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Ruins opened on Szent György Square in Buda Castle A section of the previously closed ruins of what was once the royal stables have been opened to visitors in Buda Castle. The green areas and flowerbeds, and paving of Szent György Square has also been renewed.

Szentlélek Square to be transformed – Pavilions to be demolished at entrance to Óbuda A transportation hub of the 3rd District is to be renewed. The neglected buildings are to be removed and the square redesigned to fit its historical setting.

Leopold Rottenbiller – Three-term Lord Mayor of Pest Leopold Rottenbiller is one of the most unjustly forgotten politicians of Budapest's history, even though a major road bears the name of the urban leader to this day. He served as the Lord Mayor of Pest for three terms, and not in periods of growth, construction and peace. Despite this, Rottenbiller kept the city working. His second term began 160 years ago.

Hidden natural treasures of Budapest – The Jane Goodall Trail Jane Goodall, the internationally respected conservationist, environmentalist and researcher, has visited Hungary several times. However, few know that an educational trail bears her name in Budapest, and is worth a visit for everyone who lives in the city. It can be found on the outskirts of the 2nd District, in Pesthidegkút. But what did Goodall do in the area?

A lookout in the works – Medieval István Tower the inspiration behind tower of the National Archives The National Hauszmann Program recently announced that the destroyed tower of the National Archives' building in Buda Castle would be rebuilt during the building's renovation. Join Pestbuda on a stroll through the history of this iconic tower.

Offices of National Assembly to be renovated Also known as the White House, the Offices of the Member of the National Assembly are to be renovated. The Office of the National Assembly has issued a public procurement tender for the planning of the renovation of the office building at 19 Széchenyi Embankment.

Foundation of Central Bank of Hungary buys building of the former Burg Hotel in Buda Castle The former state-owned building of Burg Hotel on Szentháromság Square in the 1st District will be purchased by the Pallas Athéné Domus Meriti Foundation of the Central Bank of Hungary. The hotel closed in 2019, and the building has been vacant ever since.

Ornaments being added to facade of Southern Connecting Wing of the Royal Palace The reconstruction of the Southern Connecting Wing of the Royal Palace of Buda Castle, including one of its most magnificent rooms, St. Stephen's Hall, is progressing as intended. Ornaments resembling the facade's original decorations are currently being added to the exterior walls. Meanwhile, the beautiful floor coverings of St. Stephen's Hall are also being carved. Plans are to open the building to the public on 20 August 2021.

A green promenade instead of tracks – Improved suburban rail for Budapest The suburban railway (HÉV) lines to Csepel, Ráckeve and Szentendre, are to be completely renovated. Trains will be faster, tracks and stations rebuilt, and new, accessible, air-conditioned trains will be purchased. In the first phase of the development, the HÉVs will enter a tunnel at Közvágóhíd ('public slaughterhouse') station and run to Kalvin Square with a stop at Boráros Square. The tracks will disappear from the riverbank allowing for the creation of a cohesive new park promenade.

Fifty years ago large-scale plans to redesign Józsefváros were born Various plans to redesign the inner sections of Józsefváros and replace the out-dated kitchen and room flats built at the end of the 19th century were floated decades ago. Fifty years ago the Budapest Council adopted a large-scale plan to demolish 3,400 flats. By the time the district already had mixed experiences of how the city centre could be rehabilitated.

Botanical path named after István Fekete opens on Kis-Hárs Hill The popular Hungarian writer, the best-known author of forester-ranger-themed literature, István Fekete, was born 120 years ago and died 50 years ago. A nearly 800-metre-long István Fekete botanical educational trail has been built to commemorate this double anniversary, stretching from Széher Road in the 2nd District to the Hárs Hill saddle.

Statue of Attila József unveiled on Kossuth Square 40 years ago A few years ago, the temporary removal of the Attila József statue – erected in 1980 on the site of the former Andrássy monument – from Kossuth Square due to the area's renovation caused an enormous uproar. Many believed that the work had been removed permanently. But a few months later, the statue was on Kossuth Square again. Although it was not put back in its original place, many say it found a better place only a few metres away, on the riverbank.

