Although everyone calls it the Royal Palace, this is actually Buda Castle, named after the district of Budapest where it is located. A must-see among the things to see in Budapest, the Palace-Castle dominates the Hungarian capital from the top of the magnificent and romantic Buda district, which, together with Pest, gives the city its name.
The history of the Castle is a long one: it began as a fortress in the Middle Ages, but it was the enlightened ruler Matthias Corvinus who turned it into a splendid Renaissance palace.
As happened with Matthias Church, the Royal Palace was also destroyed during the Turkish occupation, then rebuilt by the Habsburgs in Neo-Baroque style and destroyed again during the Second World War.
After excellently serving as the “home” of Hungarian and Habsburg rulers, today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the Hungarian Gallery and other must-see museums.
At Buda Castle, Turul, a giant bronze bird of prey, welcomes you
From the outside, Buda Castle appears in all its grandeur: a 304-metre-long façade made up of two wings divided by a central dome.
During your visit you will come across the gigantic bronze Turul bird of prey, symbol of the Magyar tribes, which looks as if it is about to take flight from the pillar of the wrought-iron entrance gate on which it stands; the beautiful equestrian statue of Eugene of Savoy on the belvedere, which offers an unrivalled panorama; and the monumental fountain of King Matthias, depicting the king in hunting attire and the beautiful Ilonka, the protagonist of a well-known romantic ballad.
Through the “Lion Gate” you can enter the elegant inner courtyard and, once beyond it, heading south, you will see the Mace Tower, a surviving element of the medieval fortification, and the barbican.
The museums of Buda Castle
The Royal Palace houses several museums: the Hungarian National Gallery, with its exceptional collection of Hungarian art showing its evolution from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Do not miss the part of the collection dedicated to late Gothic altarpieces. The sections devoted to Hungary’s greatest painter, Mihály Munkácsy, and to Szinyei Merse, the father of Hungarian Impressionism, are also particularly interesting.
Inside the Palace, the Budapest History Museum displays all the archaeological finds connected with the history of the city, from the first settlements of the Roman period up to the 13th century. Finally, the National Széchényi Library, the most important library in Hungary, preserves the famous Corvinian manuscripts.
Information for visiting Buda Castle
Opening hours and ticket price for the Royal Palace of Budapest
Opening hours: the Castle courtyard is always open. The National Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am–6 pm. The ticket office closes at 5 pm. Closed on Monday.
Ticket price: the Castle and gardens are free. The museums charge an entrance fee — 3,200 forints, around €8 — but they are included in the Budapest Card.
How to get there: in the upper part of Buda. By funicular — recommended — departing from the Chain Bridge. By buses 16, 16A and 116 from Moszkva Square. On foot via the stairways from the Chain Bridge or by taking the uphill path next to the funicular. Cost: 1,200 forints; operating hours: 7:30 am–10 pm.
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