Famous Hungarians. 50 interesting facts about Hungary. A legendary man with a strong character

Reading 3 min. Views 75 Posted Nov 10, 2010

Hungary is a wonderful and beautiful country. Moreover, it is located not far from Russia (God himself ordered to visit it, but I have not visited it yet). I associate Hungary with Lake Balaton (there really is one there) and awesome wine. To get to know the country better, I decided to collect interesting facts about Hungary, because. in Runet, as usual, only dull copy-paste is full.

1. Surprisingly, Hungary is almost the oldest country in Europe. Both were founded in 896 (earlier than France and Germany)

2. The average Hungarian eats about half a kilogram of fat per week. Pigs are indignant, but they can't do anything about it.

3. Since 1999, Hungary has been a full member of NATO. And in 2004, recruitment into the Hungarian army began to be carried out on a voluntary basis.

4. A little unpleasant. According to EU statistics, Hungary has the highest cancer death rate in Europe, as well as the highest female suicide rate (why would that be, I wonder).

5. In 1944, Hungary gave the world Erno Rubik, and he, in turn, in 1974 gave all the inhabitants of the planet the most popular puzzle - the Rubik's Cube. At the moment, about 350 million units of this toy have been sold in the world.

6. As it turned out, the Hungarians are generally quite resourceful people. In addition to the Rubik's Cube, they have replenished the modern world with such useful and convenient things as a ballpoint pen (invented by Laszlo Biro), holography (Dennis Gabor), the BASIC programming language, krypton light bulbs, etc.

7. As I said, in Hungary there is Lake Balaton, which is the largest in Central Europe. For Hungary, the lake is of great importance, since its surroundings are the most important resort area in the country. The Hungarians themselves call Lake Balaton the Hungarian Sea, although the depth of the reservoir is extremely small. The deepest place is 12.5 meters.

8. Hungary produces one of the most delicious dessert wines (on our planet, of course)) - Tokay wine. The wine got its name from the Tokaj area, where it is made.

Although, in fairness, it should be noted that Hungary is known not only for Tokaj, but also for wonderful dry white wines, and from strong drinks known to many palinka (fruit vodka)

9. However, Hungary is famous not only for drinks, but also for food. Hungarian cuisine is well known far beyond the borders of this country. Among the popular dishes of Hungarian cuisine, one can list: goulash, paprikash, pörkölt, Gyulai and Chabai sausages, salami, Debrecen sausages, Dobos cake, etc.

In the photo, the well-known goulash

10. And finally, such an interesting fact, in Budapest (the capital of Hungary) the longest tram in the world runs. Its length is 53.9 meters!

Useful information about Hungary

Capital

State Square– 93,030 km²

official languages– Hungarian

Currency of Hungary

State flag of Hungary

Visa to Hungary – a national visa is required at the Hungarian embassy or a Schengen visa is required

Time difference with Moscow– Hungary is 2 hours behind Moscow

Do you know more interesting facts about Hungary - we are waiting for you in the comments)

Even though Hungary is a rather small country in Central Europe, it is gifted with stunning landscapes that can easily compete with those of other European countries. If you travel around Hungary, you will see many beautiful landscapes and magnificent hills. In addition, Hungary can amaze you with its authentic landscaped plains and forests, where you can take amazing photos, enjoy the silence and nature. What you need to know for ideal tourism in Hungary? Now we will answer you.

However, a trip to Hungary is not only sightseeing. There are many other things, such as the taste of the unique traditional Hungarian cuisine, the flavors of which can easily rival those of Italy. You can also try Hungarian wine: head to Eger and Villany, famous for their rich red wine varieties, or visit Badacsony and Tokaj for a sweet white.

