What to do in Nagymaros

Hungarian officials wanted to create a grand celebration of the country’s Millennial in 1896 so they constructed the Parliament Building (Orszaghaz) using London’s Westminster Palace as inspiration. Hungarian architect, Imre Steindl, created plans for the impressive structure and built it in a prominent position along the Pest side of the Danube River. The site was selected on this flat central location as a symbol of the city’s new democratic government rather than the lofty hilltop castles of royalty.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is among the largest thermal spring spas in Europe. Its natural hot water is used for medicinal purposes to aid degenerative joint illnesses and inflammations. Admire the neo-Baroque style of the buildings and the pools that date back to the turn of the 20th century.

Heroes’ Square (Hősök Tere) is one of the most visited areas in Budapest and was a center for activities in Hungary’s millennial celebration in 1896. See the towering Millennium Monument, which is the showcase of the square. It was designed for the celebration by Albert Schickedanz in 1894, but not completed until 1929. Three years later the area was given the name of Heroes’ Square.

Unlike other castles that are occupied by royalty, the Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyad vára) would better suit peasants, since it houses a museum of agriculture. Like many of the other large buildings in Budapest, the structure was built for Hungary’s Millennial Exhibition of 1896. View the impressive appearance of its buildings from across the lake to understand why it was given the castle nickname.

Visible for miles around, the massive Esztergom Basilica defines the skyline of the city. Head to the top of the church’s cupola for panoramic vistas over Esztergom, venture into its eerie underground crypts and see its collection of ecclesiastical artifacts, which is among the finest in the country.

Hungary’s King Franz Joseph established the Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) in Budapest in 1906 to celebrate the founding of the country more than 1,000 years earlier. The intent was to create a cultural center featuring the works of the world’s finest artists…See for yourself if he succeeded.