We asked you some questions yesterday about Budapest, – in case you didn’t do the quiz, you can take a look HERE. Learn more about the amazing world around you and about our capital with these 15 interesting facts that will tantalize your mind!

1.) Which river flows through Budapest?

The Danube flows through 10 countries and 4 national capitals (Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade), more than any other river in the world.

2.) In what year did Hungary become part of the European Union?

Hungary became the member of the European Union in 2004.

3.) How long did the Turkish occupation of Buda and Pest last?

Beginning in 1541 ,the Turkish occupation lasted for nearly 150 years. The united Christian armies drove the Turks from Buda in 1686, but the fighting destroyed the city.

4.) How long is the network of underground tunnels that runs under Buda’s Castle District?

Built during the Middle Ages, the tunnels extend under the Castle District for 10 kms.

5.) How many thermal springs does Budapest have?

Budapest has 118 thermal springs spouting mineral water, making the capital a spa heaven. Some of the baths date back to the Turkish times.

6.) Who doesn’t have Hungarian roots?

American actor and filmmaker Benjamin Géza Affleck-Boldt (Ben Affleck) was born on August 15, 1972 in Berkeley, California, and was raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is of mostly English, Irish, German, and Scottish ancestry. His middle name, Géza, is after a Hungarian family friend who was a Holocaust survivor.

7.) What is Hungary’s national drink?

Unicum, a bitter liqueur is still produced by the Zwack family, descendents of King Joseph II’s royal physician, Doctor Zwack, who first created the drink in 1790 for the Habsburg Emperor.

8.) What percentage of Hungary’s population lives in Budapest?

20 % of Hungary’s population lives in Budapest.

9.) How many bridges connects Buda and Pest?

Eight bridges, all of them got damaged during the WWII and had to be rebuilt.

10.) The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the oldest legislative buildings in Europe. Built in the Gothic Revival style, it is located on the banks of the Danube. Which of these was seen on the dome of the building during the communist regime in Hungary?

A solid, five-pointed red star is regarded as one of the main symbols of communism. Hungary became a socialist state after the Soviet military occupation at the end of World War II. This lasted until the 23rd of October, 1989. After the country reverted back to a republic state, the red star was removed from the dome of the Parliament Building in 1990.

11.) Built on Castle Hill, the sprawling Buda Castle towers over the city providing a panoramic view. Is this the residence of the President of Hungary?

The official residence of the President of Hungary is the Sandor Palace which is located a short distance north of the Buda Castle complex. It was commissioned by and named after Count Vincent Sandor in the early 19th century. It was destroyed during World War II and restoration work began only in 1989 after the end of the communist regime. It has served as the Hungarian President’s official residence since 2003.

12.) A short walk from the Heroes’ Square will lead you to a building designed in the Neo-Baroque style. Which of these, the largest of its kind in Europe, would you expect to find within the premises?

The Széchenyi baths are the largest medicinal baths to be found in Europe. The baths are fed by two thermal springs and are open all year round. Over a hundred years old, the present day Neo-Baroque structure was completed in 1927. The bathing complex has three outdoor and 15 indoor pools.

13.) What is the name of the bridge that was completed in 1849 and is considered one of the most famous sights in Budapest today?

The Chain Bridge was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Pest and Buda, Its construction was proposed by Count István Széchenyi, one of the leading figures in 18th century Hungary. Its official name is Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Works were started in 1839 to the plans of English engineer William Tierney Clark, the construction was supervised by Scottish engineer Adam Clark, the inauguration of the Chain Bridge took place on 20 November 1849.

14.) A park is named after one of these famous singers. Who could it be?

On 6th January 1957, during his last appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” Elvis Presley sang a gospel standard, “Peace in the Valley,” which Sullivan said reflected the singer’s concern for Hungarians’ plight after the uprising. Sullivan said Elvis wanted people to make donations to be sent to Hungary. A small park was named in commemoration of The King’s support for Hungary’s anti-Soviet revolution of 1956.

15.) Gundel, a world class restaurant in Budapest, serves all the traditional dishes in elegant style. Their signature dish is the Gundel palacsinta. What is palacsinta?

Palacsinta is a thin crêpe-like variety of pancake.

 

Illustration: 123rf.com