Most of all, Hungary is famous for its rich folk culture and its still living traditions. The best places to explore authentic Hungarian folk culture are small towns where you can find wooden churches with beautiful icons on walls and ceilings, traditional houses and narrow streets. Hungarian folk culture is associated with embroidery on clothes and even shoes, which can be seen in the countryside, since most people still wear traditional clothes. Of course, Hungarian culture cannot be imagined without dancing and singing, so don't be surprised when you go to the local pub and see a lot of people dancing and singing. This is absolutely normal, even for Budapest.

We present to your attention the TOP 14 best TOURIST places in Hungary

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and also the largest city in the country. They say that Budapest reflects history with its own architecture. The city is famous for its wide range of baths - from the Turkish era to the modern one, which allows visitors to fully experience the uniqueness of Hungarian culture.

In addition, Budapest is known as the best place to taste the most delicious Hungarian cuisine because there are many places where you can taste real goulash.

Recently, we wrote on the pages of the site about. If visiting this beautiful city is in your plans, then be sure to check out the link.

If you choose to stay in Budapest for a few nights, feel free to explore hotels in Budapest. Some of the hotels are unique for their extravagant Art Nouveau design or stunning views of the Danube.

Szentendre is known for its cozy streets, antique shops, small galleries and several museums. The Topkafe editors highly recommend taking a tour of the seven churches of the city, interesting and special both from the facades and from their interior decoration.

If you have time, take a local taxi and visit the great Hungarian open-air museum, which has collected ancient buildings from all over the country.

Badaksoni

Badaksony is one of the most popular destinations in Hungary as it is close to Lake Balaton, which has impressive volcanic mountains and vineyards. Badaksoni can be easily explored by bike, and they are rented out here for a ridiculous price.

The biggest tourist attraction is the vineyards that offer you to taste delicious white wine. Badaksoni is definitely worth a visit because you will not find another place where you can enjoy the view of Lake Balaton with a glass of white wine from the world famous cellars.

Siofok is one of the cities in Hungary that is famous for endless parties and is a resort town located next to the southern shore of Lake Balaton.

Siofok tends to get crowded during the summer and on weekends as the city center offers great nightlife for the youngsters. However, there are quite a few peaceful beaches outside the city center where you can enjoy the beautiful, quiet lakeside landscape.

The city is a very popular destination for school trips from many European countries, especially Germany, so you should be prepared for a crowd of children.

If you want to avoid the masses, visit Siofok in the middle of autumn, spring or winter. When visiting Siofok, we recommend exploring the city's churches, visiting museums and relaxing in the Roman thermal bath.

Keszthely is the largest city near Lake Balaton, surrounded by forests, hills and plains.

Plays a big role in tourism due to the landscape and amazing tranquility even during the peak season. During your stay in the city, you can enjoy a lively yet relaxed nightlife, sightseeing of historic buildings and museums.

The most famous place in the city is the Festetika Palace, widely known throughout Hungary as the best place to enjoy classical music.

Sopron, or little Prague, is a charming little town that has traces of the Roman past and is located on the border with Austria.

Sopron is worth visiting because it is considered the most beautiful city in Western Hungary. Sopron is famous for its medieval inner city (Belvaros) and is a great place for hiking both at night and during the day.

Pecs

If you are planning to visit Hungary for a few weeks and are wondering what to do all this time, feel free to take a bus or train to a town called Pécs.

The city is the fifth largest in Hungary and is located on the slopes of the mountains. Pécs is famous for its colorful streets that are filled with historical monuments and art galleries.

The most impressive highlight of the city is that it has a very mild climate. It is he who influences the successful formation of unique landscapes consisting of old fig trees and almonds.

Eger is another wine-producing city included in the list of attractions in Hungary. The city fascinates the tourist with well-preserved baroque buildings, a Turkish minaret, a beautiful castle and thermal baths. And of course, the main feature of Eger is its red wine, which, according to the locals, has the richest taste.

It is recommended to visit all the churches of Eger as they are impressive baroque relics. Keep in mind that there are fourteen beautiful churches in the city, each with its own unique features.

