Budapest then and now – photos, video of the 1956 revolution vs nowadays

The significance of the 1956 Hungarian revolution is undeniable. Besides reading about the memories and recollections of those who lived through the events, it is fascinating to look at photos and compare the past to the present. Thanks to Marc Redmond photo artist, we can do just that and get lost through the pictures in the Budapest then and now.

Recently, we have reported about several aspects of the revolution, since the anniversary has just passed. There were strong international reactions already at the time, coming from Elvis Presley or the Time magazine, just to mention a few. The Cairo Symphony Orchestra also expressed solidarity with Hungarians during a recent concert. Now, we turn closer to home and look at some of the important Budapest locations of the revolution.

Móricz Zsigmond Circus (Móricz Zsigmond körtér)

Móricz Zsigmond Circus then and now
Photo: facebook.com/pg/redmondmarc

During the revolution, this square was one of the most important centres of resistance among civilians. Some sources say that the biggest confrontations here took place between 24-26 Octobre and 4-5 November, just after each time the Soviet troops arrived. It is a crucial location as tanks approached the bridges of Budapest on a nearby road. Many of them were stopped here by civilians.

Móricz Zsigmond Circus then and now
Photo: facebook.com/pg/redmondmarc

On 27 Octobre, resistant groups were forced out of the area. However, they later returned. It is said that people protesting in the area were not punished, because they were difficult to identify.

Astoria

Astoria then and now
Photo: facebook.com/pg/redmondmarc

The area of Astoria, a major intersection on the Pest side, also became a crucial location of the revolution. On 25 Octobre, a massive crowd managed to hold up a tank here, giving people hope that the revolution would win. People climbed onto the tank, putting up the Hungarian flag on the side, and celebrated their believed victory. Some say that they talked to the Soviet soldiers and even put a rose into the barrel. Unfortunately, later, a bloody retaliation took place on Kossuth Square.

Kálvin Square
Photo: facebook.com/pg/redmondmarc

However, some of the Soviet soldiers took allegiance with Hungarians and shot back. They were severely punished at the end of the revolution.

Kilián Barracks

Üllói Road
Photo: facebook.com/pg/redmondmarc

The Killián Barracks, located at the intersection of Üllői Road and Ferenc Boulevard, was one of the strongest centres of resistance. In fact, many saw the building as a symbol of the resistance. A sort of hospital was set up in the basement of the building. While light injuries were tended to on the spot, more serious issues were dealt with here. Some operations were performed as well, in the dining area.

You can check out a video montage here: