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Obuda (Old Buda)
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For history lovers Óbuda is a treasure trove of well-preserved remains from the Roman period to Baroque bourgeois mansions.
The popular youth meeting the Sziget Festival takes place in Óbuda on the Hajógyári Island every summer. Map of Óbuda
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The area of todays' Óbuda was inhabitaed in as early as the stone age. The Romans formed the capital of their Pannonia province - bordered by the river Danube - Aquincum. Aquincum means "abundant in water" indicating that the Romans discovered and appreciated the area's most important natural treasure the thermal springs. |
An Old, Outdoor Museum - Military Baths from the Roman Era
Acquincum was a military base and a Roman legion of 6000 soldiers stationed there in the 89 AD.
You can see remains of the bath used by the legionaries, tucked under the flyover at Árpád Bridge on Flórián Square. The name of the museum, Thermae Mairoes (meaning large bath) was found on a stone relief. The remains were discovered in the 18th century.
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Layout plans with English comments show the original structure of the bath.
Although the the traffic noise and the modern concrete buildings rising in the neighbouring area made it difficult for me to imagine how the bath functioned this hidden museum still gives you an impression about the Romans way of living 2000 years ago.
Open: 15th April-31st October, closed on Mondays
Admission is free.
The amphitheatre of the military camp is in Nagyszombati utca.
Hercules Villa
Address: Meggyfa utca 19-21., Óbuda
The fine mosaics that adored a once lavish, 12-room villa illustrate a famous part from the Hercules myth, when a centaur abducts Hercules's wife. This mosiac was taken to the Acquincum museum but you can see several other beautiful mosaics at the site of the villa.
Aquincum Museum- Remains of a Roman Town
Address: Szentendrei út 139., subrurban railway (HÉV) from Bathány tér, get off at Acquincum stop
Admisison: 900 HUF/adult, 405 HUF/students, pensioners, family ticket (2 adults+2 kids): 1600 HUF
Guided tour in English costs 2100 HUF.
Open: from 15th April till 31st October: 10.00-18.00 in summer, 10.00-17.00 in spring & autumn
A large town had grown around the garrison and in 107 AD Emperor Trajan broke Pannonia into two parts, creating the civilian town of Acquincum.
Two amphitheatres, several villas, central heating, baths, sanctuaries provided everything for the inhabitants of the town.
The outdoor site contains ruins of courtyards, baths, a market place, shrines, large columns, sculptures and a stone sarcophagi.
In the small museum jewels, glassware, metal tools, wallpaintings are on display together with scenes reviving the lives of ancient Romans living in Acquincum.
Once shouts of fighting gladiators and the suffering of the Christians thrown as prey to the roaring wild animals filled the air in Acquincum today the the traffic noise from the busy Szentedre main road reminds you of 21st -century Óbuda.
The events of the Acquincum Summer Festival (mid-May-mid-Sept, mainly on weekends) however take you back in time trying to reconstructing the everyday lives of the Romans.
Main Square (Fő tér) of Obuda
Take a rest on a bench on this secluded square and you feel as if you'd travelled back to the 17th-18th centuries. Only a few locals going on their everyday business might interrup your contemplation.
You can almost hear the clatter of hoofes on the cobble stoned plaza.
Óbuda's main square managed to preserve its peaceful charm throughout the turbulent centuries of Budapest's history. Main roads that played important role in the city's life intersected the square since the Roman times.
The Turks destroyed most of the medieval buildings during their 150-year reign.
The town hall was built in the 18th century followed by other town mansions around the square.
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The architectural highlight is the Zichy Castle erected in the middle of the 18th century. The castle was never finished according to the original plans and it undergone many alterations but the main wing reflects its original splendour. Today the Baroque Zichy castle gives home to several outstanding museums: |
Address: Fő tér (Main Square) 1.
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun: 10.00-17.00, closed on Mon-Tue, Admission: 150 HUF/adult
The exhibition consisting of 20, 000 items depicts the life and works of Lajos Kassák (1887-1967), famous representative of Hungarian avantgarde.
Óbuda Museum
Address: Fő tér (Main Square) 1-4.
Open: Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00
Rich collection introduces local history. Hungary's only toy museum will be a thrill to kids and their parent alike. The Zsigmond Kun Flat Museum has a unique collection of folk art furniture.
Victor Vasarely Museum
Address: Szentlélek tér 1.,
Open: Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00
Hundreds of works by the Hungarian born painter can be seen along with temporary exhibitions of other Hungarian artists.
At the end of Lajos Street in an old medieval house the Budapest Gallery awaits you with contemporary artworks.
At Szentlélek tér an engrossing group of sculptures by Imre Varga, the Women with Umbrella makes you stop for a while and admire the artwork which became a symbol of Obuda.
More works of the talented contemporary sculptor can be seen in the Imre Varga Collection the at 7., Laktanya utca, Óbuda (Open: Tue-Sun: 10.00-18.00).
The Holy Trinity Statue at Szentlélek tér
A former Trinitarian monastery gives home to the Kiscelli Museum.
Medieval Ruins & Cultural Programs
In Kiskorona utca you'll find ruins of a medieval convent and the Óbudai Társaskör (Kiskorona utca 7.) the centre of Óbuda's cultural life alos operates in this street.
The association organises many art events and exhibitions the most popular is the Summer in Óbuda series of programs between June-September.
Classical music and jazz concerts, theatre performances provide for enetertainment on warm summer evenings.
Jewish Sights in Óbuda
The Classicist style former synagogue stands opposite the Budapest Gallery in Lajos utca. Today a tv studio operates in the building.
The famous rabby Moses Muncz (1750-1831) is buried in the district's Jewish Cemetery (address: Külső Bécsi út 369., Óbuda)
Read more about Jewish Budapest.
Where to Eat in Óbuda?
Óbuda abounds in welcoming taverns offering tasty food and quaint atmosphere. In the Kéhli Restaurant or in the Kisbudagyönyge you can sample Hungarian dishes.
In Új Sípos Fish Restaurant you can eat traditional Hungarian Fisherman's Soup.
See more Recommended Restaurants in Óbuda.
Related Pages On Our Website
Budapest Sightseeing - overview of major places of interests
Budapest Museums - list of museums
Sights in Buda - including the beautiful Church of St Ann, Tomb of Gül Baba, and some other hidden attractions.
Return from Obuda to Homepage of Budapest Tourist Guide.
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