Ghosts in Budapest’s Castle District? The haunted history of 14 Úri Street

The building at 14 Úri Street, nestled in the heart of Budapest’s Castle District, is steeped in history. This early classical-style residential house, built in the 1810s, has witnessed numerous owners and remarkable events over the centuries.

A glimpse into the past: 14 Úri Street

In the Middle Ages, the plots at 12 and 14 Úri Street formed a single large estate. The house standing here was sold in 1392 by Budai Alderman Miklós Zenchei to György Kis from Kővágóörs, the castellan of Esztergom, who in turn exchanged it with Treasurer Miklós Kanizsai. Later, Kanizsai donated the property to the Pauline Order of Örményes.

After the Turkish occupation, the building was restored and, like before, changed hands multiple times. In 1784, it was acquired by Antal Schauer, and in 1805, by Péter Stelczer, who remodelled it in the early classical style in 1810. By the early 20th century, the property belonged to Dr. György I. Berencsi, a physician and gynaecologist, according to Travelo.

A ghostly presence in the Castle District

Over the years, eerie tales have emerged from the house. Legend has it that every year on 20 August at precisely one o’clock in the afternoon, two skeletons, chained together, would appear on the upper floor staircase and glide through the ceiling of a room famously known as the Elephant Room.

The mystery was finally unravelled in 1943. During the construction of wartime air-raid shelters, the remains of two shackled skeletons were discovered at the bottom of an old Turkish-era well. The discovery caused such distress among residents that a solemn mass was held at the nearby Matthias Church to calm their fears. After this, the ghostly encounters reportedly ceased.

War and restoration

The Siege of Budapest during World War II inflicted serious damage on many buildings, yet this house remarkably survived the devastation. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and continues to function as a residential building, preserving Budapest’s rich past.

Other parts of Úri Street also boast fascinating histories. Nearby, notable buildings such as the Bait-Aigner House and the Horváth-FÜTI apartment complex add to the cultural heritage of Budapest’s Castle District. Ultimately, Úri Street captivates visitors not just with its architectural beauty but also with its mystical legends, offering a glimpse into the past of this historical city quarter.

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