Творческая работа на конкурс инновационных проектов по английскому языку «Уникальность столиц мира»

Муниципальное бюджетное общеобразовательное учреждение

«Школа №2»

городского округа Семеновский

Нижегородской области

Муниципальный конкурс инновационных проектов по английскому языку

«Уникальность столиц мира»

Тема: «Город мечты - Будапешт»

Работу выполнил:

Булганин Сергей,

обучающийся 10 «А» класса

МБОУ «Школа №2»

Руководитель:

Фильчагова Н.В.

2018 год

Introduction

Actually, Budapest is a less known European city than other capitals. People always forget about Hungary and its capital when they want to go on a honeymoon or just to spend time abroad . Therefore the goal of our project is to show the city from the most interesting features, and also to prove that the time spent in Budapest is a wonderful time.

I set myself the following tasks:

• to study the history of Budapest;

• to collect information about the sights of Budapest;

• to collect information about the entertainments of Budapest;

• to collect information about the urban legends;

• to make conclusions.

I. About Budapest

I studied maps and reference books at the beginning of my project and learned something about history and geography of Budapest. The capital of Hungary is situated along the Danube, in the heart of the Carpathian basin. Budapest is a wonderful and beautiful city. It is called the pearl of the Danube. The history of the Hungarian capital began in 1873, when three settlements - Buda, Pest and Obuda united in one city. But before that territory of Budapest was populated by Celtic. They built a first settlement, but it was later occupied by the Romans. This city received an interesting role in the life of the Empire. The geology of Budapest has played a determining role in the city’s life. Hot springs breaking through limestone mountains and supplying water of 35-76 degrees gave a rise to a flourishing culture of resorts in the Roman Age and made Budapest one of the most popular spa cities in Europe.

In the middle ages Budapest was destroyed by Mongols and Turks. This fact has led to the decline of the city which was already the capital of the Hungarian Kingdom.

In XIX century population of Buda, Pest and Obuda was creating the new metropolis of Budapest. The dynamic Pest grew into the country's administrative, political, economic, trade and cultural center of Hungary.

In 1944, about one year before the end of the World War II Budapest was destroyed again by the British and the American air attacks. From the 24th December 1944 till the 13th February 1945 the city was besieged during the Battle of Budapest. Budapest was suffered from the damage caused by the attacking of German army. All bridges were destroyed by the Germans. The stone lions that decorated the Chain Bridge since 1852 survived the devastation of the war.

Nowadays Budapest is a capital of Hungary. The city has a great architecture and the musical legacy left by F. Liszt. Anyway Budapest is one of the cultural capitals in the world.

Budapest is the most populous city in Hungary and one of the largest cities in the European Union, with a growing number of inhabitants estimated at 1,742,000 in 2014. In 2014 the city had a population density of 3,314 people per square kilometer (8,580/sq mi). The population density of Elizabethtown-District VII is 30,989/km² (80,260/sq mi), which is the highest population density figure in Hungary and one of the highest in the world. For comparison the density in Manhattan is 25,846/km².

II. Sights

When I studied the history and geography of Budapest I decided to see the sights of this city and appealed to the curious cultural magazines. I was excited! The capital of Hungary is very rich in architectural monuments. I want to represent them here.

Budapest has many buildings in a wide range of styles and from distinct time periods (from the ancient times as Roman City of Aquincum in Óbuda (District III) which dates to around 89 AD to the most modern Palace of Arts, the contemporary arts museum and concert hall.

1. Buda Castle & Castle Hill

Towering over the Danube Castle Hill contains many of Budapest's most important medieval monuments and museums. The most spectacular of these impressive structures

is the 18th-century Buda Castle, a massive 200-room palace that replaced a 13th-century castle built to protect the stronghold from the Mongol and Tartar attacks. Although the castle was badly damaged in the World War II the exterior wall and museums including the Hungarian National Gallery in the main wing have been restored.

