Hospital in the Rock Verified listing

The Hospital in the Rock (Sziklakórház) is a fascinating underground museum in Budapest that reveals a hidden chapter of the city’s history. Located beneath Buda Castle, it occupies a network of natural caves and man-made tunnels that were transformed into a secret emergency hospital and later a civil defense bunker. Its origins date back to the late 1930s, when the threat of war led to the creation of a medical facility that could operate safely during air raids. The hospital played a crucial role during World War II, treating soldiers and civilians alike during the Siege of Budapest in 1944–45, often under extreme and desperate conditions.

After the war, the facility was modernized and expanded during the Cold War to serve as a potential nuclear bunker, equipped to protect hundreds of people from the effects of atomic warfare. It remained top secret for decades, with its location and purpose known only to a select few. In this period, the hospital was stocked with supplies for prolonged isolation, and its medical staff trained for emergencies ranging from chemical attacks to large-scale military casualties.

Today, the Hospital in the Rock operates as a museum, preserving much of its original equipment, instruments, and atmosphere. Guided tours take visitors through dimly lit wards, operating rooms, and command centers, enhanced by realistic wax figures and reconstructed scenes. Exhibits cover its dual roles as a wartime hospital and Cold War bunker, offering both a gripping historical narrative and a sobering reminder of the human cost of conflict. Its unique blend of military, medical, and Cold War history makes it one of Budapest’s most unusual and memorable attractions.