Imagine you are a Turkish soldier in the year 1552. You and 40,000 of your fellow warriors have been marauding across Europe, gleefully sacking towns and declaring victory for the Ottoman Empire. When you reach the gates of Eger, Hungary, you are expecting another easy win. Your large force lays siege to a castle defended […]
Hungary
The Royal Palace of Godollo, Hungary
Although Hungary is now a democratic republic, that hasn’t always been the case. The Austrian Hapsburg Monarchy controlled parts of Hungary from the 16th century until the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I. During the 18th century, Count Antal Grassalkovich, an influential Hungarian nobleman and confidant of Empress Maria Theresa, […]
Top Five Attractions in Budapest
In addition to the many things to do on Castle Hill and along Andrássy Ut, these are the top attractions in Budapest: Hungarian Parliament Building, Basilica of Saint Stephen, Great Synagogue, Gellért Baths, and Great Market Hall. Of these, the most iconic sight in Budapest is surely the Parliament Building. Inspired by the Palace of […]
The Best Meals We Ate in Budapest
Of all the Central European cuisines, Hungarian is the most distinctive. This is thanks to its liberal use of paprika. The pungent spice is derived from capsicum peppers and can be mild and sweet or hot and zesty. Hungarian paprika is known for its rich red hue and robust flavor which can elevate any common […]
Exploring Budapest: Andrassy Avenue and Heroes’ Square
Andrássy út is probably the most famous street in Budapest, the equivalent of Madison Avenue in New York City or Nanjing Road in Shanghai. Named as part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage listing, the wide boulevard is lined with high-end designer shops and leafy trees which provide a welcome bit of shade on a hot […]