From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Standing guard over the intricately concaved door of the Ják templom stand statues of Christ and ten of His apostles (the other two watch from the towers.) This former Benedictine abbey, currently it's St. George Parish Church, was built at the beginning of the 13th century and is the most famous church of Hungarian Romanesque architecture.

However if you can't make it to the Western Transdanubia area of Hungary soon, visit the small-scale replica that's part of the Vajdahunyad Castle complex in the Városliget near Heroes Square in Budapest. Granted the interiors may not hold all the artistic treasures of Romanesque frescos and Gothic statues as the original, but you're sure to find the same calming, cool quiet -- unless of course a concert is being performed.

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Don't wear uncomfortable shoes. A stroll on Széchenyi-island in Városliget, Budapest could be short, but why when you can walk wide tree-lined paths. Play catch in its park. Stop on the foot bridge over a narrow part of the lake (yes, it's man-made, but so what, it's nice) and enjoy the feeling that you're not really in the middle of a large, busy city. You can even rent a row-boat in the summer if you'd like. Or ice-skate in the winter.

Of course, one of the main attractions is the Vajdahunyad Castle. It's not a genuine castle, but rather a complex of buildings that incorporate architectural styles from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. Ignác Alpár designed it as part of the millenarian celebrations in 1896 (It had been 1,000 years since the Magyars had migrated to Hungary)

Originally intended as temporary exhibition pavilions, the castle proved to be so popular with the public that between 1904-6, it was rebuilt using bricks to create a permanent structure. The architectural styles follow each other chronologically, so that Romanesque is followed by Gothic, then Renaissance, and then Baroque; yet the individual styles are masterfully linked together to give the impression of a single cohesive design. Even still, the architectural student will note that authentic details from twenty renowned buildings of historical Hungary are present. Budapestens named the entire complex after the main Renaissance replica (the Hungarian castle in Vajdahunyad, Transylvania) which is seen prominently from across the lake.

While the Castle and grounds are themselves worth the stroll, especially when accompanied by an ice cream (available at several of the entrances), there's other treasures to be found. In front of the castle is a statue of Alpár depicted wearing the robes of a master architect from the Middle Ages. Possibly better known is the statue in honor of the unknown author of Hungary's first history books, /*Gesta Hungarorum*/. Superstition says that if you touch the pen that the statue Anonymous, also called Magister P, holds you'll receive good luck. Also part of this picturesque retreat is the Museum of Agriculture, which has been housed here since 1897 and is the largest in Europe, and Ják Templom (look for more on this quaint church later.)

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Cobblestone roads wind past museums, churches, and fountains. Restaurants and shops painted in warm hues of yellow, brown, and orange snuggly sit beside each other welcoming you to come inside. And as it is hugged by the lower slopes of the Pilis range on the left and the Danube River on the right, Szentendre is a sightseer's delight.

It is known for many things. Its beauty. It old-world market appeal. Its museums--including the largest open-air museum of rural architecture and another dedicated to marzipan creations. Its history--as one of the few towns spared from the black death/plague (remembered by a simple cross in the middle of the main square). Its once-strong Serbian influence still seen in the number of orthodox churches. These factors added to its abundant sunshine, led Szentendre to become an artist colony in 1928 and therefore home of many studios and galleries; although dozens of artists create, and of course sell, their work in the alfresco.

While you can easily spend the afternoon in the tourist shops, galleries, and museums, don't forget to also get the bigger picture--a panoramic view seen only by walking up a small hill. There's more than one way to the top, but we'd recommend this simple route. As you stand near the cross memorial in the main square, you'll see a sign for lángos. hanging near a small alley stairway. Take the path all the way up for a great view, as well as to visit the Catholic parish church (still under restoration). On the way back down make sure you pop in to the small stall on the side for a lángos.--a delicious traditional Hungarian treat whether covered in garlic and paprika sauces or apricot jam. If you want to give your feet a rest, but still enjoy the sights there's a horse-drawn carriage that leaves from the main square. Or pick up an ice cream come from one of the many vendors and sit on a bench under the shady paved path of the Danube riverwalk.

Szentendre can be easily reached by commuter train, bus, and boat, each of which will also take you to another nearby (20 minutes or so by bus) sight-to-see: Visegard's Castle Ruins.

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Sitting just below one of Budapest's most famous landmarks (Castle Hill), the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd) allows visitors to cross the Danube and head easily for Vörösmarty tér, the northern end of the popular shopping street Vaci utca. Not that the bridge doesn't get plenty of use from city dwellers going about their daily lives, it is in the middle of the city after all. However, in the summer months this architecturally famous bridge takes an even grander role in drawing tourists and home folks alike together as each weekend the bridge closes to vehicular traffic and throws a party.

Here's not only your chance to view the noble Castle Hill and Parliament buildings or enjoy the calming effect of watching the Danube valley boat traffic, but to peruse dozens of craft booths. And no party is complete without food and music. While the food is similar on both ends (with typical fare like kemencés kenyérlángos (a pizza-like lángos), kürtőskalács (chimney cake), sausages and peppers), the music won't be the same. There's a stage set on both ends, and one in the middle too, so there's a variety of traditional and contemporary music and dance to choose from. And so that everyone's got something to do, the stage on the Pest side offers children's programs earlier in the day and one booth offers bike rentals.

Although not as spectacular as an event like Taste of Hungary, the Summer on the Chain Bridge (Nyár a Lánchídon) has its own flavor and it's free.

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

The history of a city can be a small peak at national and regional history. Thus the Budapest History Museum (Budapesti Történeti Múzeum) is one of the best places to go for an understanding of not only Budapest's history, but also the entire Carpathian basin. Located off the back side of the Hungarian National Gallery on Castle Hill, this museum is easy to miss since it is off the beaten path. But there a four things you should not miss as you stroll through: The 3rd floor exhibit with its many historic maps of battle plans as well as weapons used in the liberation of Buda from the Trukish occupation. The statue area in the back end of the main floor has an outstanding collection of Roman and medieval-era pieces. The lowest level is actually part of the old palace and tucked away there is a chapel. And of course, as the museum sits on Castle Hill, the courtyard garden and tower (accessible only through the museum) give an amazing view.

The museum's collection consists mainly of artifacts dating back to the Middle Ages, found after WWII in the south wing of the Royal Palace. It also traces the history of Buda and Pest from pre-Roman to modern days. The temporary exhibit during our visit was on Maria Valeria, known as the "most beautiful empress of the world."

After you've seen all that you can of the three floors and the castle grounds above and below, you can stop for some refreshments at the little stand on the terrace outside the museum's entrance. Nothing spectacular, but as little of the museum is air-conditioned you may appreciate a cold drink.

Two things to note ... you'll be charged extra if you want to take pictures and as less than half of the descriptions are in English you may want to pay for the headphone tour set.

For more information visit their website: Budapest History Museum