ESZTERGOM, border of Slovakia

Without a doubt, one of the towns in Budapest surroundings that worth a visit for its beauty, landscape, and the architectural and cultural interest is Esztergom. This town is located on the bank of the Danube in the border of Slovakia, 50 km away from the capital, and nowadays its population is around 30.000. Esztergom is known because has had a very imporant role in the hungarian history due to the fact of being the first Empire's capital of this country.

Sin duda, una de las poblaciones de los alrededores de Budapest que vale la pena visitar  por su belleza, paisaje, e interés arquitectónico y cultural es Esztergom. Situada en la orilla del Danubio, a 50 km de la capital, y haciendo frontera con Eslovaquia, esta población de unos 30.000 habitantes ha tenido un papel de gran relevancia en la historia de Hungría por haber sido la primera capital del Reino de este país.

 

MUST SEE. QUÉ VER:

Maria Valeria Bridge: One of the best things to do in Esztergom is crossing the bridge by walk towards the left bank of the river to change country and getting in Sturovo, a small Slovakian town. Though it's not a very touristic city, it's nice to have a walk or lunch there, and just great for the fact of being able to be in another country by crossing the Danube. Views from the bridge are gorgeous!! El Puente Maria Valeria. Uno de los imprescindibles en Esztergom es cruzar el puente a pie y cambiar de país, llegando a Sturovo, una población Eslovaca. Aunque no es una ciudad muy turística, es ideal para dar un paseo o ir a comer, y genial por el hecho de  ser capaz de poner el pie en otro país cruzando el Danubio. Las vistas des del puente son maravillosas!!

(the Basilica, from the bridge)

The Basílica: Is the biggest church and tallest building in the country and the 18th biggest church in the world with its 118m long, 45m wide and 100m high. In adittion, this neoclasical basilica seems even bigger because of being sitting on a small hilltop and surrounded by Esztergom's tiny houses. Walk up the cupola to admire the best city views from the top of the Basilica. La Basilica es la Iglesia más grande y alta del país y la dieciochoava más grande del mundo con sus 118m de largo, 45m de ancho y 100 de altura. De estilo neoclásico, la basílica aún parece mayor por estar situada en una colina y rodeada por las pequeñas casa del pueblo. Sube a la cúpula para disfrutar de las mejores vistas de la ciudad.

(views from the top of the Basilica)

Former Royal Palace: has been reconstructed and now homes a museum. Worth a visit to see also the outside of the Palace, with sections of the fortified walls. El antiguo Palacio Real ha sido reconstruido y ahora alberga un museo. Merece la pena ver los alrededores del Palacio y los restos de la muralla.

Vizivaros: stroll around this colourful district walking through narrow streets between barroque churches and buildings along the bank of the river. Pasea por este colorido barrio de calles estrechas y Iglesias y edificios barrocos situado a lo largo de la orilla del río.

Kis-Duna: have a pleasant walk between leafy tress and mansions near the small-Danube (kis-duna), that actually separates the land of the town from the island itself. Walk along this path until Széchenyi square, full of historical buildings. Date un paseo agradable entre árboles frondosos y mansiones a lo largo del pequeño-Danubio (kis-duna), que separa la isla de las tierras del pueblo. Camina hasta llegar a la plaza Széchenyi, lleno de edificos históricos.

(Royal Palace from the Basilica)

GETTING THERE. CÓMO LLEGAR:

Train: 1.30h. Ticket: 1250ft (50% discount students). There are trains every hour that connect Budapest (Nyugati Station, M3 metro line) with Esztergom. Check MÁV-START.

Bus: 1.15h. Ticket: 800ft. Buses depart from Árpád Bride Station (M3, blue metro line) every 20 min, you can buy the ticket in the station. Check VOLANBUS

Boat: 4h. Ticket: 2990ft. Nice way to go to Esztergom, pleasant and relaxing trip stopping in Visegrad and Szentendre. It works from May to October. Check MAHART.

Car: 1h. Take the road number 10 from Budapest following the Danube.

Website of Esztergom