You might think that one day in Eger is enough, but in fact, it is recommended to spend at least three to understand the local culture and explore the city.

Speaking of the best places for tourism in Hungary, it's hard not to mention the city of Szeged, the third largest in the country. The place is famous for the university, garden square with beautiful benches and cozy main street cafes.

It has a lot of festivals all year round, so no matter what time you are going to visit Szeged, you have a great chance to catch a festival in the city.

If you have time, visit the churches of Szeged, which are famous for their beautiful and unique interior design.

Kecskemet is a city located in the central part of Hungary, the eighth largest in the country. Kecskemét is located between two rivers - the Danube and the Tisza. The shores of both are popular picnic spots.

There are many vineyards, greenery and orchards, which is why Kecskemét is sometimes called a garden city.

Kecskemét is famous for its colorful Art Nouveau buildings, great museums and apricot brandy, which can be bought anywhere in the city for a very reasonable price.

Esztergom

The city enchants tourists with its rural areas, beautiful narrow streets and grandiose buildings.

Places to visit - the castle and palace of Esztergom - still attract archaeologists.

The city has an impressive Watertown area, which has preserved monuments from the period of Ottoman occupation, making it another tourist attraction in the city.

Tihany

Tihany is a village on the northern shore of Lake Balaton on a peninsula with the same name as the village Tikhany.

This is a historic district. The most famous building in the village is Tihany Abbey, founded in 1055. The abbey is still functioning and attracts many tourists due to its historical and artistic significance and the best view of Lake Balaton. In the summer, the abbey is visited by many tourists, so it is recommended to choose another time of the year to see it.

The village is surrounded by hills and meadows, making it ideal for day trips and exploration.

Tokaj is a region of northeastern Hungary and southeastern Slovakia. This is one of the largest wine-growing centers in Hungary.

Tokaj is also the name of the main town in the wine region, which consists of 28 villages and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its historical location.

Tokaj town is a small town offering a picturesque view of the vineyards. There are excellent transport links and communications so you can easily visit most of the villages and taste the famous Tokaj wines.

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Summarize

In the photo: Széchenyi Baths. © Mozhevikin Leonard.

We have shown you only a small part of the best places for tourism in Hungary. But no photos will convey the atmosphere that tourists get during their travels! TopCafe wishes you to visit this beautiful country.

In continuation of this virtual journey, we advise you to go along. You might want to visit there in reality.

2. Once this country, together with Austria, was part of Austria-Hungary, but for a long time it has been an independent state.

3. Hungary is a relatively small country, ranking 109th in terms of area and 83rd in terms of population.

4. The native language of almost 95% of the inhabitants of Hungary is Hungarian. The Hungarian language belongs to the Ugric sub-branch of the Finno-Ugric branch of the Uralic language family; the languages ​​of the Khanty and Mansi peoples are closely related to Hungarian.

5. The position of Hungary, surrounded by mountains, has led to a continental type of climate with mild winters and hot summers. Precipitation per year is from 450 mm in the east to 900 mm in the mountains.

Capital of Hungary Budapest

6. The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is unanimously recognized as the most beautiful city on the Danube. Hungary is very popular with tourists, especially Budapest.

7. In Budapest, there is the largest operating synagogue in Europe, which can simultaneously accommodate up to 3 thousand parishioners.

8. In Budapest, you can ride the longest tram in Europe - its length is almost 54 meters. The capital also has an amphibious tourist bus that not only travels the streets of Budapest, but also floats along the Danube.

9. Hungary is divided into 19 counties (regions) and a city of republican subordination, equivalent to the county - Budapest. The names of the county and their administrative centers, as a rule, do not match.

10. Varoshliget - a favorite place for festivities of residents and guests of the capital.

Hungarian parliament building

11. The largest building in Hungary is the Hungarian Parliament, in one part government meetings are held, the other is open to everyone. The Parliament Palace is perhaps the most beautiful building in Budapest.

