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Queen Consort Elizabeth and the most beautiful lookout tower in Budapest The Elizabeth Lookout Tower atop János Hill in Budapest was opened with much ceremony 110 years ago. The tiered, cylindrical tower of snow-white limestone has since then become an unmatched staple of the Buda Hills, as it is visible from large swathes of the city. The present form of the lookout tower should be attributed to Frigyes Schulek. To honour the tower's anniversary, we have collected various images and stories from its past.

Renovated University Church reopened The University Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the 5th District has been renovated. As part of the process the statues of the baroque building were restored, its sacristy renovated, the floor tiles replaced, the heating and electrical system modernised and the copper cladding of the spires repaired.

A street of celebrities – Writers, painters and inventors once lived along Bartók Béla Road There is a part of Budapest where a car factory, a barracks, university halls of residence, and the entirety of Hungarian literary life in the inter-war years lived peacefully side-by-side. All within 100 metres of each other. A small section of a wonderful road with wonderful places: the stretch of Bartók Béla Road between Szent Gellért [Saint Gerard] Square and the Körtér.

Statue of George H. W. Bush to be erected beside statue of Ronald Reagan on Szabadság Square A statue of President George H. W. Bush is to be erected in Budapest on Szabadság [Freedom] Square, alongside an existing statue of President Ronald Reagan. The monument will be inaugurated on the Hungarian National Holiday, 23 October to commemorate the 30-year anniversary of the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe.

Walking paths on Sas Hill to be renovated The Danube–Ipoly National Park is carrying out development work on Sas Hill. Alongside the pruning of shrubs and planting of saplings, walk paths are to be renovated, new tables and benches, information boards, nesting spots and bird feeders built.

New sports centre in City Park completed and opened to the public The City Parks Sports Centre has been completed. Located in the south-eastern area of the park – near the intersection of Ajtósi Dürer Way and Dózsa György Road, the thirty-six-thousand square metre accessible sports centre contains football pitches, basketball courts, climbing walls and ping pong and teqball tables.

One of the most beautiful churches in Budapest The parish church of St. Elizabeth of Hungary located on Rózsák Square, in the 7th District, will also be a venue of the International Eucharistic Congress next year. The building with a capacity of 2,560 people is a masterpiece by Imre Steindl, the designer of the Parliament, and one of the largest neo-Gothic churches in Budapest.

Clean Budapest – The city has been cleaned regularly for 125 years The inhabitants of Pest and Buda used to carry garbage to rubbish pits or simply drop it on the banks of the Danube. Because of this, there was often an unbearable stench in the two cities. All this changed radically 125 years ago when an office was established in the capital to clean the roads of Budapest and collect rubbish.

Red, yellow, green – The colours of Budapest Ninety years ago, on 20 August 1930, new flags decorated the streets of Budapest. The red-yellow-green tricolour replaced the red-yellow-blue colours in use since 1873. Ten years after Trianon, Act XVIII of 1930 detailed changes to Budapest's flag and coat of arms. One of the reasons behind the change was that the colours of the old Budapest flag and the Romanian flag were the same, but adding the traditional colour of green, Buda to the symbols of the capital was also an important factor.

Water meters were installed 100 years ago to reduce water waste It is hard to imagine today that drinking water from the tap was not always a basic service. Mihály Kajlinger, born 160 years ago, has indisputable merit in the organisation and construction of Budapest's water supply. His name is associated with the plans for the capital's large sewage pumping station, sewerage, and water supply network, but water consumption meters were also introduced at his suggestion to curb water waste. His main work, the waterworks of Káposztásmegyer, was the most beautiful and modern waterworks in contemporary Europe.

New Drug Research Centre to open next year in former hospital building The capital has few hospital buildings opened more than a hundred years ago that do not need to be thoroughly renovated, remodelled or modernised. There was also a period, not so long ago, when such institutions were closed rather than maintained. But the list of empty unused buildings also goes on and on, as they await new use of demolition. Fortunately, there are already examples of healthcare buildings being renovated without major changes in function. An example is the former Schöpf-Merei Ágoston Hospital.

Újpest City Hall 120 years old One of the symbols of Újpest, the town hall, which was inaugurated 120 years ago, on 21 August 1900, was designed by the outstanding architects of the age, Ármin Hegedűs and Henrik Böhm. Originally a town hall and then city hall from 1907, the historic building, which bears Art Nouveau features, is still in the service of the local population.

