We reached a city where, merely a generation ago, there had been a revolt against the Soviet control over Hungary, economic struggles, and the communist seizure of the secret police in 1948. (My second cousin married a Hungarian who was one of the freedom fighters and died the week after I returned.) The communists' legacy is still visible in the city of Budapest in the street names and the architecture. There is the House of Terror Museum which showcases the atrocities committed by Nazi and communist secret police forces. This is all still woven into the DNA of the people, how could it not be?
There were hardships mentioned to us as we shared pieces of our lives with the locals but here, I want to focus on another striking aspect - the light diminishing the darkness and the resilience of rising up and building up. Our first experience of Budapest all started with the kindness we were greeted with after we checked into the hotel. The dining room was closed because the staff was getting ready for a post conference party but the head waiter told us he would prepare a meal for us. He could not have been more gracious! This gentleman related that he remembered when food was scarce for people and now he celebrates having it and preparing it. In all of the cafes and restaurants we were fortunate to go into, there was an old world elegance. Food was prepared and presented beautifully and there was the unspoken invitation to just sit and savor, which we certainly did with much gratitude.
The Parliment of Budpapest is the third largest in the world. We could see this massive building from many different spots as we photographed. It is ornate with rose windows, statues of statesmen, clerics and kings and within the limestone, elaborately carved cornice, all topped with turrets and a copper colored dome. When communism fell in 1989, the building was in total disrepair. The limestone stained black with soot. Scaffolding rose up all around the building for the next 25-30 years. It was said that crews worked 7 days a week. When all was said and done on St. Stephen's Day, August 20th, 2014, we heard that so many people came to the Danube with Hungarian flags draped over their bodies, waving flags and others attached red, white and green ribbons to their clothes. There was such tremendous pride and it now serves as a beacon of light. It is one of the most impressive sites in Budapest.
We then wandered into Matthias Church, its colorful tiled roof was a mosaic of hope against the skies of winter. Inside, the echoes of history reverberated and we felt a reverence in the beauty that was both grounding and uplifting. Matthias Church in Budapest suffered significant damage during the communist era in Hungary, following World War II. The communist regime, which held little regard for religious heritage, allowed the church to fall into neglect, and much of its ornate interior and historical features were either damaged or stripped away. The building also suffered structural damage during the Siege of Budapest in 1945, leaving it in a state of disrepair. After the fall of communism, extensive restoration efforts began in the 1990s to restore the church to its former glory. Meticulous work by skilled artisans and architects included repairing the damaged roof tiles, recreating the intricate frescoes, and restoring the Gothic spires and stone carvings. Today, Matthias Church stands as a vibrant symbol of Hungarian cultural and religious history, beautifully reflecting its medieval origins.
During the communist siege, St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest also fell into neglect as religious institutions were suppressed, and its grandeur faded under years of disrepair. The soaring dome, once a symbol of faith and resilience that could be seen from afar was weathered and crumbling. Yet, the spirit of the Hungarian people endured, and after the fall of communism, a massive restoration project began. Architects, artisans, and historians worked to revive the Basilica’s beauty, cleaning its ornate facade, restoring the breathtaking mosaics, and reinforcing its iconic dome. Today, St. Stephen's Basilica stands not only as a magnificent work of art but also as a testament to the resilience of faith and the enduring power of restoration.
The Chain Bridge, bathed in golden light, transformed into a symbol of connection and endurance. The Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Chain Bridge) in Budapest was bombed during World War II. In 1945, as Soviet forces advanced into Budapest during the Siege of Budapest, German troops destroyed the bridge to hinder the Soviet advance. The once-majestic structure, which had been a symbol of unity and engineering brilliance since its completion in 1849, was left in ruins, with only its towers standing. After the war, the bridge was painstakingly rebuilt and reopened in 1949 to commemorate its 100th anniversary. The restoration preserved the original design, symbolizing fortitude, strength and the enduring connection between Buda and Pest.
Again, with the end to communism, The Budapest Museum of Fine Arts underwent major renovations to preserve its architectural beauty and ensure the safety of its collections. Today, the Museum of Fine Arts stands restored, a beacon of culture and history.
Art revives what time may steal,
A mirror to reflect, a balm to heal.
It whispers hope, it never tires,
Lifts us higher, ignites desire.
For in every frame, every note, every line,
Is a heartbeat—a pulse, divine.
Art restores the spirit, makes us whole,
The eternal symphony of the soul.
The Christmas Market, with its bright lights, the smell of mulled wine and the vibrant stalls surrounded with people of all ages was a celebration of life!
Continuing the forward movement, it was suggested to us that we photograph this tram station because these iconic looking trolleys will no longer exist within the next few years. According to the Daily News of Budapest, "The current Ganz trams, which have been a staple since the 1970s, will be replaced with modern CAF trams on line 2, Népszava reports. These new vehicles promise enhanced comfort, featuring low floors for easier access and air conditioning, aiming to improve passenger experience and reduce overcrowding. However, the introduction of these more robust and longer trams will change the line’s traditional appearance."
Each photo that I took felt like a tribute to the spirit of this place. As I framed each moment, each scene, I saw resilience, raw and serene.
Lessons etched in stone and sky. The city had shown me its scars and its strength, its pain and its pride. I carry with me images of its grandeur and its grit with light shining and bathing but most of all defining.
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