Siege of Buda (1849)

The Siege of Buda of 1849 was a crucial event during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-49. Following a period of Austrian control, Hungarian forces, led by General Artúr Görgei, launched an offensive to recapture Buda Castle, a strategically important fortress overlooking Pest (which later merged with Buda and Óbuda to form Budapest). The castle was garrisoned by Austrian imperial troops under the command of General Heinrich Hentzi.

The siege commenced in early May 1849. Hungarian artillery bombarded the castle, while infantry engaged in fierce fighting to overcome the Austrian defenses. The Austrian garrison, though outnumbered, put up a stubborn resistance. Hentzi, in particular, became a symbol of Austrian resolve.

A key aspect of the siege was the destruction inflicted upon Pest by Austrian artillery firing from Buda Castle. This bombardment, aimed at weakening Hungarian morale and disrupting their supply lines, resulted in significant damage to civilian infrastructure and caused widespread outrage among the Hungarian populace.

After weeks of intense fighting, on May 21, 1849, Hungarian forces successfully stormed Buda Castle. General Hentzi was killed in action during the final assault. The victory was a significant boost to Hungarian morale and a major setback for the Austrian imperial forces.

However, the victory was short-lived. The Austrian Empire, with the assistance of Russian forces, eventually crushed the Hungarian Revolution later that year. Despite the ultimate failure of the revolution, the Siege of Buda remains a significant event in Hungarian history, symbolizing Hungarian resistance and the struggle for independence. The destruction inflicted by Hentzi’s bombardment continues to be a point of historical contention and national memory.