Budapest formed from Pest, Buda and Óbuda

Background. Prior to 1873, Buda and Pest were distinct cities on opposite banks of the Danube. Buda, historically the royal capital, lay on the western bank, while Pest was located on the eastern bank. Óbuda, known as Old Buda, was a separate entity that joined these two cities in the administrative consolidation that formed the modern capital.

Unification. In 1873, the previously separate cities of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest were officially unified and given the new name Budapest. This merger created a single metropolitan municipality. The unification marked a significant phase in the city's development, transforming it into a global city and the capital of Hungary.

Administrative Structure. Following the unification, Budapest initially had 10 districts. The city has been a metropolitan municipality with a mayor-council form of government since its consolidation in 1873. The 1873 municipal boundaries roughly correspond to the current city center districts in Buda and Pest.