Budapest

Exploring the capital city by tram, Michael Portillo travels to the extraordinary open-air museum of Memento Park in the suburbs. He discovers how a collection of imposing Soviet-era statues removed from the city following the fall of communism were placed here as a reminder of Hungary’s past.

In the north east neighbourhood of Rákospalota, Michael visits Origo Studio, one of the largest in Europe. He learns how it’s attracting big name Hollywood filmmakers and gets the inside track on a series of thrilling stunts.

Across the Danube in Óbuda, Michael tours the Roman city of Aquincum, a vital part of the empire’s defences and one of Hungary’s largest archaeological sites. He’s surprised to find its amphitheatre, once the scene of fierce gladiator battles, is larger than the Colosseum in Rome.