Drifting between the two banks of heritage on the Danube

From the lyrical Seine, the elegant Thames, to the majestic Rhine or the poetic canals of Amsterdam, each journey is an experience of unlimited discovery. In particular, a cruise on the Danube in Budapest (Hungary) truly leaves a deep impression on the architectural and artistic symbols of the city known as the most beautiful in Europe.

The capital Budapest is located on the Danube River of Hungary.

The city is divided into two banks of memories

The first time we set foot in Budapest was on a winter day close to Christmas. The Eastern European city was freezing cold despite the clear blue sky and golden sunshine. Budapest is known as the “Paris of Eastern Europe”, famous for its architectural heritage and ancient streets. M. John Harrison, a British literary critic, once described Budapest as “the East’s glamorous view of the West, the West’s fantasy of the East”.

Inside this multicultural city lies the story of the fateful “two banks”. Budapest is actually the combined name of two cities: Buda on the West Bank and Pest on the East Bank of the Danube. It is not simply a way to create an interesting name for the capital of Hungary, but also defines two completely different styles. Buda is quiet and quiet, surrounded by beautiful hills, green parks and ancient castles. Pest has a fresh look with large boulevards, beautiful skyscrapers and luxurious restaurants. However, this contrast is perfectly blended, creating a Budapest that is both classic and modern, extremely dynamic but still full of lyricism. And, to experience such a charming and enchanting Budapest, there is no better way than to take a trip along the “parallel” that divides the two banks of the city - the Danube.

The Danube is the second longest river in Europe with a length of 2,850km, originating in the Black Forest and flowing through much of Central and Southeastern Europe, before emptying into the Black Sea. However, it seems that nowhere in the 10 countries is the Danube's flow as beautiful and enchanting as in Budapest, where the river suddenly changes direction from east-west to north-south. The Danube flows gently through Budapest as a silent witness to the heroic and tragic history of this city.

Starting from the central marina, under the sunset, in the dreamy melody of the “Blue Danube”, the 1-hour cruise takes us from one surprise to another overwhelmed by the architectural, artistic and historical works considered the quintessence of an Eastern European empire. All create a wonderful multi-sensory experience.

Historical sediments and artistic imprints

I fell in love with Budapest at first sight, when my eyes fell on the Parliament building, the proud symbol of Hungary and one of the most beautiful legislative buildings in the world. The more than 100-year-old building with magnificent Gothic architecture, prominent red domes and sophisticated carvings is not only the workplace of the government but also a "living" museum preserving precious artifacts. This is a great work in both stature and artistic weight. When the sunset falls, the building shimmers in the golden light, standing out like a fairytale palace in the heart of the city.

As the cruise moves further, the majestic Matthias Church appears, a Gothic masterpiece that has witnessed many important historical events. The colorful tiled roof of the church sparkles under the light, creating a fairy-tale scene. Adjacent to the church is the Fisherman's Bastion, voted by the Hungarians as one of the "7 architectural wonders of Hungary", to commemorate the efforts of medieval fishermen who fought and sacrificed for the peace of Budapest. And there, on top of Buda Hill, the majestic castle of the same name overlooks the Danube River, built in the 13th century, not only a symbol of royal power but also the cultural and artistic center of Budapest, a UNESCO-recognized world heritage site. From the cruise, you can see the entire majestic castle, with its ancient walls and beautiful surrounding gardens.

There are nine beautiful bridges on the Danube that have made the city famous as the “city of bridges”. Starting with the Chain Bridge, the first bridge and a symbol of the connection between Buda and Pest. The Chain Bridge, also known as the Xich Bridge, was built in the mid-19th century, standing out with its 375m length and two triumphal arch-shaped abutments, shimmering under the yellow lights at night, like a bright pearl on the river. In addition, there are other bridges such as the Margaret, Elisabeth and Liberty bridges, each with its own unique features. The Elisabeth Bridge connects the center of Pest with Gellért Hill, where the Statue of Liberty is located, while the Art Nouveau-style Liberty Bridge is a unique landmark in the cityscape.

The cruise on the Danube also brought me closer to the daily life of the people of Budapest. I saw peaceful cafes and restaurants along the river, green parks and bustling markets. At the end of the trip, I was left with a journey of discovery not only about the beautiful scenery but also about the history of Budapest - the "heart" of Europe.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/troi-giua-doi-bo-di-san-tren-dong-danube-689572.html