Óbuda (Alt-Ofen in German, “the old Buda”) is the oldest part of Budapest and one of the 3 cities that united (in 1873) in what is nowadays the Hungarian capital (the others being, obviously, Buda and Pesta). Óbuda was inhabited since the Stone Age, then the Romans have built on its territory the Aquincum – the capital of the Pannonia province. So yes, what is now northern Budapest (more specifically, northern Buda) is an ancient provincial capital of the Roman Empire. The Hungarians arrived later, after the year 900, and the place was part of their history ever since. Below are some photos from the center of this ancient town.

Coming from the south, from Buda, you encounter the Holy Trinity Statue of Óbuda (Óbudai Szentháromság-szobor). Behind it there is the Óbuda High School (Óbudai Gimnázium).

Here is a detail of the Óbudai Gimnázium (to the left, with a colorful fresco or collage on its wall), as we approach the main square.

Perhaps the most important building is the Town Hall of Óbuda (Városháza), which is also the mayor’s office for the 3rd District of Budapesta (Óbudai Polgármesteri Hivatal). The District 3 (III. Kerület, in Hungarian) includes today ancient Óbuda.

A view towards the west, with a restaurant, a library and a former museum (from left to right). In the background there are some communist-style apartment buildings that destroy the ancient vibe quite a lot.

Another view of the rather empty square. There was a silence that can rarely be found in central Budapest, giving to the entire place either a residential vibe, or a desolate one – I can’t decide which one…

In the north-eastern corner of the square there are some interesting sculptures: The Ladies with umbrellas (Esernyős Szobrok), by the sculptor Imre Varga. He was inspired in his creation by women with umbrellas standing on the streets of Paris in the rain.