visited cities in Europe. Buda and Pest are separated by the Danube river.

The architecture is marvellous and leaves you spellbound with its beauty. 

The art on the exteriors of buildings are a sight to behold!

Beautiful doors too!

The streets are lined with pretty flowering plants on lamp posts.

The Great Synagogue is the second largest synagogue in the world!

Another impressive structure is the St. Stephen's Basilica, a Roman Catholic basilica  It is named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary, whose supposed right hand is housed in the reliquary.

 The ‘Shoes on the Danube Bank’ is a memorial to honour the Jews who were killed by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen in Budapest during World War II. They were ordered to take off their shoes, and 

were shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies fell into the river and were carried away with the flow of the river while their shoes were left behind. The story is that the killers believed that the Jews had hidden money and jewels in their shoes hence were asked to take off their shoes before being killed.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, and was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary, opened in 1849.

Just before reaching this bridge you will come across the very impressive Hungarian Parliament building that is awe inspiring.

Across the bridge is the Buda castle, the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest, and was first completed in 1265.

In Buda you can see the magnificent Mathias church opposite the Fisherman's bastion.

Although no archaeological remains exist, as per the local story, it was originally built in Romanesque style in 1015. The current building was constructed in the florid Gothic style in the second half of the 14th century and was extensively restored in the late 19th century.

This is the Fisherman's bastion

Click here to see more pictures of Budapest that I have captured.

Sights of Prague

Prague, the capital and the largest city in the Czech Republic, is the 14^th largest city in Europe. It has also been the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the main residence of several Holy Roman Emperors.

Prague also has the distinction of being the fifth most visited European city after London, Paris, Istanbul and Rome.

A photo walk tour of Prague will establish the beauty of the city. Let’s go!

The varied architecture as you walk down any street will floor you!

This Municipal House is a celebrated venue for concerts in its Smetana Hall. It was opened in 1912, built in the Art Nouveau style. It is next to the Powder Gate in the centre of the city.

The Powder Gate or Tower, originally called the New Tower, was one of the 13 gates to Old Town in Prague. It separates the Old Town from the New. In the 17th century it was used to store gunpowder hence the name Powder Gate/Tower. 

As soon as you enter the Old Town through the Powder Gate, you will see vintage cars (remodelled) that offer city tours!

And then you will see a row of shops selling the famous Czech crystal (Bohemian glass) handicrafts. An Amazing display!

The famous Old Town Square.

The large monument in the middle of the Old Town Square in Prague is the statue of the reformer Jan Hus (John Huss), one of the most important personalities in Czech history. A hundred years before the Protestant Reformation was started by Martin Luther, Jan Hus was burnt as a heretic for reformist ideas.

The Church of Mother of God before Týn, often translated as Church of Our Lady before Týn, is a gothic church and a dominant structure in the Old Town Square of Prague.

The Church of Saint Nicholas built in a Baroque style, in Old Town Square of Prague, was built between 1704-1755 on the site where formerly a church in the Gothic style was built from the 13th century dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

Buskers in Old Town Square keep you entertained.

The Astronomical clock installed in 1410 still works! Read all about its impressive history here

The Rudolfinum concert hall built in the Neo Renaissance style in 1885 is today the seat of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

Cruising down the river Vltava River in Prague. It is the longest river in Czech Republic.

Wenceslas is one of the main city squares and the centre of the business and cultural communities in the New Town of Prague, Czech Republic. Many historical events occurred there, and it is a traditional setting for demonstrations, celebrations, and other public gatherings. The square is named after Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. It is part of the historic centre of Prague, a World Heritage Site.

Charles Bridge, built in the 14^th century, is on the top of every Prague visitor's must-see list. It is also popular with Czech artists, musicians and souvenir vendors whose stands line both sides of the bridge. For history of this bridge please click here 

A bakery that bakes and sells traditional Czech breads.

A must have!

A traditional Slovak rolled pastry originating from the Hungarian-speaking region of Transylvania, the trdelník is usually served warm and topped with a dusting of sugar, nuts or cinnamon. This delectable treat is made by wrapping the pastry dough around a wooden or metal stick, roasting it over an open flame and coated with sugar or cinnamon.

If you rub a statue on Charles Bridge in Prague, it is said that you will surely revisit Prague. I have rubbed and now hoping to revisit soon! An amazing city!