Szobor Park

Sort of a “Disneyland of Communism,” this park became the repository for the symbols of Soviet domination after the Iron Curtain collapsed. Songs from the Hungarian and Russian workers’ movements play as you tour statues of Lenin and Stalin, among others.

State Opera House

Budapest is proud of possessing one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. The opening performance of the Opera House was held in neo-Renaissance building, the jewel of the avenue, in 1884 after nine years of construction. The staircase and the auditorium of the palace, designed by one of the best architects of those days Miklos Ybl, are decorated with frescos of eminent Hungarian painters such as Bertalan Szekely, Mor Than and Karoly Lotz. The first director was Ferenc Erkel, Gustav Mahler held this post for several years, and Puccini directed the premiere of two of his operas here. Renowned guest conductors include Otto Klemperer, Sergio Failoni and Lamberto Gardelli. It is still one of the best opera houses in Europe. Well worth a visit, even for those who do especially like operas. Read the rest of this entry »