A bronze statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a hero of Turkish attacks on the city stands in front of the castle. Castle Hill is worth exploring for its medieval lanes and it Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. This entire historic complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like other buildings in the city Buda Castle is spectacularly illuminated at night, and the castle courtyards remain open 24 hours a day. You can reach the castle on the restored historic Castle Funicular Railway.

1. Parliament Buildings and Crown Jewels

A highlight of the walk along Budapest's lovely pedestrian-walking streets is the area around the Parliament building and the Museum of Ethnography and the Ministry of Agriculture. The world's third largest parliament building, this Neo-Gothic building was opened in 1886 to mark the country's 1,000th anniversary. (Hungary was then the part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.) It has 691 rooms and impressive 19 kilometers long corridors and stairs. Guided tours (approximately 45 minutes) are available when there is no government. Tourists can visit many of the building's sights, such as the main entrance hall, various lobbies and the Hungarian Crown Jewels.

3. St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen's Basilica of Budapest is also a cathedral and a popular attraction for its impressive architecture, the beauty of its interior, and the panoramic views from its dome. Dedicated to St. Stephen, Hungary's holy king who was also the founder of the Hungarian state, it was built in 1851, but after several construction setbacks - including the collapse of its unfinished dome - it was not made until 1905. The roof, towers, and external walls were badly damaged in the World War II, and the church's precious mosaics fell from the walls. But theywere successfully restored to their original place and now they are the highlight of the richly decorated interior. The five-part Venetian mosaic is in the sanctuary and represents the allegories of the mass. The most precious holy relic, the mummified right hand of the church's patron saint, the first king of Hungary is represented under glass in the chapel to the left of the high altar. Two elevators carry visitors into the cupola (or you can climb the 364 steps) for watching over the city and the Danube. Guided tours of the basilica are usually given on weekdays.

4. Fisherman's Bastion

Near the Danube, where the fishermen's guild built their defense walls in the middle ages you can visit the impressive Fisherman's Bastion. The Neo-Romanesque complex of towers, courtyards, colonnades, and walls was built between 1895 and 1902. It's one of the most popular points in the city for tourists, where they can look at the city and the Danube. In the south courtyard there is a bronze equestrian statue of St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary. The reliefs on the sides of the base depict scenes from Stephen's life.

5. The Danube Promenade

The Danube (or "Duna" in Hungarian) flows through Budapest from north to south. Have a walk along the Danube Promenade! Although there are many places from which you can enjoy views of this magnificent river but the Danube Promenade is one of the best places in the city's stunning architecture.
It's also on the banks of the Danube (the northeast side, close to the Hungarian Parliament buildings) where you'll find the Shoes on the Danube memorial, a serie of 60 pairs of steel sculpted shoes of Jews who were shot here by the Nazis during the World War II .

Another way to explore the Danube is by boat and numerous tourist excursions are departed regularly from the landing stages at Vigadó tér on the Pest bank and Bem József tér on the Buda bank.

6. Matthias Church

Matthias Church is a prominent landmark on the Castle Hill. It was completed in 1269, and the magnificent south doorway with its relief depicting the Death of Mary was added in the 1300s. In the Turkish occupation (1541-1699) it was used as a mosque and later was renovated in the Baroque style. The church was the venue for the coronation of the last two Hungarian Habsburg kings, Franz Joseph in 1867 and Charles IV in 1916.There are free organ concerts here on Sunday evenings.

