Citadella
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Why go
- The panoramic view from the top over the city, the Danube and its eight bridges
- The open-air display of Red Army weapons by the Danube-facing wall, with a 76 mm M1942 divisional gun (ZiS-3)
- The Liberty Statue (Szabadság-szobor) by Kisfaludi Strobl Zsigmond, set up in front of a bastion
Know before you go
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00–18:00.
- On Fridays it is open from 12:00 to 20:00.
- Contact by phone: +36301260121.
Tips for your visit
- The inner park and walkway in the fortress remains are free to visit by day and in the evening.
- Most visitors come for the view from the walls over the city.
- The site has a café, an ice cream parlour and a gift shop for a break.
- Address: Citadella sétány 1, Budapest.
Best time to visit
- Friday is the only day open until 20:00, so it allows the latest visit.
- On the other open days the site closes at 18:00, so allow the time before then.
Interesting facts5
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Plans for a fortress ring around the city were never carried out, apart from this fortress.
Zitadelle (Budapest) - Wikipedia -
Its main role was to remind residents of foreign rule rather than to serve as a military stronghold.
Zitadelle (Budapest) - Wikipedia -
The builder, Kasselik Ferenc, was the son of the founder of a famous architecture dynasty.
Citadella (Budapest) - Wikipedia -
It originally held sixty cannons.
Citadella - Wikipedia -
In many eyes it became a symbol of tyranny and absolutism.
Citadella (Budapest) - Wikipedia
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History
The fortress was built after the 1848 revolution, on the summit of Gellért Hill. Emmanuel Zitta designed it, and Hungarian forced labourers built it from 1850 to 1854. Before it, a university observatory stood on the site, until it was destroyed in the 1849 siege. Soviet troops occupied it in 1956 and fired down on the city. It stood closed and abandoned from 2014. Renovation began in 2024, and the site reopened on 5 April 2026.
- 1850Work starts on the first fort, to designs by Emmanuel Zitta.
- 1854Hungarian forced labourers finish building the fortress.
- 1899The army leaves, and the city takes over the site.
- 1945The fortress is taken on 12 February after heavy fighting.
- 1956Soviet troops occupy it during the Hungarian Revolution and fire on the city.
Show all
- 1961The site is converted for tourism, with a hotel and restaurant inside.
- 2014The fortress is closed and left abandoned.
- 2026The renovated site reopens on 5 April after years of works.
Sources: Citadella - Wikipedia · Citadella | A Szabadság Bástyája · Zitadelle (Budapest) - Wikipedia · Citadelle (Budapest) - Wikipedia · Citadella (Budapest) - Wikipedia · checked 27 Oct 2026
- Website
- citadella.hu/
- Phone
- +36301260121
Questions and answers
What are the opening hours of Citadella?
Citadella is open Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. On Fridays it is open from 12:00 to 20:00.
Is Citadella free to visit?
The inner park and walkway in the fortress remains are free to visit, by day and in the evening.
Where is Citadella in Budapest?
Citadella stands on the summit of Gellért Hill, at Citadella sétány 1 in Budapest.
What is the view from Citadella?
From its top you see the Danube, its eight bridges and the city below. Most visitors come mainly for this view.
What is the phone number of Citadella?
You can call Citadella on +36301260121.
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