The Szechenyi Chain Bridge was the first permanent crossing to link Buda and Pest, opening in 1849 after Count Istvan Szechenyi championed its construction. It was designed by English engineer William Tierney Clark and built by Scottish engineer Adam Clark.
Guarded by four stone lions at its entrances, the bridge was destroyed in 1945 during World War II and rebuilt by 1949; a full renovation closed it to traffic again from 2021 to 2023.
Crossing the bridge on foot is free and takes only about 15 to 20 minutes, though many visitors linger for Danube views and photos, especially at sunset or after dark when the bridge is illuminated until midnight.
