Second Full Day in Budapest (6/10)

This was another busy day, and I'm not sure we should be pushing so hard.  The temps approach 90 F in the afternoon, which kind of drains us.  I'm not as young as I used to be!

We started the day with a trip to the building that we keep posting photos about--the Hungarian Parliament.  We booked a tour of the inside and it was well worth it.

Main Entrance

Entrance ceiling.  We were looking at it from the other side, so the paintings were upside-down.  I flipped the photo around for a better view.

Entrance to the room holding the Crown Jewels of St. Stephen

Once we got to the crown jewels, pictures were forbidden.  That's too bad because they were impressive and had an interesting story.  We even saw the changing of the honor guard.  We also saw a tourist whose nose was buried in her phone almost walk into one of the guards.  It was a close call.  If you'd like to see the crown and scepter, click here.

Legislative Chamber

The Red Star placed at the top of Parliament during Communist times (1945-1989)

After the tour, it was a short walk to an art installation entitled "Shoes on the Danube Bank".  It honors the Jews killed by militiamen of Hungary's fascist Arrow Cross party.  They were ordered to take off their clothes and were shot in the back so that they fell into the river.  The memorial represents the shoes that were left on the bank.

Along the riverbank

Many people put flowers and candles in them.

Next up was the St. Stephen's Basilica.  This is the third largest church in Hungary.

Outside the Basilica

Exterior view of the dome

Inside the Dome

St.Stephen's Altar

The Church Organ

The reliquary that purportedly holds the right hand of St. Stephen.  I hope he didn't try to take a picture of his crown jewels with it.

On our exciting trip on the yellow line yesterday, we saw a stop called "Opera".  This is where the Hungarian State Opera house is located and it's a beautiful building.  Unfortunately it was being renovated, so you will have to view the link to see it.  We did get pictures of the inside though--even saw an opera singer.

Staircase

Atrium

Last stop of the day was a church whose tiled roof caught my attention when we were on the Pest side of town,  After a dinner of savory and sweet crepes, we took a tram to it.  It is the Szilagyi Deszo Square Reformed Church.

The church was completed in 1896

I am sure you've noticed our heavy use of public transportation.  I buy two 24 hr tickets each day (for about $12) and we really get our money's worth.  The system goes everywhere we want and we can ride subway, tram, or bus (though we haven't done the last).  If you ever visit, I highly recommend using it.