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Watch: Epic Saga of Budapest's Iconic Chain Bridge - New Video & Exhibition Now Online

• 26 Jun 2023 2:33 PM

How many battles have been fought at Chain Bridge? How attempts have been made to blow it up – and how many were successful? Whatever happened to the man behind the bridge, Count István Széchenyi?

‘The Ever-Living Chain Bridge’ is the title of an online photo exhibition on the history of Budapest’s most iconic landmark. Presenting the most important events in its time span, the series runs from 1819 to the present day. It also be viewed in a spectacular animated video.

From its groundbreaking ceremony in 1842 to its closure for renovation in 2021, this jewel of Budapest has been party to many fateful events.

During its construction, it witnessed the outbreak and fall of the War of Independence of 1848-49, at the end of which it was almost destroyed. It did indeed collapse at the end of World War II, and the citizens of Budapest joined forces to rebuild it – only to see the arrival of tanks in 1956.

Many times, it was crossed by crowds, happy or angry, discontented or wanting change.

In addition to the online exhibition, an animated short film, ‘Chain Bridge – Witness to History’, brings its story to life - see video below.

The online exhibition was commissioned by 'Budapest Brand', and assisted by the Budapest History Museum – Kiscelli and the Hungarian News Agency (MTI).

Words by Peterjon Cresswell for Xpatloop.com
Peterjon has been researching the byways of Budapest for 30 years, extending his expertise across Europe to produce guidebooks for Time Out and his own website liberoguide.com

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