Statue of Alfred Hajós planned for Margit Island A tender has been announced for the creation of a statue of Alfred Hajós. The sculpture will be erected on Margit Island, which is connected to Alfred Hajós's intellectual and professional heritage.

Renovation of Blaha Lujza Square to begin next year: water games and mushroom-shaped fountain planned A mushroom-shaped fountain with three nozzles, 84 burgundy-red chairs, an exposed concrete retaining wall hundreds of metres long, and water games sunk into the pavement will decorate the renovated Blaha Lujza Square, according to the tender announced by BKK. Prospective contractors can submit their offers for the rebuilding of Budapest's busiest squares 15 February 2021. The works will have to be quick, as according to an agreement between the capital and the government state support for the reconstruction of the square can only be accessed until the end of next year.

An enchanted world at your fingertips – A hike to Mária Gorge A small area on the edge of Budapest has almost been forgotten and never was among the city's best-known areas. The Virgin Mary has been considered a patron saint of Hungary since 1038, when King Saint Stephen, who died without an heir, offered the nation into her protection after his son's death. Hungary has often been referred to as Regnum Marianum in Latin sources ever since, and countless toponyms (place names) including Mary, Mária in Hungarian, have formed. However, only two of these are rock formations. One of these stands on Budapest's present-day border (the other in the Békás /Bicăjel/ Strait in Transylvania).

Iconic tower of National Archives in Buda Castle to be rebuilt The tower of the Hungarian National Archives, designed by Samu Pecz and completed in 1918, is to be rebuilt in Buda Castle. The tower was blown up in 1945 to avoid necessary post-war repairs. Furthermore, a new wing will be added to the building, which was not built a hundred years ago due to a lack of funding.

Dining car used by Miklós Horthy to be displayed in Museum of Transport The dining car of the train used by Governor Miklós Horthy, Turán 9, has been returned to Hungary. The dilapidated vehicle will be restored by Hungarian Museum of Science, Technology and Transportation staff.

When panel housing defined urban development Forty-five years ago, in the last days of 1975, a new urban planning regulation was adopted in Budapest. The purpose of the provision was to provide an appropriate framework for the construction or housing estates and urban development, while also designating development zones and the number of buildings to be erected.

Rebuilt Headquarters of Hungarian Defense Forces will act as gate to the Palace of Buda Castle One hundred and twenty years ago its massive dome was the pride of Dísz Square. However, for the last 70 years, the military headquarters' partially deconstructed remains have lacked form and function. However, this is set to change. After a partial renovation between 2012 and 2014, its continued reconstruction will begin next year, restoring the building to its former glory, and serving visitors to Buda's Castle District.

Exciting artefacts found in cemetery of Roman military encampment Bird rattles, curse tablets, glass jars and jewellery have been unearthed during at an excavation in Óbuda, near Bécsi Road, in the cemetery of the Roman-era Military town of Aquincum.

The father of the Hungarian National Museum, Count Ferenc Széchenyi, died 200 years ago Among the noble families of Hungary, the Széchenyi's particularly contributed to the growth of Budapest. Works associated with István Széchenyi, the Chain Bridge and the building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences are emblematic sites of the city, and his father, Ferenc Széchényi, can be tied to important institutions such as the National Széchényi Library and the Hungarian National Museum. The two respected institutions, which were one at the time, were founded in 1802 by Count Ferenc Széchényi as the third national collection in Europe. Today is the 200th anniversary of his death.

A train to the imperial city – Budapest–Vienna train line opened in 1850 1850 was a dark year for Hungary. After the war of independence was lost, so was freedom. Haynau's reign of terror through thousands into prison. But in 1850 a dream came true. A rail connection was completed between Pest and Vienna reached.

Puskás Arena receives international award Puskás Arena has one the special prize for most beautiful sports facility at the Prix Versailles Architecture Awards. One of the largest arenas in Central Europe opened in 2019.

Budapest Christmases of old What did festive preparations look like in the Belle Époque and the decades following the first world war? Join PestBuda on a glance through Christmases of the past based on old newspaper articles and photos from Budapest's olden days.

