Budapest and its surroundings

In terms of geography, history and administration the capital and its surroundings are truly the `heart of Hungary'; given its role and location it has always been of central importance. The region includes the capital, the whole of Pest County, the Danube Bend region of Komárom-Esztergom County and the Börzsöny Hills of Nógrád County.

Over and above the power of geological ages to transform and move rock, today's landscape has been formed by two natural elements: water and man. By water we primarily mean Hungary's largest river, the Danube.

The landscape is outstandingly diverse. The Börzsöny Hills, the southern spurs of the Cserhát Hills, the Gödöllő Hills, the Tápió region, the interfluvial plains between the Danube and the Tisza, the Pest Plain, Csepel Island, the Zsámbék Basin, the Buda and the Visegrád Hills, the Pilis Hills, and the picturesque Danube Bend all seem to join forces to provide a condensed picture of the varied natural beauty typical in Hungary.

Those who come to this region are presented with an immense wealth of natural, historical and cultural treasures from which they are free to choose. Visitors may hike on plains or among gentle hills and mountains; they can relax, angle and boat on the waters of the Danube; they may visit numerous heritage sites - not only those connected to Hungarian history but also those dating back to times prior to the Hungarian Settlement. The museums contain rich collections of objects that evoke the past and of fine artworks that offer an exquisite experience.

It is thought that the region was already inhabited in prehistoric times. Later roads were built along the foothills, and castles on the hilltops. Villages, then towns grew to provide homes for the Hungarians, Serbs, Croats, Slovaks and Germans settling in the region. Places of worship, the Houses of God, were created with the small, quiet churches, monasteries echoing with chants, and dignified cathedrals ruling over the country.