Vajdahunyad Castle is medieval in look but not in age.

(airy electronic music)

Built in 1896, this architectural complex was designed

to celebrate the first millennium of the Hungarian state.

The buildings were supposed to be temporary,

so they were made of wooden planks and cardboard designs.

But Hungarians loved them so much,

they were rebuilt with permanent materials in the 1900s.

The celebratory site features copies of landmarks

from all over the larger 19th-Century Hungarian kingdom,

combining architectural details of 21 buildings,

like the Romanesque Church of Yak,

originally located in western Hungary;

or the Vajdahunyad, or Corvin Castle,

located in what is now Romania,

and more commonly known to fans of the Dracula myth.

It's believed that Vlad the Impaler

was once imprisoned there.

The name of the Romanian Castle ended up being adopted

by Budapestians for the whole compound.

Several Austrian palaces are represented, as well,

featuring a blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture,

demonstrating the diversity of styles

that spread across the Austria-Hungarian Empire.

And just like the castles it's built to imitate,

Vajdahunyad is built to be defended.

It's accessible only by four bridges,

stretching across the surrounding lake.

For over a century, the castle has continued to be enjoyed

by Budapestians and tourists alike

who come to relish in this truly Hungarian artifact.

(poppy electronic music)