Fountain of King Matthias
About
The Matthias Fountain—Hungarian for Mátyás kútja—is a striking Neo‑Baroque masterpiece that crowns the western forecourt of Buda Castle in Budapest. Designed by sculptor Alajos Stróbl in collaboration with master builder Alajos Hauszmann, it was completed in 1904 and has since become one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. The fountain’s central drama features the king of Hungary, Matthias Corvinus, flanked by a hunting party: a stag, a henchman, and three hounds, all rendered in vivid bronze. Off to the sides, the figure of Szép Ilonka (Helen the Fair) from a beloved 19th‑century ballad and the Italian chronicler Galeotto Marzio add narrative depth.
Highlights
- Bronze Hunting Party
- Art Nouveau Niche
- Trevi Fountain Comparison
- Mosaic Roof
- Szent György U Entrance
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
The best times to visit are in spring (April‑June) and autumn (September‑November) when the weather is comfortable and visitor crowds are lighter.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 30 minutes