Buda Castle Tour: History and Architecture

Step into the heart of medieval Buda as we explore Tárnok Street, once the bustling commercial artery of the royal castle. This charming cobbled lane hides some of the most beautifully restored medieval merchant houses in the Castle District. Discover how trade thrived behind these Gothic façades, how goods were stored, sold, and taxed, and how merchants lived and worked in the shadow of royal power. We’ll visit three remarkable buildings that survived fire, siege, and centuries of change—each standing on original medieval foundations. Tárnok Street offers a rare glimpse into the daily life, architecture, and ingenuity of the medieval burghers of Buda.

Our walk continues along Úri Street, once the noble residential quarter of medieval Buda. Here we uncover the remnants of aristocratic palaces and residential houses, many built on original 14th–15th century foundations. These structures whisper stories of status, power, and daily life behind their thick stone walls. The street is also home to the finest collection of medieval gateways in the Castle District ornate entrances that once welcomed knights, courtiers, and foreign dignitaries. As we stroll beneath their arches, we’ll trace the architectural evolution of Buda's noble class and step into a world of forgotten elegance and medieval refinement.

Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

Built on the site of one of medieval Buda’s oldest churches, the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene once served as the main parish for the city’s Hungarian-speaking population in the district known as “Szombathely.” Its foundations date back to the 13th century. Though partially destroyed during the siege of Buda in 1686, it stood for centuries as a symbol of faith and identity. Its fate was sealed in the 1950s, when Hungary’s communist regime ordered the demolition of the ruined structure. Only the medieval tower survived saved by the determined efforts of archaeologists and preservationists. Today, the solitary tower stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, memory, and the layers of history buried beneath Buda Castle Hill.