Sandor Palace, Buda Castle, Matyas Templom

On Saturday we decided a long walk through Buda was in order. (Buda is on the west side of the Danube river, i live in Pest on the east side of the river).
it was a long walk in the heat but i think walking is the best way to get oriented in the city and soak in all the surroundings.

we walked along the Danube until we came to the chain bridge and a huge hill, atop which was the Buda Castle, Matyas Templom, and Sandor Palace. we had two options for getting to the top of said hill.. there was a fun looking up-hill trolley car type thing that zips you too the top but unfortunately there was a colasal line of people waiting on this hot summer day thus we decided it would be faster to walk up the 15 flights of stairs.


We made it to the top of the stairs with sweat on our brows (after encountering a man exposing himself to passersby..sick) and were greeted by Sandor Palace, which is where the President lives. it was beautifully landscaped and had a magnificent view of both the Buda hills Parliament and the rest of Pest, its perch above the city made for some great photos opps.
of course we had to stop for coffee at an outdoor cafe and soak in the view before we headed over to Buda Castle which was quite grand as well.

Kate read that Matyas Tempolom (Mathias Church) is one of the most photographed buildings in Budapest. it had a magnificently colorful tiled roof and detailed spires but unfortunately for us there was a wedding taking place in the church so we were unable to see the inside. around the church there are castle like columns and buildings that line the edge of the hillside and provide a beautiful view of parliament and the Danube. there are adorable little cobblestone streets all around the church, castle, and palace which add to the small village feeling. it was so picturesque, one of those places you'd imagine riding in a horse drawn carriage through the streets in the snow.

after visiting a small art gallery and a sculpture exhibition we decided to walk the entire way back as well. about a mile into the walk back we spied a fountain where people were soaking there feet and couldn't help but join them.

we finally made it home exhausted and starving so we ended our with a simple pasta dinner.