
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Nineteenth-century chain suspension bridge over the Danube, guarded by four stone lions.
Location
About this audio guide
This guide to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest opens in December 1820, when Count István Széchenyi found the frozen Danube blocking his path to his father's funeral in Vienna. It follows his decision to build Budapest's first permanent river crossing, the English and Scottish engineers he hired, and the decade of construction that began in 1839. Look up at the stone lions guarding each end and listen for the rumor about their tongues.
This audio guide was created using AI.
Similar places
Elisabeth Bridge
Stark white cable-stayed span rebuilt on the ruins of an ornate 1903 chain bridge blown up in the war.
Szabadság híd
Ornate green ironwork cantilever bridge across the Danube, opened by an emperor and rebuilt after wartime destruction.
Margaret Bridge
Steel river bridge bent into a striking Y toward a leafy island, rebuilt after a wartime blast.
Fővám Square
Riverside plaza with a silver-riveted bridge and a colorful-tiled market hall on old customs land.
Buda Castle Funicular
Steep funicular railway beside a landmark bridge, wedge-shaped cars framing river views.
Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Neo-Renaissance palace on the Danube bank, founded by a nobleman's spontaneous gift of his entire annual income.