PHOTOS: Budapest’s iconic Citadel’s renovation will be finished soon: a new tourism hotspot is being born
The renovation of the Citadel is nearing completion, transforming the historic fortress into a more open, accessible, and green destination. In the reborn inner park, landscaping is almost finished, with experts now planting ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials that will offer year-round colour and visual appeal. Sustainability is supported by a modern irrigation system and carefully prepared, nutrient-rich soil.
Alongside this, crews are currently installing limestone pavers, railings, street furniture, and both public and decorative lighting. A roof terrace atop the cannon tower, planted with drought-resistant vegetation, will offer visitors a stunning panoramic view. Work is also progressing steadily on the park in front of the Liberty Statue and the surrounding walking path paved with distinctive fan-patterned cobblestones.
Interior mechanical and electrical installations are proceeding as scheduled. In the exhibition space located in the western bastion and other support units within the fortress, installation of equipment and both high- and low-voltage electrical systems is nearing completion. The redesign of the Citadel aims to preserve its historical character while integrating modern solutions in a harmonious fashion.
At the entrance to the cannon tower, a new glass structure with a translucent finish has been completed, featuring a striking glass bridge that will seamlessly tie into the upcoming exhibition highlighting Hungary’s fight for freedom. Restoration of the historic walls included thorough surface cleaning to remove decades of grime and reinforcing structurally weak areas. The protective walls have also been upgraded with new Süttő red limestone coping stones.
The formerly closed-off fortress is now more accessible thanks to newly added entrances. A new staircase at the bastion behind the Liberty Statue links the inner courtyard to the freshly established entrance. Openings in the fortress wall at three locations further improve accessibility, allowing visitors to approach the Citadel from multiple directions. According to experts, this renovation addresses a long-standing neglect of the site. Perched atop Gellért Hill—one of Hungary’s most scenic locations and a UNESCO World Heritage site—the Citadel had long been in a state unworthy of its significance.
The National Hauszmann Program aims to return this iconic site to the people as a welcoming space, where both locals and international visitors can have a meaningful experience. The vision includes a green, open, and free park, along with an exhibition on Hungarian freedom struggles housed in the western cannon tower.
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