Pioneering reinforced concrete – Aladár Münnich born 130 years ago One of the most versatile architects of the interwar years in Hungary Aladrás Münnich designed villas, residential buildings, bank buildings, are large-scale urban planning projects. He was also a popular expert writer. But he is best known for his massive industrial project, both at home and abroad.

Second spire of Nyugati Railway Station hoisted into position The renovation of the 8,200-square-metre roof of Nyugati, or Western Railway Station has reached its second major milestone. The spire of the tower near track 13 has been raised into place. In the meantime, the installation of new planes of glass into the roof and the renovation of its supporting structure are also in progress.

Former OPNI building to house university not grammar school In a recent interview the Minister of Finance stated that after renovation, the former building of the National Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology (OPNI) would house an institution providing higher education in diplomatic and economic training fields. Thus, contrary to earlier reports that the government does not plan to establish a boarding school in the 39,000 -square-metre building complex, which stands in a 41-hectare park.

Királydomb listed as National Memorial site The National Assembly has passed a bill to list Királydomb as a national memorial site. In present-day Kőbánya near the Rákos Stream, the area was the traditional meeting place of the national diets in the Kingdom of Hungary.

"Not on the surface, not in a ditch, or in a tunnel" – Residents protest proposed Pest access roads to Galvani Bridge A petition for the protection of Kiserdő, along Határ Road, was recently taken to the Mayor of Budapest by local NGOs. The petition protests the planned access road leading to Galvani Bridge on the Pest bank of the river.

Villa of János Kádár on Rózsadomb to be used by persecuted Christians from the Middle East The residence of the former leader of the anti-clerical one-party state, János Kádár, is to be used by persecuted Christians. Today, the Prime Minister handed over the villa's keys in the 2nd District to Ignatius Aphrem II, Syrian Orthodox Patriarch.

Plans to restore Habsburg Gate and Turul statue in Buda Castle announced Renovation of the Royal Palace's neo-baroque style gate in Buda Castle and the surrounding castle walls will begin soon. The Turul statue in the are will also be restored.

First steps to revitalise Népliget made – The largest park in Budapest has been neglected for decades The Budapest City Council is preparing plans for the renovation of the public park known as Népliget and the protection of its natural values. Anyone who visits the park has been invited to share input into the design phase.

National Restoration and Museum Storage Centre opens Relocation of artefacts and works of art is already underway. The construction of the modern restoration workshops has been completed, and work has begun in the newly established National Restoration and Museum Storage Centre, in which more than three hundred thousand artefacts will be preserved.

Synagogue of Óbuda stands as testament to Hungarian Classicism The Óbuda Synagogue is one of the most important historical monuments of the 3rd District and is extremely valuable within Budapest as a whole as well. Nevertheless, it is less well known than its stunning counterparts in Pest, the Dohány Street and Kazinczy Street Synagogues, despite being an immense example of not only synagogue architecture, but also of Hungarian classicist architecture.

Novelties to fill new campus of University of Physical Education Building permits have been issued for the new buildings of the University of Physical Education. The development will include an indoor swimming pool, an athletics hall, halls of residence for four hundred students, and a sports field on its roof. The Hauszmann historical garden will also be rebuilt and opened to the public.

OPNI remains in state hands – Former psychiatric hospital to be renovated Following a recently passed law the building that once housed the National Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology (OPNI) will be renovated, after standing empty for 13 years. The gardens of the property will also be revitalised, the Minister of Finance announced on Saturday.

A gem on Andrássy Avenue – The Bulyovszky Villa Elegant and spectacular villa buildings line Andrássy Avenue, one of them is the Bulyovszky Villa. The villa was built as a summer house for the famed actress Bulyovszky née Lilla Szilágyi and designed by the young Sándor Fellner. Standing on the corner of Rippl-Rónai Street, the building recently reemerged into the spotlight. The 55% share of the property'S ownership rights, held by the Hungarian Women's Association was put up for auction. The process was suspended in early December, and the Hungarian Women's Association sold its share. The ill-fated villa has thus entered new ownership. Making this the best moment to dive into its past.