12. In Budapest, buildings with baths are whole architectural sights: the Gellert baths, the Széchenyi baths.

13. Hungary is a state with a rapidly developing economy, market reforms in it are almost completed.

14. The majority of the inhabitants of Hungary are Hungarians (92.3%).

15. The most significant national minorities in Hungary are Germans (1.2%), Gypsies (1.1% - 8%), Jews (1%), Romanians (0.8%), Slovaks (0.4%), Croats (0.2%) and Serbs (0.2%).

Metro in Budapest

16. The Budapest metro is second only to the London subway in age - the first trains began to run underground in the Hungarian capital in 1896, the year of the millennium of the state. The cars for this metro are produced in the city of Mytishchi near Moscow.

17. Vyšehrad (metro station), a surface station located under the motorway passing through the Nusselski bridge. Unlike most other stations, the Vyshegrad design assumes a separate location of the platforms (due to the design features of the Nuselsky bridge).

18. Since 1999, Hungary has been a full member of NATO.

19. After joining NATO, the country moved to new standards in the field of armaments and organization of the army. Since 2004, compulsory military service has been abolished, and a transition to a professional army has taken place. Currently, the Hungarian Armed Forces consist of two branches: the Ground Forces and the Air Force.

20. Hungary mainly exports engineering products and other manufactured goods.

Holloko Village

21. The village of Hollokö, 90 kilometers from Budapest, is unique in that it is both a home for 450 people and an open-air ethnographic museum. The village has not changed much since the 18th century.

22. Hungary produces one of the most delicious dessert wines - Tokay wine. The wine got its name from the Tokaj area, where it is made.

23. Esztergom - the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Hungary. The largest church in Hungary is located in the city of Esztergom - the Basilica of St. Adalbert.

24. In the 11th century, the Hungarians were converted to Christianity.

25. The vast majority of believers are Catholics (51.9%). There are also communities of Calvinists (15.9%), Lutherans (3%), Greek Catholics (2.6%), other Christians (1%). Undecided - 25.6%.

Thermal lake Heviz

26. Hungary has the largest thermal lake in Europe - Heviz, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano.

27. The main seasoning that is added to almost all Hungarian dishes is paprika.

28. According to statistics, on average, each Hungarian eats almost one and a half kilograms of fat per week. In terms of fat consumption, Hungary ranks first in the world.

29. In Hungary, buckwheat is used exclusively as bird food, which is why it is sold in pet stores and not in supermarkets.

30. Hungarian cuisine is well known far beyond the borders of this country. Among the popular dishes of Hungarian cuisine, one can list: goulash, paprikash, pörkölt, Gyulai and Chabai sausages, salami, Debrecen sausages, Dobos cake, etc.

Lake Balaton

31. Hungary has Lake Balaton, which is the largest in Central Europe. For Hungary, the lake is of great importance, since its surroundings are the most important resort area in the country. The Hungarians themselves call Lake Balaton the Hungarian Sea, although the depth of the reservoir is extremely small. The deepest place is 12.5 meters.

32. In Hungary, the Land Forces are also known as the Fatherland Defenders Corps.

33. Hungarian is one of the most difficult languages ​​to learn today.

34. According to EU statistics, Hungary has the highest cancer mortality rate in Europe, as well as a high female suicide rate.

35. The main partner of Hungary in foreign trade is Germany ...

One of the thermal healing springs in Hungary - a bath in a cave in Miskolc Tapolca

36. Hungary is among the top five countries in Europe in terms of the number of thermal healing springs. The most interesting bath in Hungary is the bath in a cave, which is located in Miskolc Tapolca.

37. The main attraction of the Hortobágy National Park is the Nine Arch Bridge, which, with a length of 167 meters, remains the longest in Hungary.

38. The most romantic castle in Hungary is Bori Castle, which Jeno Bori (Bory Jenő) built for his beloved Ilona throughout his life. No wonder it is called a monument of eternal love.

