Publisher's Synopsis
Budapest is unique among European capitals in having three different historical centers. The Buda castle, much visited by tourists, recalls the medieval era, while the city center on the Pest side developed in the 19th century. Through whichever area of the capital one chooses to take a stroll, however, it is important to know that the main roads still recall the original structure of the Aquincum settlement - the Roman predecessor of Budapest. It was Roman engineers who, taking into account the flow of the Danube, designed Aquincum's layout and structure, which present-day Budapest is still based on. Most historical ruins in Budapest can be found in today's Óbuda, where the Roman city of Aquincum once stood. Despite ever increasing building works demanded by modern city development, relics of the paste are kept accessible. Significant finds from excavations often enrich the list of relics and monuments originating from or belonging to antique sites. Some of them can be seen today, while others await restoration. This guidebook invites the reader to the virtual tour "Via Antiqua," from the archaeological park around Aquincum Museum, through the military town, and right up to the legionary fortress. Many of the ruins blend in well with the urban landscape, whereas others are displayed in a museum or exhibition setting. The rich array of illustrations provided herein will assist readers on their walk of discovery around Roman Budapest. This volume, published as part of the "Aquincum Pocket Guides" series, offers accounts of these visible and hidden treasures, outlining the rich assortment of Roman ruins available within Budapest.
