PHOTOS: Sensational artefacts recovered from 14-15th century house cellar under Budapest’s Royal Palace
Archaeologists discovered fascinating artefacts during the renovation of the Buda Castle’s Royal Palace. While restoring the northern wing of the Buda Castle from the Hauszmann era, archaeologists from the Budapest History Museum uncovered a deep cellar belonging to a noble house from the 14th–15th century.
Sensational artefacts under the Royal Palace
During the reign of Sigismund of Luxembourg, the Royal Palace expanded northward, leading to the demolition of nearby noble residences. However, their cellars were preserved, gradually filling with debris and waste over centuries. The recently excavated L-shaped cellar features sections that are 3 meters wide and 5 meters long, and researchers believe it once had an exit leading to St. George Street. The National Hauszmann Program shared these findings on its Facebook page.
The ongoing archaeological work has already yielded numerous exceptional discoveries. Among them is a finely crafted bronze head from the 15th century, whose original purpose remains unknown. Additionally, blue-and-white tin-glazed stove tiles from the latter half of the 15th century were found, reflecting the refined taste of their wealthy owner.
Blade, rare coins recovered
Other artifacts include a blade from Sigismund’s era and medieval coins, primarily from the reigns of Sigismund of Luxembourg, Ladislaus V, and Vladislaus I. A rare silver denarius from János Hunyadi was also unearthed.
Fragments of carved door and window frames, animal bones—including parts of a horse skeleton and a well-preserved horse skull—were discovered in the cellar’s soil layers. Archaeological excavations are a regular part of the Buda Castle District’s renovation, with the most valuable finds showcased at the “Hauszmann Story” exhibition in the southern connecting wing.
You may read the Hungarian version of this article HERE.
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