Budapest has always been a city rich in history.
The city is built on three essential foundations:
- Óbuda, once the ancient city of Buda
- Buda, located on the left bank of the river
- Pest, situated to the right of the Danube
Visiting Budapest is an enchanting experience. It’s one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, where the influence of different civilizations has shaped a city proud to showcase its magnificent past.
Here are some excellent options to delve into Budapest’s history if you’re planning a trip:
Discover Budapest’s living history with a Tour of the Buda Castle Caves, where you can explore the city’s depths and experience echoes of its storied past.
For an intimate view of a vital chapter in Hungarian culture and history, consider a Skip-the-Line Ticket to the Great Synagogue, providing direct access to this significant landmark.
Lastly, after a day steeped in history, the Full-Day Pass to Széchenyi Thermal Bath with Optional Pálinka Tasting Tour is a fantastic way to unwind and immerse yourself in Budapest’s rich thermal traditions.
Óbuda, once inhabited by the Celts, was conquered by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. They called it Aquincum, transforming it into a thriving Roman settlement.
Eventually, over four centuries later (in the 14th century A.D.), the area adopted the name Buda, laying the groundwork for the Budapest we know today.
For a deeper dive, check out this video on Budapest’s history: Watch Here.
The History of Budapest in the Middle Ages
In 896 A.D., a coalition of seven Magyar tribes defeated the Roman forces, leading to the Magyar settlement of the region. They initially occupied Aquincum, which they later renamed Óbuda. Over time, they built two new cities divided by the river, known as Buda and Pest.
Hungary as a nation was formally established in the year 1000, with the coronation of its first monarch, King Stephen I. In 1222, Hungary’s first Magna Carta was granted, laying the groundwork for national governance. A few years later, in 1241, King Béla IV ordered the reconstruction of the area after destructive Mongol invasions, establishing what became known as “New Buda” across from the older Óbuda.
Budapest became the capital of Hungary in 1361, marking the beginning of a period of prosperity and development that reached its peak in the 15th century.
Modern Era
In 1526, Pest fell to the Ottoman Turks, and by 1541, Buda had also been conquered, serving as a regional capital under Ottoman rule, while Pest was largely abandoned.
The Turks ruled until 1686, when the Austrians successfully recaptured the area. This Habsburg period saw significant construction efforts, with the establishment of bridges, universities, and churches that added to Budapest’s architectural and cultural landscape.
However, in 1848, a wave of revolutions shook Europe. In Hungary, the people rose up against Austrian rule, though the revolt was eventually suppressed, and the Habsburgs were reinstated. Then, in 1867, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was formed, ushering in a new era for Budapest and for Hungary, with Pest emerging as an industrial center.
Unification of Buda and Pest
In 1873, a pivotal moment occurred in the history of Budapest as Óbuda, Buda, and Pest were unified, officially creating the city of Budapest.
After World War I, the Treaty of Saint Germain-en-Laye established Hungary’s independence from Austria.
Following the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, Hungary lost more than two-thirds of its territory, including regions such as Croatia, Transylvania, Ruthenia, Slovakia, and the Banat of Temesvár.
As a result, Budapest remained a large and culturally rich city in what had become a significantly smaller nation.
World War II marked another dark chapter for Hungary, bringing severe damage from intense attacks. Eventually, the city fell under the influence of the USSR.
This shift was difficult for all countries that transitioned to communism, and Hungary, though not the worst affected, endured its share of hardship. The arts and culture also struggled significantly, with development hindered by restrictive policies.
Contemporary Era
The 20th-century conflicts were, in many ways, disastrous for Hungary, which lost territory and wealth, gradually falling behind its more prosperous neighbors, like Austria. In 1956, Budapest rose up in a courageous attempt to shake off the Soviet grip, temporarily ousting the Red Army from Hungarian soil. Then, in 1989, as the USSR collapsed, Hungary became one of the first countries to abandon communism, regaining its independence and establishing itself as the Republic of Hungary. By 2004, it was welcomed into the European Union.
Today, Budapest looks forward with optimism as part of the EU, yet as visitors stroll through its streets, they may notice that it still has a way to go to fully match the prosperity of other Western nations. The lasting imprints of the Soviet era remain visible, as they do in other neighboring countries, but Hungary is steadily progressing.
The 20th Century in Budapest’s History
The 20th century was particularly harsh on Budapest. The city, once the second-most important hub of an empire, became the capital of a much smaller European nation. Added to this was the devastation of the world wars and the burdens of decades of communist rule, which impacted Hungary on many levels.
Many visitors are struck by Budapest’s rich history and impressive monuments—a testament to a glorious past that survives as heritage. These historical treasures now draw tourists from around the world, helping to revitalize Hungary’s economy and preserve its legacy.