AN UNDERGROUND WORLD IN BUDAPEST
The Labyrinth is 1000 metres long, is walkable in approximately 30 minutes.
You will participate in underground time travel with the destinations ranging from the palaces of Sigismund of Luxemburg and Mathias I, mystical monuments from the time of the Turkish occupation of Hungary, and traces dating back millions of years. The Cave Exhibition features special photographs and reports by photographers and adventurers about the most beautiful caves of the world.
THE HALL OF STATUES OF HUNGARIAN KINGS
Prestigious rulers are presented from our state founder, Saint Stephen to King Matthias. The burial of King Béla the IV, remembers the maker of the Buda Castle. The palace of Zsigmond Luxemburg, later in the king’s life, a monastery was placed on Szent Görgy Square. The expedition leading to the cave-labyrinth from the building was the king’s escape route, which he had to use during his visits to Buda. The statue depicting Matthias on the throne, commemorates the renowned ruler. The present-day royal palace, from the age of Mary Theresa, was originally where the Renaissance palace of King Matthias’s stood. From the basement of the palace lead a staircase down to the Labyrinth, which was used as a royal wine cellar at that time.
MEDIEVAL STONEWORK
Once upon a time, the country’s largest and most famous masonry operated in the Buda Castle. They delivered across the whole country, and even over the borders. A number of expensive stones – including the tombstone of the Polish King – were sculpted by the masters working here. The primary base of the decorative sculptures was red marble, which was delivered from nearby mines to be processed here. One of the most beautifully sculpted pieces of artwork of the masonry of Buda is found in the Labyrinth. The famous stone monument with Egg Frisian pattern is from the Royal Palace of King Matthias. The stonework of the Labyrinth presents the rich architectural relics of the Buda Castle from the fourteenth to the nineteenth century.
WAXWORKS OF THE OPERA
The Buda Castle was one of the most prestigious centers of music until the end of the 19th century. Music events were organized mostly in the Castle Theater building. Performances of a lesser volume (string quartets, soloists) were organized almost weekly on the other side of the Buda Castle. The “Waxworks of the Opera” exhibition, which was made with the contribution of the Hungarian State Opera House, is to commemorate this now forgotten era. The three operas presented are adjusted according to the original scenes, using the decorations, accessories and costumes of the Opera House.
MEDIEVAL STONE MONUMENTS ILLUMINATED WITH SPECIAL LIGHTS
The Stone Exhibition of the Labyrinth features 40 valuable stone monuments linked to the history of Buda. Limestone and red marble relics, column fragments, and a cistern conjure up images of Buda’s colourful past. Three Turkish tombstones from the 14th-17th centuries are of special interest. The pride of the Labyrinth is the red marble parapet from the palace of King Mathias in Buda. The arched corridors and halls of the Labyrinth provide a magical setting for the exhibition.
CAVE EXHIBITION
An exhibition of the most beautiful and extraordinary caves of the world has now opened in the Labyrinth.
You can delight in the uplifting fairytale-like natural landscapes and marvel at the monumental sizes combined with intricate detail.
Caves from all over the world come to life through the photos and personal accounts of famous artists and travellers.
MAZE OF DARKNESS
„Let us descend into the blind world.” Dante: Canto IV: First Circle
Complete darkness rules on this section of the Labyrinth.
The Maze of Darkness deceives our senses, puts our perception to test, whilst expanding our minds.
However it is difficult to calmly move along in the dark, when the visitors know, that paranormal phenomena have been observed: descending white fog, sounds of whispers, a sudden drop of temperature, and shadows never to be caught up with. It has happened that a visitor has met with themselves.
In case you do enter, you can only count on yourself. We will give you a thread to provide a small handhold, but this will be your only form of help in the Maze of Darkness.
