The network of tunnels beneath Gellért Hill has played a role throughout the history of Hungary in the 20th century. During the Second World War, it was used as an air raid shelter, and was also the site of a military hospital. The hospital came back into use in 1956 to treat wounded civilians, when a failed uprising against the communist regime took place. In the years of the Cold War that followed, the network was reinforced to make it into a shelter against potential nuclear and chemical attacks.

Rather than a regular museum, the Hospital in the Rock now offers guided tours. These last about an hour, and set off every hour. Being on Gellért Hill, it’s also within easy reach of other attractions on the summit, such as the Citadella fortress, St Matthias’ Church, and the Fisherman’s Bastion.

You might be interested to know that this isn’t the only underground attraction in Budapest. There’s also the Cave Church, a subterranean monastery which has likewise felt the hand of Hungary’s tumultuous politics. 

If you're visiting the Hospital in the Rock you could do worse than stopping in at the legendary Café Ruszwurm Cukrászda and enjoying one of their signature artisan cakes.

Sziklakórház

Lovas út 4/C, 1012 Budapest