Gellért Hill, Limestone hill in central Budapest, Hungary
Gellért Hill is a limestone hill in central Budapest that rises 235 meters above the Danube River. The Citadella fortress sits at its summit, and from various points visitors can see across the river to both the Buda and Pest sides of the city.
Following the Hungarian uprising of 1848, the Habsburg Empire built the Citadella fortress on the summit to maintain control over Budapest. This fortification became a long-standing symbol of imperial power over the city.
The hill takes its name from Saint Gerard, an early Christian bishop whose fate became intertwined with this place. People use the paths and viewpoints here for walks and gatherings, and the hill itself has become a symbol of the city.
Several hiking trails lead to the summit from different starting points, with rest areas and information boards along the way. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes and expect varying levels of difficulty depending on which route you choose.
A cave church established in 1926 sits within the natural cave system of the hill and was sealed during the communist period. This hidden religious space did not reopen to visitors until 1989.
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