The Bridge Report, which brought a turning point in the history of Budapest
A travel report that changed the history of Pest and Buda, as well as Hungary. The little book contributed to the change of half a thousand years of legal customs and the implementation of an investment of unprecedented size and technical quality. This book was The Bridge Report [Hídjelentés in Hungarian].
PestBuda
Dutch memories fill Budapest
April 6, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Városliget Avenue is more than two hundred years old. The elegant road lined with villas and public buildings became the home of the elite of Pest in the last third of the 19th century. Several successful people had a house or holiday home built there, and many celebrities treated themselves in the sanatoriums located in the area. Városliget Alley has become a well-known name, yet, 100 years ago, in 1921, it was renamed Vilma Királynő Road after Queen Wilhelmina. The cause: a strange tale for which Budapest wanted to express its thanks to the Dutch.
Museum of Transport opened 55 years ago after post World War II repairs
April 5, 2021 at 1:00 PM
After a more than a two-decades-long forced break, the Museum of Transport opened in City Park on 2 April 1966. During World War II, in 1944, several bombs hit the building. Although the most valuable works of art were saved, the destruction was still immeasurable: in addition to the building, the bombing also caused significant damage to the collection.
Depictions of Christ portray the events of the Holy Week around Budapest
April 4, 2021 at 9:30 AM
Depictions of Jesus can be found in every district of Budapest of one walks with their eyes open. Most often, crosses erected near Catholic churches or by public roads are reminders of Christ’s crucifixion, but several Calvaries, statues, and building mosaics also depict Easter-related events: the story of the Passion and the resurrection of the Messiah. This virtual walk will present a selection of the most valuable works of art that give hope at Easter in 2021.
Parks around Rákos Stream in Zugló to be renovated
April 3, 2021 at 4:00 PM
The banks of Rákos Stream in the 14th District will be transformed into a park in three stages. Work is already underway, and the first 400-metre section between Egressy Road and Bartl János Street has already been opened. The entire project will be completed by the autumn. Plenty of trees and shrubs will be planted in the new areas, and plenty of benches will be installed, on sun terraces, alongside playgrounds, drinking fountains. Public lighting will be solar-powered.
One of the oldest ways of the cross in Budapest – The Kiscell Calvary is over 200 years old
April 3, 2021 at 11:00 AM
During the Easter period, people used to visit many calvaries, i.e. Ways of The Cross, in Buda and Pest. One of the oldest calvaries in the city, built 200 years ago and starting next to the Kiscelli Museum, is still one of the most visited Ways of The Cross in Budapest today. Even in 1956, the year of the revolution plenty of people walked the Way, as can be seen in a photo from 65 years ago.
Church Renovation programme to begin
April 2, 2021 at 2:30 PM
Before easter, the government announced a major church renovation programme: 25.7 billion HUF was reallocated to renovate the churches.
The first modern shopping centre in Budapest – The Skála store in Buda opened 45 years ago
April 2, 2021 at 9:00 AM
There was a store in Buda that brought new colour and new quality to the slow socialist state store system. The modern design, the huge floor space of more than 22,000 square metres, and the relative abundance of goods contributed to the rapid rise in the popularity of the Skála store, which opened 45 years ago on 2 April 1976.
Pest Embankments revisited: Promenade planned from Kossuth Square to Bálna – Széchenyi Square to be redesigned
April 1, 2021 at 7:30 PM
An agreement detailing the renovation of the Pest Embankment has been signed by representatives of the Government and the capital. According to the plans, a new promenade and green areas will be created from Kossuth Lajos Square to the Bálna, the roundabout on Széchenyi Square will be removed, the tracks of tram line 2 and Közraktár Street will also be renewed.
Zsolnay fireplace of Szent Stephen's Hall to be installed soon
April 1, 2021 at 2:00 PM
One of the most beautiful ornaments of the first reconstructed historical hall of Buda Castle will be the more than 2.5 meters wide and 4.5 meters high ceramic fireplace, made by the Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory in Pécs. Experts worked on the reconstruction of a masterpiece for five years. The fireplace is made up of 611 pieces, for which nearly a kilogram of 24-carat gold was used. The reborn Saint Stephen's Hall will be opened to the public on 20 August.