39. The world record for jumping rope belongs to the Hungarian Bánhegyi Adrienn, an artist of the Du Soleil circus. In one jump, she manages to scroll the rope 3 turns and so 330 times.

40. Hungarians invented such an indispensable thing as a ballpoint pen, as well as the most popular puzzle in the world - the Rubik's Cube. Among their inventions are also the Basic programming language and holography.

Mount Kekesh

41. Mount Kekes, 1014 meters high, is the highest mountain in Hungary. It is here that the television tower with an observation deck is located.

42. All rivers of Hungary belong to the Danube basin. The Danube itself crosses the country from north to south for 410 kilometers.

43. Hungarians are Nobel Prize winners in all disciplines except for the Peace Prize. The number of Nobel laureates per capita in this country is one of the highest in the world.

44. Composer Edvin Marton, who performed at Eurovision with Dima Bilan, became well known in Russia and Europe. Buses Ikarus, the buses known to all of us, have been produced in Hungary since 1895.

45. In Hungary, the Matthias Temple, Holy Trinity Square, the Royal Palace, amaze with beauty and splendor.

Bus Ikarus

46. ​​Buses Ikarus, buses known to all of us, have been produced in Hungary since 1895.

47. The products of the Hungarian Herend factory, which produces luxurious handmade porcelain, are used by royal families and the rich around the world.

48. In Hungary, a piece of music known in Russia as a “dog waltz” is called a “donkey march”.

49. Some Hungarian words have a similar sound to Russian words, but at the same time they are radically different in meaning. For example, the word "pool" is better not to pronounce, because in Hungarian it has an indecent meaning.

50. The asteroid (434) Hungary, discovered in 1898, is named after Hungary.

Buddhist fortress in Budapest

photo from internet

Hungary is a nice place. Lots of sunny days, vineyards, a pleasant mild climate… This country, together with Austria, was once part of Austria-Hungary, but it has long been an independent state. Hungary is very popular with tourists, especially its capital, Budapest. However, after a visit to this country, many tourists are thinking about how to move to these hospitable lands for good.

1. Hungary was founded in 896, which makes it one of the oldest states in Europe (see).
2. The Hungarian freshwater lake Balaton is the largest in Central Europe and very popular among tourists. It is sometimes called the "Hungarian Sea" (see).
3. On the territory of Hungary there are over half a thousand thermal springs, which explains the presence of a large number of health resorts.
4. In Hungary, the largest thermal lake in Europe, Heviz, is located, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano (see).
5. The main attraction of the Hortobágy National Park is the Nine Arch Bridge, which, with a length of 167 meters, remains the longest in Hungary.
6. Hungarians are Nobel Prize winners in all disciplines except for the Peace Prize. The number of Nobel laureates per capita in this country is one of the highest in the world.
7. The Hungarians invented such an indispensable thing as a ballpoint pen, as well as the most popular puzzle in the world - the Rubik's Cube. Among their inventions are also the Basic programming language and holography.
8. The main seasoning that is added to almost all Hungarian dishes is paprika.
9. Goulash is a traditional Hungarian dish, but in this country this is not a stew with vegetables, but a soup.
10. Hungary produces the famous Tokay wines, which Louis XIV called "the wines of kings".
11. The products of the Hungarian Herend factory, which produces luxurious handmade porcelain, are used by royal families and the rich around the world.
12. Hungary has the world's highest value added tax (VAT) rate of 27%.
13. The Budapest metro is second only to the London subway in age - the first trains began to run underground in the Hungarian capital in 1896, the year of the millennium of the state. The cars for this metro are produced in the city of Mytishchi near Moscow.
14. Hungarian is one of the most difficult modern languages ​​to learn.
15. Some Hungarian words have a similar sound to Russian words, but at the same time they are radically different in meaning. For example, the word "pool" is better not to pronounce, because in Hungarian it has an indecent meaning.
16. In Hungary, buckwheat is used exclusively as bird food, which is why it is sold in pet stores and not in supermarkets.
17. In Budapest, you can ride the longest tram in Europe - its length is almost 54 meters. The capital also has an amphibious tourist bus that not only travels the streets of Budapest, but also floats along the Danube.
18. Hungary leads in the number of deaths from cancer among European countries, despite a well-developed healthcare system.
19. In Hungary, a piece of music known in Russia as a “dog waltz” is called a “donkey march”.
20. The words "pork" and "meat" are synonymous in Hungarian.
21. The words "hello" and "goodbye" sound the same in Hungarian.
22. According to statistics, on average, each Hungarian eats almost one and a half kilograms of fat per week. In terms of fat consumption, Hungary ranks first in the world.
23. Europe's largest operating synagogue is located in Budapest, which can simultaneously accommodate up to 3,000 parishioners.
24. The village of Hollokö, 90 kilometers from Budapest, is unique in that it is both a home for 450 people and an open-air ethnographic museum. The village has not changed much since the 18th century.

