Day 6: Fisherman's Bastion, Paprikash & Ruin Bars shh!

Fisherman's Bastion 🏰

Rise and shine...well actually, maybe it is some more rain! Well not to fret, we dawned our rain jackets and water proof pants and walked slowly up the streets to our first destination of the day: Fisherman's Bastion.

Fisherman's Bastion is a picturesque landmark that offers panoramic views of the Danube River! This particular architecture is Neo Romanesque was built by architect Frigyes Schulek. It sits atop Castle Hill. It's name is derived from the fact the fisherman's guild used this impressive fortress as a way to defend their people. With its seven ornate towers representing the seven Magyar tribes that founded Hungary, Fisherman’s Bastion is complete with decorative turrets, arched walkways, and intricate stone carvings.

The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle ⛪

Across from Fisherman's Bastion is the Church of our Lady of the Buda Castle, also known as Matthias Church.

The architecture complements the Bastion with carvings that are like taking pictures from the distant past. However, the specific style is called florid late Gothic style! Within the Church is breath taking array of colors and stained glass.

Lion is a symbol of courage, loyalty, and bravery

Stained glass

Sisi 👑

Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Queen of Hungary was an important figure in the history of Hungary. Elisabeth, Queen of Hungary and Empress of Austria, also known as Sisi, was a beloved figure in Hungary and played a crucial role in strengthening Austro-Hungarian relations during the 19th century. She was deeply admired by the Hungarian people for her compassion, political influence, and advocacy for Hungarian independence within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Unlike many in the Austrian court, she embraced Hungarian culture, learned the language, and built strong relationships with Hungarian leaders which is what led to her popularity. Her deep affection for Hungary was reflected in her frequent stays at Gödöllő Palace, her Hungarian retreat. Even after her tragic assassination in 1898, Elisabeth remained a cherished symbol of Hungarian pride, freedom, and national identity.

You will hear a lot about her on your trip!

Cooking Class 🧑‍🍳

After lots and lots of walking we were rewarded for our penultimate task of the day which was a cooking class! We got to learn how to cook Hungarian food from a...Scottish Chef? Well, jokes aside, this chef was very knowledgable in hungarian cooking, using locally sourced ingredients and cooking home cooked meals found in the families of those in Hungary.

My favorite dish of the day was making Chicken Paprikish! I have always loved paprika but have never had one directly from Hungary, and let me tell you there is a significant difference!

Not only that, but did you know there are different types of paprika! I bought one bag of each to take back home with me now that I knew how to cook the local dish! You can find many recipes online, but the chef was kind enough to give each partner a copy of his recipe book detailing the way to make the dish! I love spicy food, and I fell in love with the paprika, so much so I got for dinner even more chicken paprikish! The chef even prepared dairy free dishes for people like me, to enjoy the foods without the suffering!

The types are Hot, Smoked and Sweet!

Chicken Paprikish with sour cream and spatzel

Gerlóczy Kávéház chocolate cherry dessert

Ruin Bars ... shh! 🤫

While I thought the night was over, our tour guide hushed over some folks who were still wide awake and asked us if we were up for some fun! He told us about something called a Ruin Bar. Ruin Bars are bars that have taken typically abandoned buildings and turned into a night of drinking and dancing. I loved the way they turned something that could be considered trash into a fun and colorful event! If you have the energy try to find one hidden within the city and enjoy the night!

Lights adorn the entire buildings along the streets. Try to navigate and find a ruin bar hidden within the nooks and crannies!

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