The district of Tabán lies in the depression between Castle Hill and Gellért Hill. During the time of the Turkish occupation Tamils in particular were settled here. In the 18th C there was an influx of Serbian refugees. In 1810 a fierce fire devastated the area. Extensive parks and traffic layouts are features of the modern district.
This famous old inn near the steps leading up to Castle Palace, was built in the 19th C in the "pigtail" style. This style of building, which was so popular in Hungary and represents a transition from Baroque to classical, was so named after the pigtail-like plaited garlands forming part of the decorative motifs which were frequently incorporated in the design.
North of the Semmelweis Museum lies the square named after the famous architect Miklós Ybl (1814-91). Around the square stand buildings designed by Ybl, who was also responsible for the splendid flight of steps (1882) leading up to the castle.
The 310m (340yd) long castle bazaar always attracts many tourists to its shops, artists' studios, inns and terrace.
The Rac Baths lie in Hadnagy utca, a little to the south of Tabán Parish Church. They were established and extended during the Turkish period. The medicinal springs were known as early as the 15th C. During the reign of King Matthias there is thought to have been an underground passage between the baths and the royal palace on Castle Hill.
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Semmelweiss Museum of the History of Medicine