The bells of Saint Stephen's Basilica – Hungarian and German masterpieces The historical value of the former and present bells in Saint Stephen's Basilica in Budapest is significant in terms of ecclesiastical, industrial and national history. Today’s large bell was donated by the German people in 1990 and was made by Perner in Passau. The bell was consecrated on 20 August 1990, thirty years ago. It is the largest bell in Hungary today.

A holiday missed – The colourful history of Processions of the Holy Right The Procession of the Holy Right, held on 20 August, is the most important religious event in Hungary, and St. Stephen's Day is the most important holiday for all Hungarians. Sadly, this year they will be no fireworks or processions. In an emergency, it is worth looking back into the past, as many interesting and informative events have taken place during the long and tumultuous history of the Holy Right and its processions. The relic arrived in Buda in 1771 courtesy of Maria Theresa, and the first procession took place in 1818 in Buda Castle. In the 19th century, however, the holiday increasingly moved to the Pest side and was already accompanied by national interest.

Brides, stuntmen and sandbags have travelled on the Chairlift – Budapest's most unique means of public transport The János Hill chairlift is one of Budapest's most interesting means of transport and has been serving the city since 19 August 1970. There are several interesting facts connected to it. Few know that the first “passengers” on the chair lift were sandbags. A wedding was once held up in the air, and the Trapper jeans brand also shot a commercial on the lift, with a stuntman travelling above the city standing up.

A wandering Greek goddess that found a home next to Magdolna Tower – The Hebe Fountain has stood at several points of Buda Castle The Hebe Fountain in Buda Castle, also known as the Artemis Fountain, now stands in an intimate little unnamed square at the foot of the Magdolna Tower, at the northern end of Úri Street. It seems that this 19th century well statue, previously erected in two other places in the Castle, has found its final home. For various reasons, the Greek goddess has been moved from two other locations before. The nomadic statue also has two names: after its inauguration, it was identified from Greek mythology as the figure of Hebe, when in fact, it was a copy of a statue of Artemis in Paris.

Statue of Saint Emeric unveiled 90 years ago – Despite several plans, the memorial was never moved The statue of Saint Emeric erected in 1930 has survived the storms of history. Later it survived the battles of 1956 and the attacks of the socialist ideology untouched. Although its demolition was raised several times, the statue by Zsigmond Kisfaludi Strobl still stands where it was unveiled 90 years ago, as part of the events commemorating the 900th anniversary of Saint Emeric's death.

A footprint of Budapest – Stunning paving stones hide in old building around Budapest How many times have we been told to watch out steps? The saying can be useful when walking the streets of Budapest near open doorways because the capital's architecture is more than the facades facing the street! Entering through the gates, we drop into a closed world, where those paying attention will discover many beautiful details. The most colourful of these, in addition to painted glass windows, are floor pavings.

Most of the National Electric Load Distributor in the Castle has been demolished The demolition of the controversial-looking industrial building next to the Bécsi Kapu Square Palace of the Hungarian National Archives has progressed quickly in recent weeks. Only the tower, part of the iron structure and a firewall remain. The former National Electric Load Distributor that has been in a dilapidated condition for a long time will be replaced by a house

Motorways through the city – Fifty years ago prioritising cars was a modern choice A few decades ago, a highway network was planned to criss-cross the city centre. Motorists could have passed through the city centre without hindrance and reached the motorways leading out of the city, which would also have been connected by a two-level ring motorway. Today, when the goal is to have as few cars as possible in the city centre, the plans from 50 years ago are interesting.

Breathtaking panorama for high-altitude bathing – The forgotten memories of swimming on Svábhegy At the time of its construction, the Svábhegy open-air pool was characterised as an “artistic and significant work for tourism” at the opening in July 1934. The former spa, located at 430 metres above sea level, designed by our legendary athlete and architect, Alfréd Hajós, deserved the attributes above with its beautiful geographical location and cleverly solved architectural realisation.

How have the bridges of Budapest changed after their construction? Pestbuda's summary presenting the reconstruction of the Chain Bridge in 1914 received many comments about the bridges of Budapest, their modifications and redesigns. Please join us on a glance through which bridge has changed in the decades since its construction.

A Day of Memorials will be held on 12 sites around Budapest Fans of history and culture are invited to 70 locations around the country on 29 August. Guided walks, performances, concerts and many other attractions are being organised at national and historical memorials.

