Discover Budapest with a private guide
Quick historical introduction to Budapest
Long before the modern cityscape emerged, the land that would become Budapest had already witnessed a tapestry of civilizations. The Celts were the first to establish a settlement here, well before the dawn of the first millennium. The Romans followed, making their settlement, Aquincum, the capital of Lower Pannonia by 106 AD. They left an indelible mark on the region, constructing roads, amphitheaters, and even houses with heated floors within their fortified encampment.
In the 9th century, the territory underwent another transformation when it was added to Bulgaria following the Bulgarian army's victory over the Holy Roman Empire. The cities of Buda and Pest emerged as Bulgarian military fortresses on opposite banks of the Danube River. By the end of the 9th century, the Hungarians, led by Árpád, settled in the area and eventually founded the Kingdom of Hungary. The Tatar invasion in the 13th century exposed the vulnerabilities of the flat terrain, prompting King Béla IV to fortify the towns with stone walls and establish his royal palace on the hills of Buda. By 1361, Budapest had become the capital of Hungary.
The city's cultural zenith was reached during the reign of Matthias Corvinus, who was heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance. His library, the Bibliotheca Corviniana, was a treasure trove of historical, philosophical, and scientific works, second only to the Vatican Library. The first Hungarian book was printed in Buda in 1473, and the city's population reached around 5,000 by 1500.
The Ottoman Empire's influence began with the pillaging of Buda in 1526, culminating in its occupation in 1541. This 140-year rule saw the construction of elaborate baths and the exodus of almost all Christians, transforming Budapest into a predominantly Muslim town. The Habsburg Empire eventually reclaimed the city and the rest of Hungary in the late 17th century, leading to a period of modernization and struggle for independence throughout the 19th century.
The compromise of 1867 gave birth to Austria-Hungary and marked the beginning of Budapest's second great phase of development. The city became a dual capital and underwent rapid Hungarianization, growing from 80% German-speaking in 1848 to 80% Hungarian-speaking by 1880. However, World War I and subsequent geopolitical changes, including the Treaty of Trianon, led to the loss of significant territory and population.
The city suffered further during World War II, with significant loss of life and infrastructure. The post-war era saw the establishment of a communist regime, leading to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, which was ultimately crushed by Soviet intervention. Despite these tumultuous times, Budapest has emerged as a vibrant city, rich in history and culture. Its landmarks, like the Buda Castle and the banks of the Danube, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In the modern era, the city has undergone significant changes, both physically and sociopolitically. The fall of communism in 1989-90 led to the removal of dictatorship monuments and the ushering in of a new democratic era. Today, Budapest stands as a testament to resilience, a city that has survived and thrived despite the many adversities it has faced.
When visiting such a historically and culturally rich city, the importance of good accommodation cannot be overstated. A well-located flat not only provides comfort but also enhances the experience, making it easier to explore the city's myriad attractions. A centrally located home can serve as a sanctuary to which you can return after a day of exploration, a place where you can reflect on the city's storied past and vibrant present.
In the 9th century, the territory underwent another transformation when it was added to Bulgaria following the Bulgarian army's victory over the Holy Roman Empire. The cities of Buda and Pest emerged as Bulgarian military fortresses on opposite banks of the Danube River. By the end of the 9th century, the Hungarians, led by Árpád, settled in the area and eventually founded the Kingdom of Hungary. The Tatar invasion in the 13th century exposed the vulnerabilities of the flat terrain, prompting King Béla IV to fortify the towns with stone walls and establish his royal palace on the hills of Buda. By 1361, Budapest had become the capital of Hungary.
The city's cultural zenith was reached during the reign of Matthias Corvinus, who was heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance. His library, the Bibliotheca Corviniana, was a treasure trove of historical, philosophical, and scientific works, second only to the Vatican Library. The first Hungarian book was printed in Buda in 1473, and the city's population reached around 5,000 by 1500.
The Ottoman Empire's influence began with the pillaging of Buda in 1526, culminating in its occupation in 1541. This 140-year rule saw the construction of elaborate baths and the exodus of almost all Christians, transforming Budapest into a predominantly Muslim town. The Habsburg Empire eventually reclaimed the city and the rest of Hungary in the late 17th century, leading to a period of modernization and struggle for independence throughout the 19th century.
The compromise of 1867 gave birth to Austria-Hungary and marked the beginning of Budapest's second great phase of development. The city became a dual capital and underwent rapid Hungarianization, growing from 80% German-speaking in 1848 to 80% Hungarian-speaking by 1880. However, World War I and subsequent geopolitical changes, including the Treaty of Trianon, led to the loss of significant territory and population.
The city suffered further during World War II, with significant loss of life and infrastructure. The post-war era saw the establishment of a communist regime, leading to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, which was ultimately crushed by Soviet intervention. Despite these tumultuous times, Budapest has emerged as a vibrant city, rich in history and culture. Its landmarks, like the Buda Castle and the banks of the Danube, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In the modern era, the city has undergone significant changes, both physically and sociopolitically. The fall of communism in 1989-90 led to the removal of dictatorship monuments and the ushering in of a new democratic era. Today, Budapest stands as a testament to resilience, a city that has survived and thrived despite the many adversities it has faced.
When visiting such a historically and culturally rich city, the importance of good accommodation cannot be overstated. A well-located flat not only provides comfort but also enhances the experience, making it easier to explore the city's myriad attractions. A centrally located home can serve as a sanctuary to which you can return after a day of exploration, a place where you can reflect on the city's storied past and vibrant present.
Budapest is just the most charming city I have visited in the last decade... Ana Paula