Citadella

The Citadella is a fortress located on a small plateau on Gellért Hill, which derives its name from the first Christian missionary to bring that faith to the area. At 235 metres tall, this is one of the highest points in Budapest.

The fortress was built under Hapsburg rule, after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, and was finished in 1854. Just over a century later, it would be occupied by Soviet troops and used to bombard Budapest and to force the Imre Nagy-led government to submit during the 1956 Revolution. Today, a Russian bunker below ground is used as a museum of World War II artefacts, including a Prisoner-Of-War (POW) cell.

Found to the west of central Budapest, many of the city's most famous sights are clearly visible from the hilltop, including the Danube river flowing underneath its eight bridges. Couples will enjoy lingering into the evening to enjoy the sun going down, and seeing the romantic views over illuminated Budapest by night.

There are plenty of mementoes available from the numerous shops along the path up, and also at the top of the hill. Many of the shops stock material with information on the fortress' history.

Stroll around the massive walls to appreciate the scale of the stronghold, and the protection it provided, and bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy area here.

There is a fee for entry to the museum and to walk on the ramparts. A hotel occupies much of the Citadella in the present day, and its excellent restaurant is well worth checking out, though you will need to reserve a table ahead of your visit.

The Citadella is accessible by car, bus, or on foot. A walk up the hill will be rewarded with a whole range of different views over the Budapest cityscape.