Andrássy Avenue
Andrassy Avenue is considered another attraction of the capital of Hungary, which is worth visiting at least once in your life. In society, the avenue is called Budapest's Champs Elysees. He was named after the Austrian-Hungarian Foreign Minister Gyula Andrássy.
History of Andrássy Avenue
Initially, the street was planned as an annex to Royal Street, which by that time (1870) could no longer cope with the flow of cars, carriages, horse-drawn horses and pedestrians. The designer was the Hungarian architect Miklos Ibl, who decided to slightly change the technical specifications and create a beautiful street.
The Champs Elysees of Budapest became the habitat of the Hungarian nobility, and in our time they are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Construction of the main street began in 1872, at which time all the old buildings were demolished and new houses were erected. Already initially they gave the impression of charming ancient buildings (a pseudo-historical style was used), and today they amaze with their charming rounded shapes, graceful window arches, turrets and other architectural beauties. By the way, the pavement of Andrássy Avenue was covered with wood to reduce the noise from the hooves of horses and the wheels of passing carriages.
In 1876, the grand opening of the avenue took place. At the same time, the street was chosen by local fashionistas, who used it as a promenade. Throughout its existence, the street has changed several names: from the original Radial Avenue to Gyula Andrássy Street, Stalin Avenue, Hungarian Youth, People's Republic. In 1990, the name of Andrássy Avenue was returned to it and they calmed down.
What to see on Andrássy Avenue
The main street of the capital provides an opportunity to leisurely stroll through the center of Budapest, admire the creations of local architects, sit in numerous cafes, watching the chaotic movement of tourists and the purposeful movement of local residents.
Under Andrássy Avenue is located the very first metro line of the Hungarian capital (it is also considered the first in the entire territory of continental Europe). Underground transport operates very close to the surface, so the passage of a train is accompanied by a slight shaking of the ground underfoot.
For those who want to get a closer look at the history of Hungary, there is the Postal Museum, which completely recreates the post office of the late 19th century with more than 20,000 exhibits (suits, telephone and telegraph equipment, machines for selling stamps and other accessories necessary in the postal business , mailboxes), House of Terror, telling about the horrors of the totalitarian rule of fascists and communists; The House of Franz Liszt, where the great composer lived, came up with his beautiful melodies and even gave chamber concerts, the Museum of East Asian Art, where you can get acquainted with the culture of India, Japan, China, Vietnam, Korea.
Art connoisseurs should visit the Opera House (in terms of acoustics it ranks third in all of Europe), framed inside with stucco images, gilding, ceiling and wall paintings, so you can not only enjoy classical works, but also appreciate the rich decoration old building. However, purchasing tickets can be a problem: they sell out almost instantly. For tourists who are not very keen to attend the performances, separate excursions are held.
The puppet theater will be a real celebration of returning to childhood; performances are held here for both young spectators and adult audiences. The charm of the street is manifested in green spaces that provide openwork shade during the hot season, and in open cafes where you can sit and enjoy local pastries or a hearty lunch. The 2.5 km long Andrássy Avenue connects Deák Ferenc Square with Heroes' Square and the City Park.
