Tuesday, May 16, 2023

15th of May 2023 - Last day in Budapest

The last day in Budapest started with a visit to the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music which was founded by Franz Liszt in 1875.  The alumni of this university of music includes Sir Georg Solti.  Students of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music are educated according to the institution’s twin spirits of tradition and progressiveness. Teaching is conducted on a one-to-one basis and in small groups and workshops, respecting the individual needs of each talented student.



 

We were privileged to be given a three piece mini concert by Aaron, a second year student.

 

Our next visit was to Heroes' Square noted for its iconic Millennium Monument with statues featuring the Seven chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes.

 

Our final stop was on Gellért Hill which rises above the Danube in Buda giving a panoramic view of the city.


A sculpture composition incorporating life-size black bronze statues stands on Gellért Hill.  This sculpture is called the Garden of Philosophy with the bronze statues depicting the world's leading thinkers and founders of world religions.

 

After lunch I walked from the ship to the Great Market Hall which is one of the largest indoor markets in Budapest and boasts beautiful neo-Gothic architecture.

There was much fresh produce for sale including fish, meat, spices, cured meats, and dairy products.

Paprika is considered as the national spice of Hungary and is therefore one of the most common items for sale in the Budapest Market Halls.

 

I then walked across the Liberty Bridge (or Freedom Bridge) across the River Danube from Pest to Buda passing the Gellért Spa which is one of the most famous thermal spa baths in Europe.

From there I walked along the river to the Elizabeth Bridge where there was a lovely ornamental waterfall.  I then crossed back from Buda to Pest where I re-joined the ship.

 

In the evening we were welcomed again to the ship by the captain in the lounge before going to the restaurant for a gala dinner.

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