PHOTOS: Iconic winged Iron Gate of Buda Castle to be rebuilt soon after 100 years

The former centrepiece of Buda Castle, Gyula Jungfer’s Art Nouveau wrought-iron main gate, is set to shine once again in its original splendour. As part of the National Hauszmann Program, the reconstruction is proceeding according to plan. Restoration experts are working from period photos, original drawings and models preserved at the Museum of Applied Arts.

Iconic winged Iron Gate of Buda Castle to be rebuilt

Historical documents were digitised by the Hungarian National Archives. Ensuring historical authenticity is a top priority: the goal is not just to recreate a magnificent artefact, but also to honour Gyula Jungfer and the golden age of Hungarian applied arts.

Gyula Jungfer, Hungary’s most renowned ornamental blacksmith of the 19th century, was born on 9 January 1841, in Budapest, into a family of metalworkers. In 1872, he founded his own workshop, which soon became the country’s leading decorative ironworks, according to a Facebook post by the National Hauszmann Program. His work earned acclaim both at home and abroad, with exhibitions in London, Paris, and New York. Jungfer significantly shaped the traditions of ornamental ironwork in both historicist and Art Nouveau architecture.

Royal visit to Jungfer’s workshop

Architect Alajos Hauszmann, who oversaw the rebuilding of the Royal Palace, held Jungfer’s work in the highest regard and insisted that the palace’s new main entrance be adorned with his creations. The resulting gate—decorated with folk floral motifs and a replica of the Holy Crown—became not only an architectural but also an artistic masterpiece. It won the prestigious Grand Prix at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair, while Jungfer was honoured with the Knight’s Cross of the French Legion of Honour.