In the footsteps of Kölcsey – The poet who wrote the national anthem of Hungary was born 230 years ago Ferenc Kölcsey, born 230 years ago, was one of the greatest figures of Hungarian literature and public life in the Reform Period. His poem, Himnusz ('hymn'), which became the Hungarian national anthem, elevated him among the immortals of Hungarian culture. Despite this, his memory was not marked in Budapest by any public statue or plaque for a long time. Pestbuda examines the current memorial to the great poet in Budapest.

The lid of a Venetian cure-all and a medieval staircase have been unearthed in the newest cultural area in Buda Castle The outdoor site of 9 Táncsics Street has been reborn as the T9 - The First Bastion archaeological exhibition and cultural community space. The former József Barracks and Prison building is continuously revealing the layers of its history. During the current archaeological excavation, the remains of a medieval and Ottoman building that used to stand here have emerged from under the floor of the house.

The Gothic-Revival wonders of Budapest The image of Budapest today is defined by a prolific period, the architecture of dualism. The most famous buildings of the capital, such as the Fisherman's Bastion, the Opera House, the Parliament and Saint Stephen's Basilica, were built in the second half of the 19th century. This period is characterized by a high degree of stylistic pluralism. Join PestBuda on a walk through the most stunning buildings in Budapest.

Lajos Batthyány's public reburial took place 150 years ago – The 42-year-old Prime Ministers was buried in secret after being executed The execution of Count Lajos Batthyány, the first elected Hungarian prime minister, remains an indescribable act of retaliation after the war of independence. The prime minister was buried in secret and then reburied publicly 21 years later, in 1870, with great pomp. The nation laid him to rest in a funeral fitting the difficult diplomatic solution worthy of a great politician.

The dream of connecting Buda and Pest – Creator of the first Hungarian steamboat designed a bridge between the cities Antal Bernhard, the creator of Carolina, the first Hungarian steamboat, also designed a bridge design to connect the cities of Pest and Buda. Before the construction of the Chain Bridge, nearly two dozen proposals were made on how to bridge the river, and among these, Bernhard’s plan was an important idea because it could actually have worked.

The highest point of Budapest – Elizabeth Lookout turns 110 One of Sisi's favourite places to visit in Budapest. The highest point of the city houses one of Budapest's most popular lookout towers, the Elizabeth Lookout. The building, designed by Pál Kluzinger and Frigyes Schulek, was opened 110 years ago. Pestbuda climbed János Hill to honour the anniversary.

A neglected landmark – A walk on Gellért Hill Despite it being a symbol of Budapest, a popular walking destination, and a nature reserve in the city's heart, Gellért Hill has been neglected for decades. Unfortunately, the situation is beyond slight renovation – a complete replanning and reconstruction are needed.

The Chain Bridge, a symbol of the country completely demolished in 1914 During the renovation of the Chain Bridge, it will be necessary to go back to the plans of 1914. But why will they follow the 1914 version when the bridge was built between 1839-1849?

The memory of János Bihari on Margit Island The history of an old statue on Margit Island hides many interesting things. How many people know today that the traditional symbol of the gipsies was a hedgehog? This symbol was included on János Bihari's, one of the most loved gipsy musicians dubbed the Gypsy King, statue on the Margit Island, created by a special figure of Hungarian statuary, the deaf-mute László Vaszary.

Jenő Cholnoky, one of the greatest Hungarian geographers, born 150 years ago Every day we walk past buildings whose past we know nothing about. The block of flats delimited by 29 Rákóczi Road - 1 Gyulai Pál Street - 4 Stáhly Street are similar. Today Pestbuda the site because the famous geographer Jenő Cholnoky was born 150 years ago and 100 years ago, in 1920, he moved here. His work is immense, yet he is mostly associated with the study of China and Lake Balaton. Look at his connections in Budapest with Pestbuda.

How did cars get into the City Park which has also been suggested as a site for a Formula 1 track? The City Park will be car-free, and the Kós Károly Promenade will be closed. But how did cars get into the City Park at all? Why does a busy main road lead through City Park, and how did it become a car park?

A little Genoa on Gellért Hill The Hegedüs Villa or originally the Schoch Villa is well known in Budapest, although few people know by its name. The mass of the building rises above the statue depicting Saint Gerard and the waterfall, so it is immediately noticeable when people drive from Pest to Buda across Erzsébet Bridge. Its medieval forms are less typical of early 20th century Hungarian architecture, according to urban legend, it is a copy of an Italian building. Pestbuda now reveals if the legend is true.

Pasarét Franciscan Church to be renovated and expanded The Franciscan Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Pasarét is to be renovated alongside the attached monastic buildings and library. Modernisation works will also include the creation of new community spaces. Plans are to renovate the parish in the autumn, and complete work on the Church and monastic structures in June 2021.

