Fisherman's Bastion

The Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest was built between 1895 and 1902 on the site of an ancient marketplace located at the walls of the Buda fortress. Originally, this site was occupied by fishermen who, in exchange for trading rights, were obligated to defend the city's fortifications. By the late 19th century, the defensive function of the walls had weakened, and they were partially destroyed. During the restoration of the Royal Palace, it was decided to also restore the walls, leading to the construction of the bastion.

The foundation of the building included parts of the wall from the period of the national-liberation movement of 1703-1711 under the leadership of Prince Ferenc Rákóczi. The construction of the bastion was timed to coincide with the millennium of the arrival of the Magyars to their historic homeland. The Fisherman's Bastion was designed as a backdrop for the basilica of King Matthias Corvinus, an example of late Gothic style.

The construction was led by architect Frigyes Schulek, for whom this building became a major creation. However, during World War II, the bastion was severely damaged and required restoration, which was undertaken by Schulek's son, János. The reconstruction was complicated by the presence of many unexploded shells and mines.

By the early 1980s, the bastion had again fallen into disrepair, but in the 1990s it was fully restored and now stands as one of the main attractions in Budapest, offering visitors wonderful panoramic views of the city.

The Fisherman's Bastion is constructed from white stone in Neo-Romantic, Gothic, and Neo-Romanesque styles with elements of Classicism. The blend of different styles has led to architectural features such as balustrades, arcades, small towers, pointed domes, and numerous transitions.

The facades of the building are made of limestone, and white marble was used for the construction of the stairs. The roof is adorned with a "knitted" Norwegian pattern featuring black, white, and orange geometric ornaments.

The main tower of the structure is named Híradás, from which one can enjoy picturesque views of Pest and the Danube River.

Within the architectural ensemble are wonderful monuments:

• Monument to Stephen I of Hungary
• Church of Saint Matthias
• Sculpture of Saint George
• Chapel of Saint Michael

Beneath the Fisherman's Bastion is a network of underground passages that spread in different directions, totaling a length of 4 km.

The seven towers of the bastion symbolize the tribes that formed the Hungarian state over eleven centuries ago and later united under the rule of Saint Stephen.

The view from the base of one of the stairways leading to the bastion and to Matthias Church is strikingly similar to the Parisian Sacré-Cœur at the base of Montmartre.