FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2025-192

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (November 17, 2025) – Today’s edition of Fun with Maps takes us to a city known for its hot spring baths.

PEARL OF THE DANUBE

The city of Budapest was formed on November 17, 1873 when the three cities of Buda, Pest, and Obuda merged to form the Hungarian capital.  It became one of the cultural centers of Europe, rivaling Vienna and Paris, for atmosphere.

Hilly Buda, or Royal Buda as it is called, was the location of the castle and royal court.  Across the Danube River, Pest was flat lands and is the location of the Parliament, Heroes Square, and most of the urbanized area of the city.  At the time of the merger, Buda was mostly occupied by Germans and Pest by Hungarians.

The city is known as the “capital of thermal water”.  With over 100 hot springs surfacing in the city, visiting the baths is a popular activity for citizens and tourists alike. 

Budapest is also home to the world’s second oldest subway (1896) and Europe’s largest synagogue.

This map of Budapest is from 1927.   

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.