Szent István Park turns 85 – A parquet factory once sprawled across the greens
April 1, 2021 at 9:00 AM
The green that opened on 1 April 1936 was originally called Lipótváros Park, then Rakovszky Park. It was given its current name in 1937 and has been called Szent István Park ever since. The site of the beautiful ornamental garden was once a parquet factory, and its construction was initiated in the 1920s by the President of the Public Works Council at the time, Iván Rakovszky. Újlipótváros' most popular park is 85 years old.
Construction of passenger centre in Keleti Railway Station begins
March 29, 2021 at 3:00 PM
The construction of the passenger centre in the 137-year-old Keleti Railway Station, which serves nearly 11 million passengers a year, has begun. The development will greatly increase passenger comfort, bring international and domestic ticket sales into the same hall, while new escalators and lifts will make the centre easily accessible.
Educational canopy trail planned for Normafa
March 27, 2021 at 4:00 PM
An educational canopy trail has been planned for Normafa. To be built on the former Sport Hotel site, the trail will have space for 150 visitors and focus on conservation education. The study trail will begin at ground level and climb above the tree canopy to offer a stunning view of Budapest.
Pest Embankment opened to pedestrians again
March 26, 2021 at 5:00 PM
Once again, the Pest Embankment will be closed to traffic on weekends between Margit Bridge and Közraktár Street. Only pedestrians and cyclists will be allowed in the area.
Sándor Márai Cultural Centre completed in the former Buda Civic Casino on Krisztina tér
March 25, 2021 at 3:00 PM
The new cultural and community centre of the 1st District, the Sándor Márai Cultural Centre, was opened on 22 March in the newly renovated building of the former Buda Civic Casino at 1 Krisztina Square.
Design renders for renovation of Ministry of Agriculture released
March 24, 2021 at 9:00 AM
The renovation of the Ministry of Agriculture's Kossuth Square building will begin in the summer. The design renders newly published show that the Neo-Renaissance facades will be restored to their original beauty. The previously closed central courtyard will be opened to visitors. Gyula Bukovics designed the palace, and its construction began in 1885, the same year in which construction of the Parliament building on the other side of the square but was completed fifteen years earlier, in 1887.
Planning of M2 metro and Gödöllő Suburban railway connection begins
March 23, 2021 at 4:00 PM
Planning of the connection of Metro line 2 and the suburban railway to Gödöllő can begin after the government decided to provide the necessary funding. Construction plans for the reconstruction of the suburban railway line and the renovation of affected stations can begin. Renders of key elements of the plans have also been published. The metro and suburban railway tracks will be connected above ground on Örs vezér square.
Rondo to be restored amid continuing works in City Park
March 22, 2021 at 3:00 PM
Városliget Promenade will be rebuilt. The Rondo, the historical entrance of City Park, will be restored, and a new part of the park will be created between the House of Hungarian Music and the new Museum of Ethnography. Almost 80,000 square metres of green space will be renewed, and 200 new deciduous trees planted by the spring of 2022. In addition, hot air balloons will once again rise from Mimóza Hill in City Park.
Jumping to the present: Újbuda renovated 12 000 square metres of Parks
March 20, 2021 at 2:00 PM
A large 12 000 square metre park has been created among the tower blocks built in Újbuda in the 1970s. Sprawling between Tétényi Road and Fejér Lipót Street, the park includes renovated sports fields and courts, walkways, new ping pong tables and rest stops.
Government and Budapest City Council agree on major development plans
March 19, 2021 at 5:00 PM
The government plans to provide 3000 Billion HUF in additional funding towards healthcare and transportation development and environmental protection initiatives, according to plans laid out by the Government Commissioner for the Development of Budapest. According to an agreement reached on Thursday, the government will finance three projects: the renewal of the Pest embankment, the southern extension of the Buda intertwining tram, and the renovation of the Kelenföld bus station with the creation of a new 1,500-place P+R car park.
Playground and outdoor gym being built on Nagyrét
March 18, 2021 at 5:00 PM
The development of Nagyrét in Hűvösvölgy continues: a thematic playground and an outdoor gym will be built on one of the most popular greens in Budapest by the end of April. The playground, designed by sculptors, will evoke the indigenous fauna and flora of the forest. Work will begin later this week.
Pavements closed – Renovation of Chain Bridge begins
March 17, 2021 at 2:00 PM
Chain Bridge will be closed to pedestrians from 17 March, and walking across the bridge will be forbidden until work is completed in 2023. The pavements have been closed as part of preparatory steps before the renovation begins. Motorists can use the bridge until mid-June.
