The hill town of Buda grew up around its castle and Mátyás Church from the 13th century onward. At 60 meters (197 ft) above the Danube, the hill's good strategic position and natural resources made it a prize site for its earliest inhabitants. In the 13th century, a large settlement arose when, after a Tartar invasion, King Béla IV decided to build his own defensive castle and set up his capital here.

The reign of King Mátyás Corvinus in the 15th century was an important period in Buda's evolution and the Budapest Castle District, but it suffered neglect under Turkish rule during the next century and was then destroyed by Christian troops.

The town was reborn, and assumed an important role during the 18th and 19th centuries under the Habsburgs. By the end of World War II, the Old Town had been almost destroyed. The Royal Palace burnt to the ground. After the war the Royal Palace and Old Town were reconstructed, restoring the original allure of this part of the city.

Getting there

Castle Hill and the Old Town are pedestrianized, but you'll find a couple of car parks where cars and coaches can park for a fee, allowing visitors to walk to the area.