Budapest is an old city and the architecture is incredible, unfortunately pollutants have darkened the buildings so all is not pristine.  However, where the buildings have been restored, you can truly appreciate the details as they were originally built. These two buildings in particular are perfect examples of before and after.Extraordinary details are everywhere.

Miles and miles of historic buildings, all notable for one thing or another.  Too much to cover for us, but we can highlight a few.

Hungarian State Opera House completed construction in 1884.

Dohany Street Synagogue is Europe’s largest synagogue.  Though it is one of Budapest’s most imposing historical monuments, our pictures are limited to the outside as there is an admission charge to get inside.

Castle Quarter and Castle Hill on the Pest side of the river.
Matthias Church (the spier on the hill), the royal cathedral, the Church of Our Lady, was built in several stages between the 13th and 15th century.

Chain Bridge, the city’s first bridge completed in 1849.  Destroyed during WWII, as was the case with most bridges in Europe, and rebuilt on it’s 100th anniversary.  Note the “guardians of Budapest”, carved lions. Besides these lions, here and at the entrance to important buildings, there are many sculptures throughout the city; liked this one in particular.

As we’ve mentioned there are many notable, impressive, fabulous, etc., etc., buildings in this city, but these two were the most impressive for us.

Parliament, largest building in the country, is almost the length of three football fields and most appreciated from the Pest side of the water. Otherwise it is very difficult to get far enough away for a good picture of the whole thing.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a most amazing church. Budapest’s largest church with a dome nearly 315 feet high that offers very dramatic lighting for the alter; 

named after Hungary’s first king.

And that is the highlight tour of Budapest.  Not sure we really rested with the miles of walking, but it was worth it.