New life for former psychiatric hospital in Lipótmező Plans to create a five-year, international boarding secondary school in the building that once housed the National National Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in the 2nd District have been slated. The building will remain state-owned. The building on Hűvösvölgyi út was built as a mental asylum in 1868 and was closed in 2007. It has been empty since.

Fehérvári Roundel and Western Gardens of Buda Castle to be renovated, new parking garage planned The Fehérvári Roundel and its surroundings are to be demolished and rebuilt to its original size in Buda Castle. One of the main goals of the National Hauszmann Program is to allow visitors to Buda Castle to explore the Castle District by walking around it on its walls. The Fehérvári Roundel plays a major role in enabling this. Following the reconstruction, a previously closed section of the western castle wall will be opened, connecting the roundel to Csikós Courtyard. The western gardens will be revitalised to evoke the vineyards and orchards that once surrounded Budavár. Várgarázs III. will meanwhile further reduce the number of cars parked in the Castle.

New Centre of Bulgarian Culture to be built in Budapest The renovated and expanded Community Centre for Bulgarians in Hungary has be opened to the public on Vágóhíd Street in the 9th District. The construction of a new Bulgarian educational and cultural centre on the empty plot next to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. Cyril and Methodius on the far side of the street was announced at the ceremony. The centre will stand opposite the Community Centre and be built with 2.6 Billion HUF funding from the Hungarian Government.

The birth of Lottóház – Historic buildings lost to the 1956 revolution A small plaza can be found at the junction of Ferenc Boulevard and Üllői Road. It was named in 1996. It is known as Angyal István Park. There is no inscription to indicate this despite a statue of a paper aeroplane being erected in 2014, and most passers-by do not know that the city honoured one of the heroes of the 1956 revolution, the leader of the Tűzoltó Street insurgents, with the square 24 years ago. And perhaps even fewer know that before 1956 the square did not even exist, but was covered by three residential buildings standing side by side.

Construction of Budapest Athletics Stadium begins The construction of the Budapest Athletics Stadium has begun started in the 9th District. The explosive demolition of Vituki tower block is set to begin the project. The rehabilitation of the former industrial zone and the nearby riverbank will create new open sports and recreation park for the public in the area bordered by Rákóczi Bridge, the Csepel suburban railway line, the northern part of Csepel Island and the Danube.

Renovation of Danubius Fountain Completed – Footless Szava restored One of the most beautiful and largest fountains in Budapest, the Danubius Fountain on Erzsébet Square, has undergone a comprehensive renovation in recent months. Its stones have been cleaned, missing parts replaced, and even worn gilding replaced.

New bridge may be built near Aquincum The Budapest Transport Centre has begun preparations for the construction of a new bridge which would connect Aquincum in Óbuda with Újpest.

Masterpiece of 20th-century Hungarian architecture – National Swimming Pool turns 90 The first Hungarian Olympic Champion, Alfréd Hajós was also the man to design the National Swimming Pool, the temple of Hungarian water sports. Standing on Margit island the structure is not only central to sporting life in the country but remains a masterpiece of 20th-century Hungarian archictecture.

Nearly 80 explosive devices from World War II found on Csörsz Street in the 12th District The unique projectiles were found during recent earthworks in Csörsz Street in the 12th District in Buda. Explosives experts found almost 80 different devices which are presumed to have originated from a World War II artillery position.

Underground parking garage and new promenade opens on Dózsa György Road The parking garage on Dózsa György Road has been opened to the. public. The new three-storey parking garage can fit 800 vehicles. Named Múzeum Parking Garage the structure also contains bike stands. and a shower. A 12,000 square metre park and promenade have been created on top of the new building.

Phone lines once defined the Budapest real estate market Life today is unimaginable without a phone, yet not so long ago people could wait decades for a connection to be brought to their flat. Those who had landlines could consider themselves privilege, and those selling flats with one could ask a higher price. Thirty years ago, a new telephone exchange in Csepel with 18,000 lines was a huge step forward. Nevertheless, it seemed that it would only be possible to connect half of the flats in the city with phone lines by 2000.