7. Exploring Gellért Hill

Another of Budapest's most striking features is the panoramic Gellért Hill, a 235-meter block of dolomite that falls steeply down to the Danube. It's here along the hill's geological fault line that several of the city's most famous medicinal springs emerge to supply the Gellért Spa and Rudas Baths, which have attracted visitors from far and wide since the 13th century. Rudas Baths are one of the buildings remained from the Turkish occupation; these are among the few original Turkish bathhouses in the world still in use that date back to the 1600s.
On the hill's northeast slope there is the Gellért Monument, a tribute to Hungary's famous saint, a Benedictine monk. The hill is named in his honour. Perched high above a man-made waterfall, it offers magnificent views over the city. The Citadel was built by the Austrians in 1851, and the Liberation Monument was erected in 1947 in memory of the Soviet soldiers who died fighting in WWII. Finally, if you have energy left, take a stroll around Jubilee Park. Laid out to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution, it's home to many charming walkways, beautiful flowerbeds, and sculptures.
8. The Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is not only Budapest's most important art gallery but also one of the largest collections of works to be found in Europe. The extensive array of Italian, Spanish and Dutch paintings are on display in a spectacular, classically influenced 19th century building with long rooms for the larger paintings, cabinets for smaller items, and architecturally interesting space such as the Renaissance Hall.
Established in 1870 after Hungary inherited a fine collection of paintings, drawings and prints, the museum is divided in six excellent departments: Egyptian Art, Ancient Art, the Old Sculpture Gallery, the Old Painter Gallery, the Modern Collection, and the Graphics Collection. The adjacent Palace of Art is the city's leading contemporary art museum and hosts many temporary exhibits. (Note that this is not to be confused with the Palace of Arts, a high-tech arts center that houses the Ludwig Museum, a contemporary art collection with works by Picasso, David Hockney and numerous Hungarian Masters.) Note that the museum is scheduled to reopen in March, 2018 after a two-year renovation to improve and enlarge its exhibit spaces.

9.Heroes' Square and the Millennium Monument
The impressive Heroes' Square (Hosök tere) was the work of architect Albert Schickedanz, who was also responsible for the huge Museum of Fine Arts that flanks this large open space. Highlights include the Millennium Monument, a 36-meter column crowned by a figure of the Archangel Gabriel and it was unveiled in the late 19th century. One can be seen a group of bronze horsemen representing the conquering Magyar Prince Árpád and six of his fellow warriors. On either side of the column there are statues of Hungarian rulers. Above the corner pillars there are beautiful works in bronze. In front of the Millennium Monument there is a memorial to the Unknown Soldier.

10. The University Church

The most beautiful Baroque church in Budapest is a little bit hidden, it lies in the south of Pest away from the main shopping streets. Its main front faces onto a narrow side street. Built between 1725-42 (the two mighty towers were not completed until 1771), the principal façade incorporates a triangular tympanum with representations of St. Paul and St. Anthony, as well as the arms of the Pauline Order (a palm between two lions and a raven). The church has a single nave with pilasters and enclosed side-chapels, and its walls are clad in artificial marble. You can see the frescoes on the barrel-vaulted ceilings depicting scenes from the life of Mary (1776) and the sculptures of St. Paul and St. Anthony on the High Altar (1746).

11. City Woodland Park(Városliget)
With its pretty lake, the 302-acre City Woodland Park (Városliget) is a popular recreational site for both Budapest locals and visitors. Laid out in the 19th century, the park has had many additions over the years: the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art; the Municipal Zoological and Botanical Garden; the excellent Transport Museum of Budapest; Tivoli Pleasure Park, with its kids' rides and arcades; the massive open-air Széchenyi Medicinal Bath; the fairytale Vajdahunyad Castle; and the 100,000-seat People's Stadium.

12. Margaret Island

Margaret Island (Margitsziget), barely 2.4 kilometers long and 503 meters wide is Budapest's main recreation and recuperative center for most locals. Thermal spring-fed medicinal baths, carefully tended gardens and paths, as well as the ruins of many historic buildings all serve to attract many daily visitors. A highlight of any visit is the Palatinus Baths, a huge spa complex that covers more than 17 acres and includes a bath with artificial waves, together with various medicinal, swimming, and children's pools capable of accommodating up to 20,000 bathers at a time.
Other island highlights are the pretty Rose Garden (Rózsakert); the Union Monument, a metal sculpture by István Kiss (1972) in the form of a flower; ruins of the Dominican convent, once home to Princess Margaret, the daughter of King Béla IV; the 51-meter water-tower, built in 1911, with its excellent viewing platform; and a large open-air theater.

