Renewed Budapest Citadel will look breathtaking – PHOTOS

The renewed Budapest Citadel is set to be mesmerising when completed in 2026. The revitalised site will feature a new public park, a cross, Hungary’s largest national flag, new stairways, and exhibitions commemorating Hungarian struggles for freedom.

Budapest Citadel under reconstruction

According to the official Facebook page of the Nemzeti Hauszmann Programme, the Budapest Citadel had been in a state of decline for many years, despite its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

First, an archaeological survey and building condition assessment were carried out. Following this, the exterior and interior restoration of the former Habsburg fortress began. Additionally, plans are in place to increase the green spaces within the Citadel by 1.5 times, transforming the area into a new public park within Budapest.

One of the most striking developments has been the opening of the Northern and Southern walls. Furthermore, Hungary’s largest flag has been placed atop the Citadel, honouring all those who gave their lives for Hungary’s independence. An impressive stairway has also been constructed behind the Liberty Statue, offering visitors access to the park.

Completion date: 2026

Within the restored cannon tower, an exhibition titled *Bastion of Freedom* will explore Hungary’s historic struggles for independence. The exhibition has been developed by an interdisciplinary team, combining the expertise of historians, museum educators, and scriptwriters.

Restoration work on the statues of the Budapest Citadel has also commenced. The Várkapitányság team has erected scaffolding, assessed, and examined the statues to address stone defects, weather erosion, and replace damaged elements. Additionally, the surfaces of the statues have been cleaned, cracks repaired, and fastenings tightened.

A cross will be installed on the pedestal, symbolising Hungary’s Christian statehood and its place within Western Christianity and European culture. Previously, this pedestal held a statue of a Soviet soldier, designed by Stalinist architect Boris Iofan.

Photo: FB/Nemzeti Hauszmann Program

The project is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

Budapest Citadel: a symbol of oppression

The Citadel, located atop Gellért Hill, offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, but it also stands as a reminder of Habsburg oppression. Built between 1851 and 1854, its original purpose was to intimidate the Hungarian capital with cannons, although thankfully, the Habsburgs never put it to use.

Perhaps it is for this reason that the Citadel has since become one of Budapest’s iconic symbols. The Liberty Statue, created by Zsigmond Kisfaludi Strobl, was erected atop the Citadel in 1947.

Read also:

• Things you may not know about Budapest’s fortress, the Citadel – check them out HERE
• Secrets of Budapest: Citadel, the symbol of the 1848-49 revolution’s defeat