The Danube always played a significant role in the city life of Budapest, or Pest, Buda, and Óbuda before 1973. The powerful river was not always friendly, as it used to flood the city which caused severe damage, especially on the flat Pest side.
If you wander around the city you may notice plaques with water markers set in stone at different levels. The majority of them refer to the most devastating flood of March of 1938 when water levels reached up to 2,6 meters high and several kilometers deep into Pest. You can see the whole map of the flooded areas during its first days on this memorial plaque in Egyetemi sq. Even though the watermarks are subtle and hard to notice, the flood was far away from being understated: a lot of people died, 50.000 residents lost their homes, 2485 (2281 in Pest only) houses collapsed and 1089 buildings were severely damaged.
This event had a huge influence on the city's face and structure, as it cleared up space for the new buildings and neighborhoods, and inspired better water management projects that include not only restricting the Danube stream and reinforcement of its banks but better drainage system. The city was reborn as a Phoenix, and became stronger and better prepared for possible natural disasters.
Searching for the watermarks can be an exciting quest, this website with the images and addresses can help you identify them. In any case, now if you see one, you will know what it refers to.
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In the place of a former canteen, a tapas bar opened, with the cute name of Arquitecto Pitpit, recalling the birds that often chirp in this leafy court.
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"Csendes Vintage Bar & Café" in Budapest means 'quiet' but the name is a bit misleading - it's a buzzy ruin bar without the rains & a comfortable eatery...
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Napocska brings color to area with top-quality coffee and tasty snacks. Once a run-down kiosk, now a local favorite café! Grab a drink and enjoy the sun!
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One of the ideas behind the place is to give a possibility for those who want to adopt an animal to try spending some time with them at the café.
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There's a myriad of urban legends; claiming that it managed to swallow tanks during WW2 or that after the system change '89 dead bodies were washed ashore.
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It does not look like Hogwarts, but rather a medieval castle where each part has a reference to an event or a place from the books of J. K. Rowling...
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The cave is famous for its funny-shaped dripstones, significant differences in levels & narrow corridors. Let your fantasy run free at the Fairy Tale hall.
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The coolest part of the gallery is the secret garden that I cherish for its peace and possibility to experience arts and nature simultaneously.
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You can try out various sizable musical instruments & jump on the inbuilt constructions that produce sounds, and it is accessible outside of working hours.
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The first wall was erected around Pest in the 13th century, but it was soon deconstructed. Another wall around Pest was built a century later...
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Don't let appearances fool you, at Monori Center you will find some of the most authentic Chinese restaurants that serve seafood, hot pots, and dumplings.
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