Coming from Roosevelt Square after visiting Gresham palace or the Hungarian Academy of Science you arrive to Széchenyi lánchíd or Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest. It was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Budapest, and was opened in 1849.
In 1832, count István Széchenyi, “the greatest Hungarian” began to organize the construction of the bridge. While travelling in England, Széchenyi became personally acquainted with William Thierney Clark, who was commissioned to draft the plans for the bridge, and his namesake Adam Clark was asked to direct the construction, which was finished in 1849.
At the time of its construction, it counted as a wonder of the world. Its decorations made of cast iron, and its construction, radiating calm dignity and balance, raised it among the most beautiful industrial monuments in Europe. It became a symbol of advancement, national awakening, and the linkage between East and West.
In January 1945 the retreating German troops blew up the Chain Bridge. This vital element of Budapest’s cityscape was restored on the 100 the anniversary of its inauguration.
At the ends of the bridge are sculpted 4 lying lions. There is a popular anecdote which says that the lions were sculpted without tongues and the sculptor was mocked so much that he jumped into the Danube in shame. The lions do have tongues, but they are not visible from below, which is the usual point of view, as the lions are lying on a stone block some three meters high. The sculptor lived into the 1890s, and the only message he sent to mocking people was “Your wife should have a tongue just as my lions have, and woe will be unto you!” He jumped into the Danube when a little boy asked him about it.
After a nice walk over the bridge you arrive at Adam Clark Square, with the Zero Kilometer Stone and the lower end of the Castle Hill Funicular, leading to Buda Castle.
