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Gellert (Hung. Gellért-hegy) is a mountain (hill) 235 m high overlooking the Danube in Budapest (Hungary). It is part of Budapest's 1st and 11th districts. The hill was named after Gerard of Hungary (Hung. Sagredo Gellért), a Catholic saint and enlightener of Hungary who was killed by pagans. At its summit stands the citadel (Citadella[hu]), which offers views of both sides of the Danube. In the 18th century, the slopes of Gellert Hill were covered with vineyards. The Tabán district at the foot of the hill was an important center of winemaking in Buda. According to 1789 data, 128 ha on the hill were covered with vineyards (and only 7.62 ha were used as pastures)[1]. In the 18th century, a small calvary was built on the hilltop and restored around 1820. On Easter Mondays, processions were regularly held: people climbed the steep road leading to the calvary to celebrate Christ's resurrection[2].

wikimedia.org

The famous citadel stands atop Gellert Hill. It was built by the Habsburgs, one of Europe's most powerful dynasties of the Middle Ages and the early modern period. The main purpose of this structure was to control Budapest and, if necessary, suppress revolutionary unrest among the residents of the Hungarian capital.

The decision to build the citadel was made after the events of 1849, when the people stormed Buda Castle and the revolution began. To prevent anything like that from happening again, construction of the Citadel began in 1850. Four years later, an Austrian garrison was stationed there.

The fortress is 220 m long, and the walls are 16 m high. Moreover, compared with the original plan, the construction was never fully completed.

In 1867, a compromise agreement was reached between Austria and Hungary, under which the Austrian garrison no longer needed to remain in the citadel. The troops left the fort. Inspired local residents rushed to dismantle the fortress, but fortunately they got no farther than the upper part of the entrance.

During World War II, the citadel was badly damaged, and it has still not been fully restored. However, inside you will find the Military Museum, which contains many archival photographs and wax figures depicting the assault of 1944.

Flickr, Pittyphotos

This monument can be seen from almost anywhere in Budapest. The huge statue stands on top of Gellert Hill and, thanks to its illumination, is clearly visible even at night. It is 14 meters high, and with the pedestal it reaches a full 40! The sculptor depicted Liberty as a woman holding a palm branch in her hands. It is said, however, that at first she held an airplane propeller, because that was what Admiral Miklós Horthy, who ruled Hungary until 1944, wanted. His son was a pilot and was killed in action during World War II.

The official version, however, says that the monument was erected in 1947 to honor the liberation of Hungary from the fascists. Originally, it was called the "Liberation Monument." Next to it there was also a bronze monument to a Soviet soldier, a red star, and a list of 164 soldiers who died while liberating Budapest.

But, like most countries of Eastern Europe, Hungary soon after the end of the war began actively "erasing" all traces of its communist past. So the bronze monument to the soldier disappeared, the names of the fallen heroes vanished with it, and the red star was removed as well. The "Liberation Monument" remained, but it was renamed, and now it is the "Liberty Statue."

Panoramio, orban.lorant

Budapest is known around the world for its unique thermal springs. In particular, there is a health resort of the same name on Gellert Hill, and the baths are located on its grounds.

According to legend, there was a cave above it where a hermit who healed people lived. Many sick people came to him for help, and he advised them all to bathe in the lake near the cave. The bottom of this lake was muddy, so the bathing place was called dirty. However, word of its miraculous properties quickly spread throughout the country.

In 1912, construction of a hotel began here, and bathing halls were equipped. Each of them had its own distinctive features. For example, one had pearl baths, another had a pool with artificial waves, etc.

Today, the "Gellert" baths resemble an old palace more than an ordinary health resort. The interiors skillfully combine Eastern elements and elaborate Art Nouveau decor. The stained-glass windows in the Great Hall are true works of art.

But that is not the main attraction here; the most important sight is, of course, the springs themselves. Their temperature ranges from +38 to +40°C. People often come here to treat asthma, bronchitis, neuralgia, and other ailments. In addition to the baths, there are many other beneficial treatments here, such as carbon dioxide baths, underwater massage, a sauna, mud wraps, etc.