Subway stations, parks, buildings, and bridges are named after them, but you often wonder: who are these people?
I present to you such names as Istvan Szechenyi, St. Stephen, Queen Erzsebet and Ferenc Deak. I will tell you about politicians, poets and kings of one of the most interesting countries in Europe (and for me - the world).
So:

• Saint Stephen

Where you can see this name: St. Stephen's Basilica, St. Stephen's Boulevard (from Margaret Bridge to West Station).

The analogue of the name Istvan is Stefan, so in the English versions of the names you will see Saint Stephen. The first Hungarian king from the Arpad dynasty united the scattered Hungarian tribes and removed all rivals to the throne. Istvan realized that the development of Hungary as a state is possible only in conjunction with the church, so the path of Christianizing the Hungarian land and getting rid of paganism was chosen. They say that Christianization was forced in places, but this event involved Hungary so much in European world history that now there is nothing to talk about. The Hungarians say that despite the baptism of the people, for a long time they remained adherents of paganism and quietly prayed to their gods at home. On a rectangular slab, the Pope presents Stephen with a crown on Christmas Day 1000. The crown, as a symbol of receiving power from God, gave Istvan the right to change the structure of the country in a Christian way: instead of the right to succession to the throne according to seniority in the family, the first-born (the first of the children) received the right. Istvan declared the city of Esztergom the center of the Hungarian religion, participated in the foundation of the first monastery in Hungary - in the city of Pannonhalma (996) and made the city a royal center.

• Saint Gellert

Where you can see this name: Gellert Mountain, Gellert Hotel, Gellert Bath.

An Italian Benedictine monk from Venice, on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, met King Stephen and stayed in Hungary. After the death of the king, the pagans conceived an uprising and the return of the country to its former religion. They took up arms against the monk and in 1046 lowered him in a barrel of nails from the mountain, which now bears his name.

• Matthias Hunyadi

Where you can see this name: Matthias Church next to the Fisherman's Bastion, on the 1000 forint bill, Corvinian Library and Corvinus University.

Matthias Corvinus was King of Hungary from 1458 to 1490. In those days, he turned Hungary into a strong, wealthy and developed country. Matthias became one of the first kings of Hungary, who was chosen by the people (it is far from democracy here, the upper classes of Hungary chose it). Together with his wife, they decided to raise the prestige of the country in the eyes of European dynasties, and they succeeded. Powerful construction projects were launched (the palace in Visegrad, for example), the paths for architectural implementation were opened, and Hungary was transformed. This time was then called the era of the Hungarian Renaissance.

• Ferenc Deak

Where you can see this name: Deák Ferenc Square, main metro transfer station, 20,000 forint note.