Lost to the World War – In the footsteps of a missing Cinderella statue In the playground on Gellért Hill, children would once quench their thirst at a fountain that depicted Cinderella. So in the 1920s, Budapest decided to order several fountains and statues depicting famous characters from stories. The goal was to ensure that the fountains would not only quench children's thirst but support their aesthetic sense.

The Székely national anthem was first played in Budapest – Memorial plaque unveiled on the lyricist's home While many Hungarians know the lyrics to the Székely national anthem, while the work written soon after the Treaty of Trianon was signed quickly became symbolic of Hungarian unity, few know the name of the writer who originally wrote the lyrics: György Csanády. To honour the writer's memory, born 125 years ago, a memorial plaque has been unveiled on the 12th-district house he lived in.

Mobile app of famous trees in Budapest updated The BP Fatár [Tree Store] app has been updated and now includes the description of 100 famous trees, 38 local natural conservation areas and natural treasures in Budapest with pictures. The addition to the application were announced by Főkert at a press conference on Friday.

"No one prepared us for the breathtaking experience" - The Riding Hall in Buda Castle Reborn People have admired the Lovarda ('riding hall') in Buda Castle, recently completed within the framework of the National Hauszmann Program, from the outside. They have not been able to look around inside yet, only see the beautiful interiors in photos. Pestbuda editors had the opportunity to visit the building as part of a guided tour. Alajos Hauszmann designed the riding hall, which was completed in 1901. Hence it is no surprise that the guided tour was called Hauszmann's Horses on the website of the National Hauszmann Program.

From Pest to Gellért Hill by funicular Reaching Buda from Pest downtown at the end of the 19th century was not easy. Climbing to the top of Gellért Hill had similar issues. These two problems would have been solved by the truly spectacular idea of János Ruppenthal, i.e., building a bridge and a funicular.

Renovation of Hall of Art to begin as Government confirm priority status The Government has declared the renovation of the Hall of Arts to be a project of national economic importance and investment of high public interest. The building was originally constructed in 1896 as part of the events to commemorate the millennium of Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin. However, when work will begin on the building, designed by Albert Schickedanz and inaugurated by Franz Joseph, is currently unknown.

Dürer in Budapest – The Hungarian roots of an internationally respected painter Ajtósi Dürer Way is a busy and well-known road that runs alongside City Park. However, the roots of its name are less well-known. Albrecht Dürer was a world-renowned Bavarian Renaissance painter with Hungarian roots. His father was born in the Hungarian village of Ajtós next to Gyula, from where he emigrated to Nuremberg, where the famous artist was later born. The Hungarian roots of the painter were a well-known fact in Nuremberg as well. Thus, on the 400th anniversary of this death, a delegation from the city visited Budapest. The Bavarians gave the Hungarian capital a unique statue to commemorate the event, while Budapest named a road after the famous painter.

The first steamboat sailed from Pest to Buda two hundred years ago A bizarre machine started operating 200 years ago on the Danube between Buda and Pest. A 13-metre-long, small, smoking structure, with a large wheel on each side, splashed water and towed a passenger barge after it. Although the company lived for only a year, it started steam navigation on the Danube.

Obligatory Sunday shooting practice lead to the construction of the Pest Shooting« Range 180 years ago In the past, every citizen of Buda and Pest was required to know how to shoot. Not because they were expected to stand their ground in a dual, but because they had to be prepared to defend the cities should an enemy attack. The new Pest Shooting Range was completed 180 years ago on the present-day Lövölde Square.

Spectacular roof of the House of Hungarian Music completed – The building is structurally complete One of the most spectacular roofs in Europe has been completed within the Liget Budapest Project. The House of Hungarian Music is now structurally complete in the City Park. The institution to open at the end of 2021 will operate as an exhibition, and performance venue and centre for music education.

A bridge bears the name of the respected Hungarian engineer who designed a canal to go around Budapest Have you ever heard of Jenő Kvassay? The name may be familiar to those who know Budapest well, as the city houses a Kvassay Bridge, Kvassay Road and Kvassay Lock. These are all named after the Hungarian hydraulic engineers, who played a central part in regulating the Danube.

How Buda Castle became a government district The old buildings of Buda Castle are markers of an eventful history. Several of these buildings once housed government offices and ministries, such as the palace designed by Sándor Fellner on Holy Trinity Square now being renovated. but how did governance become o central to Buda Castle? Its a story that goes back earlier than the 20th century.