III. Entertainment

Budapest is city for all. There are entertainments for young and grown up, for those people who love cultural rest and also prefer spending free time actively.

Palace of Arts

The building is fantastic.It won the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence in 2006, but the programmes are just as great as the building. The primary goal was to fill it with Hungarian culture and it was done excellently although you can see performances from all over the world. The standard of performances are superb and every one can find something of their interests. There are concerts with the best orchestras and bands and even concerts for very small children. You can find out a lot about the enormous 92 register organ.

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

You can find here not only animals but also about 2000 different types of plants and flowers, a Japanese garden, unique rock gardens, a palm house and much more. You can have your lunch at the zoo as well or just buy a snack and a drink. There are 8 snack bars in the zoo and a restaurant. There are special programs every 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.for young and old people from 16 April until the end of summer. Ask the staff for details!

Operas and theatres

In Budapest there are forty theatres, seven concert halls and an opera house. Outdoor festivals, concerts and lectures enrich the cultural offer of summer. The largest theatres are the Budapest Operetta and Musical Theatre, the József Attila Theatre, the Katona József Theatre, the Madách Theatre, the Hungarian State Opera House, the National Theatre, the Vigadó Concert Hall, Radnóti Miklós Theatre, the Comedy Theatre and the Palace of Arts, known as MUPA. The Budapest Opera Ball is an annual Hungarian society event taking place in the building of the Budapest Opera on the last Saturday of the carnival season, usually in February.

If you are a night life lover, Budapest will definitely keep you busy. The Hungarian capital is considered one of the most entertaining cities in Europe offering plenty of choices for every kind of entertainment: from bars to clubs, popular pubs and fancy lounge bars.

Nightlife districts

At night the streets of Budapest are filled with young people moving from clubs to clubs. The main areas full of hustle and bustle are Liszt Ferenc Square and Raday Utca. Liszt Ferenc Square offers numerous outdoor bars, restaurants, and cafes where one can grab a drink or something to eat sitting outside. Just to give you an example, you can try the oriental cuisine of Karma restaurant or the high-hand restaurant Menza Etterem. Raday utca is known as the Soho of Budapest. This central area, located near Fovam Ter and the Danube river, is full of cafes, outdoor bars and wine bars where to taste some Hungarian wines. It is a very popular area thanks to its lively and informal vibe.

IV. Urban legends

I wanted to convey the spirit of the city even more, so I turned to the Internet and began to look for urban legends. I consider that city legends are able to tell about spirit of city better than its history.

Legend about woman on the balcony

It is very affecting story about the statue on the balcony on the street Tekeli. There is no door and the balcony has not an exit. One woman on the statue looks at the road leading to her house.

Long time ago there was a young couple in love. They loved each other more than life. Suddenly the World War I began and the young man went to the front. His wife waited for husband and sat on the balcony all the time. Once she learned that her husband died. She became to look very sick. Her beauty faded but she did not give up and continued to wait for him on the balcony.

You know, love is an incredible power. Once she saw the gate opening. It was her husband. The news of her husband's death was a mistake. It often happened in the war.

The woman was very happy, but her heart failed. She died.

The widower sold apartment, but before that he ordered to make a statue of this woman, to put it on the balcony and then to fill the balcony with concrete. So the legend about woman on the balcony was born.

V. Conclusion

In the process of exploring the city we learned that Hungary's capital is a unique capital. It is suitable for students, who are looking for friends outside the classroom, who want to relax from mathematics or molecular biology. Also, this city is designed for connoisseurs of art. Here you can see everything from classical painting to modern performance art. Budapest is birthplace of F. Listz, so it is a homeland of good classical music.

The capital of Hungary is cafeland city. Ruin pubs are amazing places, because they allow you to connect the past of the Roman Empire and the present of Hungary.

I want to visit the capital of Hungary, when it will be possible. This project helped me to learn more about Budapest, so I'm sure I will not be lost in the city.