Budapest Citadella

The Citadella is located at the highest point of Budapest. It offers the best views over the city and is considered one of the best visits. It was built in 1854 by the House of Habsburg as a surveillance building.

Citadella is the Hungarian word for citadel. It features several lookouts, a restaurant, souvenir stands, and the fortress, which is an impressive fortification.

The structure is 721 ft (220 m) long and 197 ft (60 m) wide. Its walls are 13 ft (4 m) tall. After the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence from 1849 to 1867, the Hungarians wanted to demolish the fortress, but the Citadella was preserved and in 1960 was transformed into a tourist center.

Visiting the Citadella

Although it is currently closed for renovations, visitors will have to pay 1,200 Ft (US$ 3.03) to visit this impressive landmark. The entrance includes a visit to a World War II bunker, which makes it well worth the price.

The bunker is made up of three floors with various rooms with wax statues that represent scenes from World War II that will make you go back in time. There is also a large WWII photo collection that is worth seeing.

A Unique Visit

In our opinion, the bunker is unmissable and totally fascinating. Nevertheless, if you do not want to see the shelter, then we do not believe the fortress is worth paying to visit just for the views, as they are quite similar to what you will see outside.

Gellért Hill has several paths that lead to the Citadella by which you can walk up. One of the lanes starts at Elizabeth Bridge and another at Szent Gellert Square.