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There are many picturesque

landscapes along the Hungarian part

of the Danube. North of Budapest

there is a unique area called the

Danube Bend. This area with its

string of small riverside towns is a

popular excursion spot for

Hungarians and internationaltravelers as well. The fact, that the

Danube Bend is the third most-

visited area in Hungary after

Budapest and Lake Balaton is an

excellent proof of the role this area is

playing in Hungarys tourism.

In the list of the beautifultowns of the Danube bend

Esztergomshould be named in

the first place. This town is

situated 46 km north-west of

the capital Budapest and it is

one of the oldest towns in

Hungary. Esztergom often

referred to as the cradle of

Hungary is the centre of the

Hungarian Catholic Church.

The Basilica of Esztergom is

the biggest church in Hungary;

its imposing dimension

surprises every visitor. The

Basilica of Esztergom has

many treasures; among them is the beautiful Bakcz Chapel, which is an unique example of

Renaissance architecture in Hungary. The chapel, which was named after the Hungarian

archbishop Tams Bakcz can be seen on the southern side of the nave. Jzsef Mindszentys

tomb can also be found here. This tomb has become a pilgrimage place, which was visited bythe Pope John Paul II as well.

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The next station of our trip

along the Danube bend is

Visegrd. This place used to

be one of the capitals of

Hungary. Visegrd is famous

for the citadel built on the top

of the mountain in the 13th

century. This citadel became

residence of the Hungarian

kings during the reign of the

King Kroly Rbert. In the

citadel took place the

congress of Visegrd in 1335

attended by the kings of

Poland, Bohemia and

Hungary. Visegrd is home to the Palace Festival which is held in July and is visited by many

tourists from Hungary and other countries as well. During this festival visitors can see

spectacular medieval tournaments held on the recently restored tournament field below the

citadel. Other attractions of Visegrd are: Mria Chapel, the Romantic-style Plffy Palace and

the Baroque-style Cavalry Church.

One of the most interesting

and popular tourist

destinations in the Danube

Bend is Szentendre. This

picturesque town was named

after Saint Andrew the

Apostle. Szentendre was

inhabited by different ethnic

groups, among them the

Serbians always played an

important role. Szentendre is

famous for its museums and

churches. Visitors who areinterested in Hungarian

village lifestyle can visit the

Ethnographical Museum and

the Outdoor Museum as well, which is the biggest of this type in Hungary. The Outdoor

Museum exhibits buildings typical of the Upper Tisza Region, the Lesser Hungarian Plain and

Western Transdanubia. Tourists who want to discover the treasures of the Hungarian

confectionery should visit the Lajos Dobos Coffee House and Museum and taste a real dobos

cake. The Marcipn Museum and the Puppet Collection are also worth visiting.