Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest

Perched atop Castle Hill, overlooking the Danube River and the city of Budapest, Fisherman's Bastion stands as a fairy-tale-like monument, a magical concoction of neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture. Constructed between 1895 and 1902, this sight is more than just a bastion; it's a terrace that offers one of the best panoramic views of the Hungarian capital.

Designed by architect Frigyes Schulek, the Fisherman's Bastion, or Halászbástya in Hungarian, was built to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian state. It was named after the guild of fishermen responsible for defending this stretch of the city walls in the Middle Ages. Today, it serves as a lookout to the majestic Danube, the Parliament building, and beyond, rather than a defensive fortification.

The bastion features seven towers, representing the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin in 896. Its white-stone structures, stairways, and walking paths seem to have been drawn from a page of a storybook, inviting visitors to wander and explore. The terrace provides a stunning, elevated stage for visitors to enjoy the city's skyline, making it one of Budapest's most popular tourist attractions.

Fisherman's Bastion is open to the public year-round, with its upper towers and terraces accessible for a fee, while the lower balconies and the connecting walking areas can be enjoyed for free. Whether bathed in the golden glow of sunrise or illuminated by the soft lights at night, the bastion offers a timeless escape into Budapest's historical grandeur.

Visitors can also find the statue of Stephen I of Hungary mounted on a horse, paying homage to the first king of Hungary, which adds to the historical significance of the site. For those looking to enrich their experience, guided tours are available, providing insights into the bastion's history and the surrounding area.