One of the most dominant features of the Danube riverfront is Gellért Hill, rising impressively above the city skyline. At its summit stand the Citadella fortress and the Liberty Statue—together, they have become one of the most iconic symbols of the Hungarian capital. The hill is a designated nature reserve, and the entire area—including its panoramic views—is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Gellért Hill was named after Saint Gellért (Gerard), a bishop who, in the 11th century, supported the young King Saint Stephen in establishing Christianity in Hungary. According to legend, pagans placed Gellért into a barrel and rolled him down the hill, causing his martyrdom. This is commemorated by the statue of Saint Gellért, visible on the hillside.

The Citadella is a fortress built by the Austrians after the suppression of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848–49, in order to maintain military control over Buda and Pest.

Next to it stands the Liberty Statue, completed in 1947. It depicts an allegorical female figure holding a palm leaf aloft—symbolizing freedom and peace. Originally erected to commemorate the Soviet liberation of Hungary during World War II, the statue has since become one of Budapest’s most recognized landmarks.

Beneath the hill lies a natural cave system, formed over thousands of years by thermal waters rising from deep underground. This geological phenomenon led to the creation of the Cave Church (Sziklatemplom), located inside a natural cavern. Today, the church is still open to visitors for both religious and cultural purposes.

But Budapest’s uniqueness lies not only in its appearance. Beneath the city, there are 123 active thermal springs, which bring around 80 million liters of mineral-rich water to the surface each day. This makes Budapest one of Europe’s most important spa capitals—earning it the nickname “The Pearl of the Danube.” Both the ancient Romans and the later Ottoman Turks took advantage of these healing waters, which today feed many world-renowned thermal bath complexes, including the Gellért, Rudas, and Széchenyi Baths.

At the foot of Gellért Hill, there are two famous thermal baths. The Gellért Bath, which shares its building complex with the historic Gellért Hotel, was built in the early 20th century in Art Nouveau style.

The other is the Rudas Bath, which origins date back to the period of Ottoman rule: it was built in the 1550s and even as of today is in use, offering a panoramic rooftop pool with stunning views, while guests relax in warm thermal waters. Interestingly, a traditional practice still exists in Budapest’s bath culture: the so-called “men’s apron day,” which allows for a natural sauna experience exclusive to men.