Deák Ferenc was a statesman and minister of justice in the middle of the 19th century, a difficult revolutionary period for all of Europe and for Hungary in particular. Considered one of the most respected politicians in Hungarian history. The legend says that during one trip, at a party, robbers robbed Ferenc, but immediately returned everything as soon as they found out who they robbed. He was involved in the anti-Habsburg revolution of 1848-1849 for the independence of Hungary from Austria, but as a supporter of peaceful reforms and an opponent of violence, his negotiations for a compromise were not always successful, but in the end the deals between the Habsburgs and Hungary Deak Ferenc played a serious role, which led in 1867 to popular recognition.

• Istvan Szechenyi

Where you can see this name: Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Széchenyi Baths, 5000 forint note.

Count Istvan Szechenyi was a well-known politician. In his youth, he traveled a lot, but the injustice towards his homeland forced him to return to Hungary. Upon arrival, he took up politics and various projects for the improvement of Budapest. He is called “The Greatest Hungarian” because his role in the settlement of many issues remains important today. For example, he organized the creation of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and sponsored the construction of the 1st bridge, which connected 2 cities: Buda and Pest. In the Golden Bull (a code of laws of the Hungarians from 1222), the rights of the family to the land were fixed, it was transferred “from father to son” and could not be sold. An interesting moment in the history of Hungary is connected with this moment, namely, the thoughts of István Szechenyi about the construction of the 1st bridge in Budapest. Istvan Széchenyi came to a bank in Vienna and asked for a cash loan, to which he was asked what he could leave as collateral. He replied that he could leave the documents on the ground. In Vienna, they laughed, remembered the Golden Bull, and Istvan was not given the impossibility of reselling the land and money.

His father, Count Ferenc Szechenyi, was involved in the creation of the Hungarian National Museum and, of course, the National Library. Széchenyi.
During the revolution of 1848, Szechenyi received the chair of the Minister of Transport and Social Affairs, but after the failure with the Habsburgs, he left the government and retired from political affairs. Despite his patriotism and desire to develop Hungary, Istvan suffered from a manic-depressive disorder all his life and eventually committed suicide in Austria in a psychiatric clinic.

• Lajos Kossuth

Where you can see this name: Kossuth Square near the Parliament building, a statue in a row of columns on the Heroes' Square.

Lajos Kossuth - politician, lawyer, prime minister and regent president of Hungary during the 1848 revolution. Key figure in winning freedom from Austria and gaining independence for Hungary. After the failure of the revolution, he fled the country in a woman's dress, fearing execution. Later he lived in England, Italy and the USA, but continued to fight for the independence of Hungary.
Personally, my opinion about the chauvinistic views of Lajos Kossuth and the unshakable love of the Hungarians for him is as follows: he appeared at the right time for the country and raised a wave of Hungarian nationalism (and after the events of that time in France, there was such a person in every country in Europe). Despite the limited budget and the meager presence of industry in the country, he gathered an army in a short time, he himself was in charge of finances, negotiated with England and France, protesting against Russian intervention. Honor and praise, despite the outcome of events.

• Lajos Batthyany

Where you can see this name: Batthyany Square on the Buda side opposite the Parliament, metro stop on the M2 line.

Lajos Battyany is the first prime minister of Hungary and it was he who was “at the helm” in the revolution of 1848. He found himself between 2 fires during his reign and administration of Hungary: between loyalty to Austria and between supporters of radical reforms and independence of Hungary. Despite liberal attitudes, he chose the side of the radicals and led the people to fight against the Habsburgs, where he was wounded and captured. Before the execution, he tried to commit suicide, but it didn’t work out, and in the end he was still shot in the square, which now bears his name. Before the execution, he got down on one knee and shouted: “Live my country! Come on, hunters!

• Sandor Petofi

Where you can see this name: Petőfi Bridge.

