|
| |
Discover Jewish Budapest Castle of Zion at the Danube River Budapest is considered one of Europe's most beautiful cities and, with over 20 million visitors per year, a must-see destination!  The modern city of Budapest, straddling the Danube River, is a unification of the old cities of 'Buda', ‘Obuda’ (Old Buda) and 'Pest' each with its own separate Jewish community originating as early as the 13th century. Under the various royals and foreign powers (Tartars, Turks, Habsburgs) diverse Jewish communities formed throughout the land. The downtown historic Jewish Quarter still has a quaint atmosphere of contrasts: original buildings needing repair next to shiny new apartment blocks. In 1869, the Jewish community split into Neolog (progressive), Orthodox and status quo congregations—each having its own grand synagogue. The birth house of Theodor Herzl is a museum and many chapters in the history of Zionism took place here.  By 1935 there were more than 215,000 Jews in Budapest, making this community one of the largest in the world. With Hungary joining the Axis powers, the collaborative government introduced anti-Jewish laws. In 1944, the Hungarian Nazi Arrow Cross Party took over. A devastating deportation action was carried out and over half of Hungary’s Jews were murdered within a few months in Auschwitz and Birkenau. This was the only ghetto in Europe which was still functioning when liberated. Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg and Swiss Consul Carl Lutz saved 10,000s of Hungarian Jews by issuing them false documents. See the moving granite and steel “Weeping Willow” memorial and a bronze statue of Wallenberg to commemorate the Righteous Gentiles and the cast iron “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial for those deported and murdered.  The highlight of any tour to Budapest is a visit to the Byzantine-Moorish style Dohany Street Synagogue. It is perhaps the most magnificent synagogue in the world and largest in Europe, seating over 3000 people. Today's community of approx. 90,000 is served by 23 synagogues and prayer houses, 2 colleges, 3 high schools, a Jewish hospital, Jewish newspaper, kosher restaurants, butchers and bakers. Life is finding its way back to the old Jewish district; shops are reopening, synagogues and Jewish community buildings are being renovated, Jewish cultural events and festivals are held annually. A tour of Budapest includes World Heritage Sites such as the Buda Castle and surrounding Castle Quarter, Saint Stephen's Basilica, the Chain Bridge, the mid 19th century Andrássy Avenue with its eclectic neo- Renaissance palaces and the Hungarian State Opera. One can still sense the power and splendour of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, which was home to many different ethnic and religious groups. The spectacular neo-Gothic Parliament is ornate and massive – building materials included 40 kg of gold! displaying its splendour on the banks of the Danube. A historical stroll along the Danube Promenade is a must for this fascinating, charming and very Jewish city. Tour Options 3 hour walking tour of Jewish Budapest 5 hour walking and driving tour, Jewish and general Budapest 6 hour driving tour, Jewish and general Budapest Please see the "Discover Europe" section of our website for further tour options in Budapest. |
|||||
