Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest, Hungary

Fisherman's Bastion is a terrace in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style situated on the Buda bank of the Danube, on the Castle hill in Budapest, around Matthias Church. It was designed and built between 1895 and 1902 on the plans of Frigyes Schulek. Construction of the bastion destabilised the foundations of the neighbouring 13th century Dominican Church which had to be pulled down. Between 1947–48, the son of Frigyes Schulek, János Schulek, conducted the other restoration project after its near destruction during World War II.

From the towers and the terrace a panoramic view exists of Danube, Margaret Island, Pest to the east and the Gellért Hill.

Its seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin in 896.

The Bastion takes its name from the guild of fishermen that was responsible for defending this stretch of the city walls in the Middle Ages. It is a viewing terrace, with many stairs and walking paths.

A bronze statue of Stephen I of Hungary mounted on a horse, erected in 1906, can be seen between the Bastion and the Matthias Church. The pedestal was made by Alajos Stróbl, based on the plans of Frigyes Schulek, in Neo-Romanesque style, with episodes illustrating the King's life.

User Reviews

Boryana Milenova (10 months ago)
My favourite place in Budapest! Stunning views, daytime and nighttime. Don’t skip visiting the church, it’s even more beautiful from the inside! If the weather is nice, make sure to get to the tower too.

Nandita V (10 months ago)
Lovely panoramic views! The Bastion area was enjoyable, we didn't take a ticket to visit from the inside though. It was busy with many tourists, but we still got good photo ops. The view of the Danube, Parliament building, and Matthias Church are really cool.

Frank Yen (10 months ago)
Very decent and organized place with amazing view and spectacular architecture! If you come before 9 am or in the late evening, you have the free access to the higher floor of the castle for having a better view. Many people are usually here for taking photos. Recommend taking the bus and walk a bit up, instead of walking from the lowest point! The entire place is free access and you may enjoy the food with great view in one of the restaurants there!

Diederik Dekkers (10 months ago)
Beautiful view from the city from this castle-fairytale like place. It's a tough walk in the summer but definitely worth it. Unlike the 5€ tickets for the towers that grant you access to the same view as on the square.

Stefano Rocco (11 months ago)
Probably one of the best city view at night of the entire planet. Budapest becomes pure magic from here (actually it is from anywhere). A must see. Don't miss it and come before they turn off the big city lights (in my case it was at 23:00)

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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