Budapest Citadel reconstruction to continue under archaeological monitoring

Archeological research and a comprehensive site assessment completed in preparation for a three-year reconstruction of Budapest’s Citadel has revealed Celtic, Roman and Turkish coins and ceramics, and the remains of a 19th century observatory’s walls, the project manager has told MTI.

Archaeological monitoring will be maintained during the entire project, Gábor Kőrösi said.

Archeologists have found the remains of the “Csillagda” observatory built in 1851 on Gellért Hill, the highest point of the city centre. It was regarded as the most modern observatory in Europe at the time. It was dismantled in 1870, chief archeologists Zoltán Fullar said.

The Celtic, Roman and Turkish coins and ceramics are believed to have been hidden in layers of soil taken to the site from other parts of Gellért Hill, he said.

The next phase of the Citadel’s reconstruction includes the renovation of the one-time military fortress’s walls, creating a park in the place of a WW2 bunker and an exhibition commemorating “Hungarian fights for freedom”.

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Source: MTI