Fisherman's Bastion

Designed by architect Frigyes Schulek and built in 1905, the white-stoned Fisherman’s Bastion is described as a combination of neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque - full of turrets, projections, parapets, and climbing stairways.

The Fisherman’s Bastion is made up of seven towers - each one symbolizing one of the seven Magyar tribes that came to Hungary in 896. Some describe the building as almost “Disney-esque” – a fairytale-like structure that conjures up thoughts of Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. Still, it seems to be in sync with the style of the Church of Our Lady and complements the church, which was the intention of the architect.

The bastion sits in a neighborhood once known as Fisherman’s Town, thus the name. An old fish market also sat at this location during medieval times.

Most visitors consider the view from Fisherman’s Bastion to be one of the best in the city. From atop the structure, you can see as far as Margaret Island, view buildings such as St Stephen’s Basilica, Parliament, the Academy of Sciences, the Vgrido Concert Hall, and Inner City Parish Church. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the Margaret, Erzsébet and Szabadság Bridges.

The best time to head to Fisherman’s Bastion is on a clear, sunny day. This kind of weather provides you with a clear view of Budapest’s many fantastic sites. An entrance fee is charged during the day, but after dark, the view of the lights of Budapest is free.