BUDAPEST
THE HUNGARIAN CAPITAL TURNS 150 WITH MUSIC, RIVERSIDE STROLLS AND A HISTORIC BIRTHDAY CAKE
Four capital cities stand on the banks of the Danube, but only one has the river at its heart. Before Budapest’s official unification on 17 November 1873, the royal city of Buda looked out from its castle-topped hill across the river towards popular Pest on the plain. The opening of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in 1849 had laid the ground-work, permanently linking both halves of the Hungarian capital. This stone-and-iron landmark has been closed for two years for renovation: its expected autumn reopening will be the most fitting present the city could gift itself on its 150th birthday. What’s more, visiting well-wishers will find some exciting new hotels to stay in.
What’s on
Locals have already been partaking of the first wave of almost 100 celebratory events, including outdoor film screenings in the historic Széchenyi Baths. A new exhibit at the Budapest History Museum delves into the merged city’s identity, and the Pest waterfront has been decluttered to make it easier to walk or cycle along. The summer season is rounded off by a party at the Római lido in Óbuda, the capital’s often-overlooked third component.
Events ramp up as the anniversary date approaches, including a free concert by the Budapest Festival Orchestra at Heroes’ Square in September, which will see the premiere of a new overture for the capital. One of the tastiest gifts to future generations might be the ‘Budapest 150 torta’. A capital of cafe culture, the city is holding a competition to create a new cake that sums up flavours popular in 1873. The winner is set to be announced on the big day, joining
