Hospital In The Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

During the time of World War II, in 1939, Dr. Karoly Szendy gave the orders to construct a secret medical care unit for the injured soldiers and civilians in the war. Considering the cost cutting and the need to keep it secret, the best place could be none other than the caves in the Buda Castle. So in 1944, the unit was finally set up in the 10 kilometer long cave tunnel for the use. All the victims of the war were given emergency medical treatment here by the nurses of the Red Cross society. This was the scene during the siege of Budapest from 1944 – 45. Hundreds of soldiers and residents not only from Hungary, but also from Germany and other refugees were given shelter and treatment. The doctors, nurses and the modern equipments used were of great quality and even generators were used to carry out X – Rays of the patients. It was the only emergency medical care unit operating for 24 * 7 during that time period. These tools and equipment are still there in the museum functioning perfectly even today.

Later in 1956 during the uprising against the Soviet Russia, the hospital was again used to protect the people and give treatment to the wounded. It was used as a bunker to protect people from the nuclear explosions. Today the museum exhibits the anti – radiation kits for the visitors to see. In 1958, severe steps were taken to make the hospital nuclear resistive by building 25 meter cube large water tanks and gas filtration systems to increase the nuclear power intolerance.   

Later it was turned into storage unit till 2007. After this, it was formally announced as a museum and the gates were opened up for tourists to visit. Today one can see the wax statues of the doctors, nurses and the war fighters as patients. These statues are so real that at one moment of time you will feel they all come alive and the history scene is recreated in front of your eyes as the guide explains the story. You can also witness the old instrument, tools and equipments used during the medical treatment then. Some of these items like the stretchers or the uniforms are also available for sale to the tourists.

The museum offers a mandatory yet a well planned one hour guided tour at the venue itself. Once you purchase the ticket your guided tour will start within 20 minutes of the waiting period. The guide will take you through the entire spot and will describe the history and significance of this place. These guided tours are in English language for global tourists. One can also get to watch a short video based on the history of this place during the guided tour.