the chain bridge is one of the most well known landmark of Budapest.
At the time of its construction, it counted as a wonder of the world.
It had an enormous significance in the country's economics and life.
Its decorations made of cast iron, and its construction, radiating calm dignity and balance,
raised it among the most beautiful industrial monuments in Europe.

The bridge was opened in 1849, and thus became the first permanent bridge in the Hungarian capital.
At the time, its center span of 202 m was one of the largest in the world.
The pairs of lions at each of the abutments were added in 1852.
The bridge was given its current name in 1898.

Among the anecdotes relating to the bridge, the most popular is that the lions were sculpted without tongues
and the sculptor was mocked so much that he jumped into the Danube in shame.
The lions do have tongues (although they are not visible from below,
which is the usual point of view, as the lions are lying on a stone block some three meters high).