Ending our time in Budapest with a walking tour on the Buda side. Buda is on the western side of the Danube river. It was the historical royal seat of Hungary.

We spent much of our time in the castle district. Buda Castle district occupies nearly 2 square miles.

Statue showing a horseherder taming a wild horse.

Matthias Fountain showing a hunting party led by King Matthias at the top. The middle dog was damaged by bombing in WWII, but was reconstructed.

Matthias Church. There has been a church here since the 11th century. This building is from the 16th century but had a significant restoration in the 19th century.

Ceramic tile roof of the church.

Christmas market at Matthias Church. You can see 3 towers and part of the wall of the Fisherman’s Bastion in the back.

I’m always a sucker for cheese displays, but these cheese shaped like crescent rolls were a new one.

View of the market from the Fisherman’s Bastion.

View of the Danube and Parliament from the Fisherman’s Bastion.

During WWII and existing cavern system under Buda Castle was expanded to create a bomb shelter and a hospital. It was designed to treat 60-70 patients, but had up to 600 at one point. They treated civilians and soldiers from both sides. It was briefly used as a hospital again during the Soviet siege and later as a nuclear bunker and a prison. It is now a museum.