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38 | Viking Explorer Society News City guide BUDAPEST A tale of two cities united by the Danube, Budapest is a captivating blend of culture, architecture and timeless charm. Budapest is a city of contrasts and harmony—a place where medieval fortresses and Gothic spires share the skyline with grand boulevards and Art Nouveau cafés. United in 1873, the twin towns of Buda— graced with leafy hills and royal palaces— and Pest—vibrant and cosmopolitan—came together to form Hungary's dazzling capital on the banks of the Danube. Today, Budapest is celebrated for its architectural treasures, thermal baths, and a cultural scene that rivals Europe's finest. Budapest has a fascinating long and rich history. Archaeological finds have indicated that the town's first settlement in its modern-day location was built by Celts, but a turning point in the town's story came with the building of a Roman fort in what is now the district of Óbuda. From the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD, Western Hungary thrived as part of the Roman Empire. After Rome fell, Attila the Hun ruled the region until his death in 453 AD. Centuries of invasions followed—Magyars, Mongols, Ottomans—each leaving traces in the city's fabric. By the 12th century, two fortified towns, Buda and Pest, rose on opposite banks of the Danube. Their unification in 1873 ushered in a golden age, marked by grand boulevards, ornate bridges, and monumental landmarks: the imposing Parliament building on the Pest bank of the Danube, St. Stephen's Basilica—the city's largest church—and the Millennium Monument at Heroes' Square. This transformed Budapest into one of Europe's most elegant capitals. MUST-SEES Budapest is a feast for the eyes, with architectural gems and historic landmarks at every turn. The Hungarian Parliament Building, a neo-Gothic masterpiece, rivals Westminster in grandeur, while St. Stephen's Basilica offers panoramic views from its dome. Heroes' Square, framed by the Millennium Monument, pays tribute to Hungary's founding fathers. Across the river, Castle Hill beckons with Matthias Church and the fairy-tale Fisherman's Bastion, where sweeping vistas of the Danube and Pest unfold. Stroll across the iconic Chain Bridge and ride the historic Sikló funicular to the Royal Palace for a glimpse into Hungary's regal past. For a poignant reminder of history, visit the Shoes on the Danube memorial, honouring victims of World War II. Heroes' Square The Parliament Building on the Danube River Chain Bridge