One of the most identifiable landmarks in the city, the Fishermans Bastion is a relatively new structure. Construction started in 1895 on the designs of Frigyes Schulek. It is situated on the site of the medieval fish market, and the walls are protected by the guild of fishermen that once stood here, hence the name.
A Disney-like tower dominates this stone wall with seven turrets representing the Magyar tribes who once populated the country. A majestic statue of Saint Stephen marks the entrance near Matyas Church.
This is a lively area both day and night since the area surrounding Bastion boasts gypsy music, a restaurant, wine cellar, and bar and disco. It's a very popular place with the tourists and locals alike, and it enjoys the notoriety of serving as the site of many marriage proposals and weddings. We witnessed three different wedding parties in only 2 hours!
The neo-Romanesque structure has only ever had a decorative role and was created specifically as a tourist attraction. It is a popular place to look out over Pest - and what a view! The glorious views of parliament and Pest beyond are simply breathtaking. Standing on the parapet of this structure, you get a magnificent view of the Danube River and the streets and buildings of Pest beyond. From this vantage point, you can see the magnitude of the parliament as well.
The view alone is definitely worth the trek uphill.