The oldest part of Budapest castle, which has been reconstructed several times over the centuries, dates from the 14th century. The Royal Court moved here during the 15th century when Buda became one of Europe’s most famous cities. The Turks invaded the Castle in 1541 and ruled it until 1686 when the Austrian Habsburgs took it back after a siege which left castle and area in ruins. It was all soon rebuilt following the old street layout. The castle's current Baroque appearance was complete by the mid 18th century. However WWII battles severely damaged the place again, but it has since been reconstructed keeping the medieval street pattern and with most of the original architectural features restored.
Since 2003, when a palace within the castle became the Hungarian President's residence, a Changing of the Guards ceremony regularly takes place.