Buda and Pest, each positioned on opposing sides of the Danube, had flourished independently, boasting their distinct histories, cultures, and administrative systems. Buda, gracing the river's western bank, had long served as the seat of royalty, distinguished by its castle district and undulating landscapes. Conversely, Pest, on the eastern bank, thrived as a commercial nucleus, bustling with trade and cultural vigor. Óbuda, signifying "Old Buda," stood as yet another historic township positioned north of Buda, bearing its own distinct heritage and importance.
This amalgamation of three towns into the singular entity of Budapest birthed a more expansive, harmonized urban landscape that capitalized on the diverse strengths and narratives of each constituent part. This union marked a pivotal juncture in the city's narrative, laying the foundation for Budapest's subsequent evolution into a prominent European capital.
Celebrating the 150-year milestone, Hungarian film studio Animatiqua produced a special 15-minute film titled "The Birth of Budapest," chronicling the capital's long history. The creators meticulously curated over 80,000 archival photographs, handpicking 140 that encapsulated the essence of Budapest's past. Employing the parallax effect—a technique where elements on a page move at varying speeds—this film creates a captivating 3D depth, animating old photos to offer audiences a distinctive historical journey.
