Demolished Buda Castle Honvéd Headquarters’ stunning rebirth – photos

The devastation of the Second World War, followed by the brutal communist regime, wreaked havoc on Budapest’s architectural masterpieces. The Honvéd Headquarters building in Buda Castle suffered severe damage during the war, only to be demolished later for ideological reasons rather than rebuilt. Reconstruction began a few years ago, and the project has now entered a jaw-dropping new phase.

Ornate Corinthian capitals to support the pediment

A striking new render reveals how the reborn Honvéd Headquarters façade will feature a grand pediment, proudly supported by four towering pilasters. Each massive column is crowned with an exquisite Corinthian capital, with their bases rising to first-floor level. These intricately carved stone elements have now been hoisted into place, marking another major milestone in the construction process.

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Under the National Hauszmann Programme, reconstruction began in March 2022 to resurrect the building on Dísz Square, which was badly damaged during the Second World War and later dismantled under communist rule instead of being restored. Designed by Mór Kallina, the original building was completed in just three years, between 1879 and 1882. The current reconstruction faithfully restores its historic grandeur and will eventually house the Military History Institute and Museum.

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