The Citadella

Perched 235 meters above the Danube on Gellért Hill, Budapest’s Citadel has watched over the city since the mid-19th century. It was built between 1851 and 1854 by order of Emperor Franz Joseph, not to defend the city from outside threats, but to keep a close eye on the Hungarian people after the 1848 revolution. In the end, the fortress never saw battle, its cannons were only fired once, in celebration of the emperor’s birthday. Though it was never used for war, the Citadel still impresses with its military design: long defensive walls, bastions, and stonework made from contrasting shades of local limestone. And towering above it all stands the Liberty Statue, added in 1947 to mark the Soviet liberation of Budapest. At 14 meters high—40 with its base—it quickly became one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. In recent years, however, it’s sparked controversy. During ongoing renovations, a Christian cross was added to its base, igniting political debate between the city and national authorities. Recognized as part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, the Citadel is now undergoing a major transformation. By 2026, the site will include a museum, a landscaped park, a man-made lake, fountains, and even a funicular to make the climb easier. In the meantime, it remains open to visitors day and night, free of charge. From up here, the view is breathtaking. You can see the Parliament, Buda Castle, the bridges, the basilicas, and the entire curve of the Danube laid out before you. It’s a place where history, power, and perspective all come together.