Gellert Hill Budapest
Rising to over 750 feet between Elizabeth and the Liberty bridges over the Danube, this is the best place in Budapest to get sweeping views over this great city.
It was named after Bishop Gellert who was given the task of converting somewhat reluctant Magyars to the Christian faith. Gellert hill provides a commanding view of Budapest and overlooks Budapest famous Elizabeth Bridge from which the Bishop was cast into the Danube by the heathens. Af the foot of the hills are the Rudan Furdo Baths with their domed roof, and inside the lovely Octagonal pool. On the very top of the hill is the Citadella a fortress constructed to restore order in the aftermath of the War of independence midway through the 1800's. Today there is a restaurant and also a dormitory style hostel and is a good choice for a break in your trip up the hill.
On the very top of Gellert Hill is the freedom monument, a striking statue of a woman holding a palm branch aloft. This statue originally incorporated a soviet soldier complete with red flag, however this was removed after the collapse of Communism. If you glance to the right from the top yo will see the roof of the famous Gellert Hotel, once the headquarters of the regent Admiral Horthy.