Saint Stephen Hall in Buda Castle restored to its original beauty – PHOTO GALLERY
As we reported before, Saint Stephen Hall was destroyed during the Second World War. However, thanks to the National Hauszmann Programme, the restoration works lasting five years have finished, and the hall will be open for the public from August 20.
According to hvg.hu, the hall has been restored to its original beauty, and people can visit it for free in the first days after its reopening. Furthermore, there are unique installations countrywide, drawing attention to the reborn Saint Stephen Hall in Buda Castle.
As we wrote before, Alajos Hauszmann was a great architect in his day. He was tasked with the reconstruction of the Buda Castle by Franz Joseph (1867-1916).
The Vienna court originally intended to give the castle cheap furnishing, but when Hauszmann learned of these plans, he contacted the prime minister to help him in getting to meet Franz Joseph.
One interesting request the emperor had was that the Hungarian carpenters should only make comfortable furniture. He is quoted saying “there is no single couch here, in Schönbrunn, nor in Vienna, on which one can comfortably stretch.” Hauszmann, accompanied by Constable Lajos Ybl (a relative of the old architect working on the remodelling of the castle), visited some of the most beautiful castles abroad to serve as inspiration.
In the end, Saint Stephen Hall turned out to be very much to Franz Joseph’s liking and
ended up being recognised at the 1900 World Fair in Paris.
Saint Stephen Hall, which housed some of the best examples of Hungarian craftsmanship, was almost totally annihilated in the Second World War during the siege of Budapest, and what little was left was looted away after combat had ended.
Source: hvg.hu, Daily News Hungary
Glorious/Magnificent.
Thank-You to ALL responsible for this restoration.
Can’t wait to visit as no doubt millions of others will in the coming years to Budapest.
This is truly another reason why we should be proud of the on-going quality restoration and craftsmanship of work we are seeing, the width and breath of Budapest, Hungary.
Thank-You – ALL – Again.