In Budapest, many bridges cross the Danube River. But far and away the most iconic and beloved one is the Chain Bridge (Szechenyi Lanchid).

The Chain Bridge was the first permanent bridge crossing the Danube to connect Buda and Pest. In fact, it was only the second permanent bridge spanning the Danube anywhere. It took ten years to construct and was completed in 1849. At the time it was the second longest suspension bridge in the world (380 meters). This bridge was a major feat of engineering for its time.

The Germans blew up all the bridges of Budapest when they left in January, 1945. Of the Chain Bridge, only the stone pillars remained. But the citizens of Budapest rebuilt the bridge according to the original plans and reopened the bridge in November, 1949, exactly one hundred years after it was originally opened.

It is held up by real chains, this Chain Bridge–independent segments of iron several meters long, looking like a bicycle chain, only much bigger.

These are supported in turn by stone pillars and anchored by large iron blocks underground.

So…one day we walked along the river to the Elizabeth Bridge (Erzebet Hid) and then crossed over to the Buda side of town.

Here we ambled along the riverbank and recrossed to Pest over the Chain Bridge.

The next day we crossed the Chain Bridge again in the opposite direction (from Pest to Buda) and climbed up to Clark Adam Ter. (Remember Adam Clark, the engineer? Yes, this street is named after him.) From here there is a dramatic view across the Danube, Chain Bridge in the foreground.

There is also a funicular to take the foot-weary pedestrian to the top of Varhegy, the Castle Hill.

As you might suspect, from the top of the funicular the view is even better.

We didn’t go inside the Royal Palace, and you’ve already seen a number of the statues around it. Here’s one that’s a little different.

No, I don’t “get it” either–but I like it!