The key figure, yes, yes, all in the same revolution of 1848. Considered the first Hungarian national poet, he regularly met with like-minded people in the Pilvaks cafe and now this cafe is still open and bears the name of Sandor Petofi. He died in the last battle for the independence of Hungary and his body has never been found. His most famous "National Song" is the anthem of the anti-Habsburg movement:

“Get up Magyar, the fatherland is calling!
Choose before it's too late:
Come to terms with slavery
Or be free?
We swear by the God of the Hungarians -
Forever!
Never be a slave
Never!..".

• Gyula Andrassy

Where you can see this name: the famous Andrássy Avenue, which starts at Erzsébet Square and ends with Heroes' Square.

This large and elegant avenue bears the name of the first prime minister of Hungary as part of the dualism: Austria-Hungary - Count Gyula Andrássy, who led the country in the period 1867-1871 and whose main merits lie in the development of Hungary in the post-revolutionary period.

• Queen Elizabeth

Where you can see this name: Erzsébet Bridge and Erzsébet Square (with Ferris Ring), lookout tower on Mount Janos.

Erzsebet is a Bavarian princess, 2nd cousin of the Emperor of Austria-Hungary Franz Joseph and his wife since 1854. Her life is characterized for the Austrians as a "disregard" for etiquette and the Habsburgs, but for the Hungarians she was a real queen. Elizabeth loved Hungary, studied the Hungarian language and pursued a policy of helping this country. Thanks to her, after the failure in the revolution of 1848, Austria-Hungary becomes a dualistic country. What has dualism given Hungary? Greater freedom of action regarding the internal structure of Hungary, constitutional law. The capitals in the era of dualism were respectively Vienna and Budapest. The life story of Erzsébet or Sissi, as the Hungarians called her, is rather sad. Being in constant quarrels with her mother-in-law, not seeing her husband, Emperor Franz Joseph, being deprived of the opportunity to spend time and raise children, Erzsebet found solace in traveling around the world. After the death of Crown Prince Rudolf, her only son, Sissi was never able to recover from this loss and stopped caring about her safety, and in Geneva she dies at the hands of an Italian anarchist. She was killed by Italian anarchists in 1898.

• Franz Liszt

Where you can see this name: airport them. Franz Liszt, Franz Liszt Square next to the metro station Opera, Music Academy. Franz Liszt.

The most interesting and expensive for me, of course, I left for last. Franz Liszt was born at the beginning of the 19th century in Hungary near the city of Sopron. Virtuoso pianist, conductor, composer, publicist, creator of the instrumental genre of rhapsody. He began performing at the age of 8, was kissed by Beethoven during one of the concerts, moved to Paris, began composing at the age of 14, went into depression, returned after 3 years, began to compose revolutionary symphonies, Chopin envied him and his virtuosity of performance, met a married Countess Marie d'Agout, fell in love and fled to Switzerland together. In 1838, there was a big flood in Budapest, and List, feeling a sharp patriotism in his soul, left his wife and left for his homeland to help his compatriots. Here, at home, in Hungary, he became the spokesman for the patriotic upsurge of the nation. Ferenc gave a series of charity concerts, but then again went on tour to Europe (and even to Russia). In 1848, taking another woman from the family, he returned to his hometown. Here he was disappointed in educational activities, but at the same time, the peak of his composing came, he finished all the works and brought to mind all the rhapsodies. After long periods of depression, he and his wife went to Rome to atone for sins, Ferenc took the veil as an acolyte and began to introduce spiritual motives into his compositions. In 1875, he again returned to Hungary, where he became president of the Higher School of Music and focused on teaching. Ferenc gave his last concert in 1886 and died 2 weeks later.

And now the most interesting part of his life: being born in Hungary, he never learned the Hungarian language and never spoke it; was a member of the Masonic lodge in Frankfurt; Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary elevated Franz Liszt to knighthood; his work Liebestraum No. 3 has long been used as a standard ringtone in Nokia phones; Ferenc had a long hand, which could cover almost two octaves. In general, this is the incredible life of one incredible Hungarian.

Come to Budapest!

P.S.S. And the second part is about famous Hungarians of the 20th century.