Building of Rác Bath up for auction
March 16, 2021 at 4:00 PM
Although the renovation of the Rác Bath complex was completed in 2010, it has never reopened due to protracted legal and financial disputes. Now the building's condition has deteriorated so much that it needs to be renovated again. The building – owned by Rác Nosztalgia Kft., which is under liquidation – will now be put up for auction together with the hotel connected to it for 5.1 billion HUF.
A blast saved Budapest from icy floods 65 years ago
March 16, 2021 at 10:00 AM
The sad year of 1956 brought other disasters than the brutal defeat of the revolution. Pestbuda has already reported on the earthquake in January, but another disaster struck the country in March. A huge flood wreaked havoc south of Budapest, and special measures were needed to protect the capital. Ice blocks were blown up near Kossuth Bridge.
János Esterházy in Budapest – The memorials of a martyr
March 14, 2021 at 6:00 PM
János Esterházy was an outstanding Hungarian statesman, a martyr of the 20th century. He alone did not vote on a bill allowing the deportation of Jews in the Slovak parliament. Although his work is mainly related to Upper Hungary (in present-day Slovakia), Esterházy lived in Budapest several times, and many monuments in the capital are connected to him. Among others, he saved the lives of thousands of Slovak, Hungarian and Jewish people and helped evacuate more than a hundred thousand Poles to Hungary and Budapest. His beatification process began in 2019.
Statue of Pál Vasvári erected in the garden of the National Museum
March 14, 2021 at 11:00 AM
Pál Vasvári was a leading figure in the Youths of March and played an important role in wording the 12 points. As one of the heroes of the War of Independence, he fell in battle in 1849, living only 23 years. A bust in his honour was unveiled in the garden of the National Museum on Saturday.
Renovation of Chain Bridge begins
March 12, 2021 at 6:00 PM
On 17 March, the pedestrian pavements on Chain Bridge will be closed as the renovation begins.
A Master of Art Nouveau – Remembering Zoltán Bálint
March 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM
Zoltán Bálint was born 150 years ago and played a significant part in redefining Budapest's architecture, but his name is little known today. His prolific oeuvre, his work with fellow architect, Lajos Jámbor, elevates him to an unavoidable position in Hungarian Art Nouveau architecture.
Planning of new tramway for Southern Danube Bridge begins
March 10, 2021 at 4:00 PM
The tramline for the future Galvani Bridge is being planned. The new, two-track, four-kilometre tramway will run from Fehérvári Road in Buda across the new Danube bridge and North Csepel, and over the new Ráckeve-Danube bridge to Gubacsi Road in Pest.
Construction of Gazdagrét confirmed 40 years ago
March 10, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Gazdagrét is unique among the housing estates in Budapest. Located in the Buda hills, the area has clear borders and remains a popular place to live today. A popular soap opera followed its life for years.
Iconic Bálna in Budapest to be renovated
March 9, 2021 at 4:00 PM
Budapest's iconic building, Bálna or the Whale, which has defined the Danube-banks for years, is to be renovated. The structural renovation will see key materials replaced with modern counterparts, but the exterior will not change. Bálna will also receive decorative lighting.
More articles
The Bridge Report, which brought a turning point in the history of Budapest
A travel report that changed the history of Pest and Buda, as well as Hungary. The little book contributed to the change of half a thousand years of legal customs and the implementation of an investment of unprecedented size and technical quality. This book was The Bridge Report [Hídjelentés in Hungarian].
Drama on the university wall - The heroic monument was planned 95 years ago
In the constant hustle and bustle of the Egyetem Square in Pest, the students may not even notice the monument that decorates the short section of wall between the church and the central building of ELTE. However, it commemorates their predecessors, the heroes who fought for their country in World War I, and those who heroically helped them. The first design of the dramatically collapsing soldier was born in 1928, ninety-five years ago.
A message from the former school: An exhibition in memory of János Neumann was opened at the Fasori Secondary School
An exhibition was opened in János Neumann's former school, the Fasori Lutheran Secondary School, on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the world-famous mathematician's birth. In the exhibition presenting the former Neumann milieu, paintings, graphics, photos, furniture, and objects tell the story of the art-supporting spirit of the noble bourgeois family at the turn of the century.