architecture

Construction of the new Danube Bridge in Budapest ready to begin!

Galvani Bridge, Hungary, Budapest, Danube

The new bridge will be the perfect solution to ease the traffic in the city centre and to connect the two southern parts of Budapest for car drivers.

Kalocsa, Paks, bridge, Danube, Hungary
Read alsoBrand-new Hungarian bridge over River Danube will ease traffic for thousands of drivers

Portfolio reported that the bridge named Galvani would be the most efficient solution for easing the traffic and decreasing traffic congestions inside Budapest. The bridge would connect the two southern sides of the city with a boulevard and connect major highways and other roads into its system. 

With the bridge, the traffic on Könyves Kálmán Boulevard and Rákóczi Bridge would decrease and become faster. Also, more people could choose to cross the Danube on Galvani Bridge then already crowded ones in the city centre, like Petőfi or Elisabeth Bridge. 

Galvani Bridge, Budapest, Danube, Hungary
Photo: www.facebook.com/vitezydavid

The Dutch UNStudio Company won the international project of building the brand-new bridge. Alongside the many benefits, concerns emerged as well. Not only needs the bridge’s area a newly constructed road system but also central roads inside the city like Üllői needs to be prepared to connect the streets leading to the new bridge and at the same time not to be crowded by cars making traffic unbearable for people.

chain bridge lánchíd front
Read alsoRenovation of Budapest Chain Bridge cannot wait any longer!

It was reported that the new bridge would ease the traffic inside Budapest by 30 but even 50 thousand cars. This is an important factor regarding climate change and air pollution as well.

Galvani bridge, Danube, Budapest, Hungary
Photo: www.facebook.com/vitezydavid

The roads leading to the bridge would be the main ones with pedestrian crossings and connections to reach from many points of the city.

Budapest, Chain Bridge, view, bridge
Read alsoFive Hungarian bridges you need to see – PHOTOS

Featured image: www.facebook.com/vitezydavid

A beautiful and romantic Hungarian castle where Beethoven played the piano – photos!

Castle Hungary Beethoven

It is just 30 km away from Budapest, and it is worth a visit because not only the castle but also its surroundings and garden are charming. The castle was built by the aristocratic Brunszvik family in Martonvásár, Fejér County, and it is well-preserved even today.

According to Femina, Antal Brunszvik received the land from the Habsburg empress and Hungarian queen, Maria Theresa, and started to build the castle in the 1780s. After Antal Brunszvik died, his heir, Ferenc Brunszvik, continued the project, so the Baroque country house was slowly transformed into a Classical and neo-Gothic aristocratic residence. Experts say that it is

one of the most romantic places in Hungary

with its slim towers and Gothic windows.

Castle Hungary Beethoven
Brunszvik Castle.

The garden was created following the plans of Heinrich Nebbien, and it is 70 hectares. There are exotic trees, and they even made an artificial lake and an island on the premises by using the water of the nearby stream. 

But how does world-famous composer Beethoven come into the picture?

He was the piano teacher of the Brunszvik girls, so he lived in the castle for a long time. The widow of Antal Brunszvik hired the composer during a trip to Vienna where she heard a concert he gave in a theatre. Even though, as a talented composer, Beethoven did not like to teach, he taught the girls happily for a couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, Beethoven and the brother of the girls, Ferenc Brunszvik, became friends, and Ferenc was later one of the musician’s maecenas. 

Castle Hungary Beethoven
https://www.facebook.com/MartonvasarKepekben/

However, Ferenc was not the only reason Beethoven liked to return to the castle frequently. The composer’s private letters were found in the 20th century, and it seems that Beethoven wrote many letters to a woman, but it seems that they never reached their addressee. Historians say that it could be either Teréz Brunszvik, the founder of the first kindergarten in the Habsburg Monarchy, or her siblings, Jozefin or Karolina.

According to Teréz Brunszvik’s diary, however, it seems to be correct to say that Beethoven fell in love with Jozefin, and the feeling was mutual. Interestingly, Teréz was

the first who erected a Christmas tree in Hungary.

Castle Hungary Beethoven

https://www.facebook.com/MartonvasarKepekben/

Martonvásár can be reached in 22-30 minutes from Budapest by train, and one has to walk only 5-6 minutes between the station and the castle. The park can be visited between 8 am and 6 pm in the summer and between 8 am and 4 pm in the winter period. The entrance ticket costs 2.5 EUR and only 1 EUR for children and pensioners. However, pets cannot be brought into the park, and even biking is forbidden there.

Tourists can visit the Beethoven Museum and the Kindergarten Museum in the park.

Pictures that highlight why you need to visit Hungary – Churches

Churches have always played a huge part in people’s lives. Religious people go there to worship their God, but those who are not religious can simply admire the beautiful architectural marvels that these buildings are. Here are some stunning churches in Hungary.

Calvinist Church, Budapest

Matthias Church, Budapest

St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest

Read alsoPictures that highlight why you need to visit Hungary – Churches

Basilica of Eger

Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Héviz

héviz szentlélek templom holy spirit catholic church
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/111107236982531/

Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (former Mosque of Pasha Quasim), Pécs

Cathedral of Pécs

Votive Church, Szeged

Benedict Abbey Church, Tihany

Read alsoPictures that highlight why you need to visit Hungary – Churches

Peace Temple, Zalaszántó

Why was Hortobágy’s symbol the Nine-Arched Bridge built?

Hungary, Hortobágy, Nine Arched Bridge, bridge

The Nine-Arched Bridge in Hortobágy is the main symbol and the most remarkable building of the region. It is currently the longest stone bridge in Hungary and has many legends and facts many do not know about it.

Hortobágy
Read alsoCNN: Hungary’s Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s most beautiful places

The bridge was built between 1827 and 1833 in a Classical style. It replaced the old bridge which was used by the people in the region, and its construction was finally decided in 1825 by the leadership of Debrecen as the area was under their authority.

The construction of the bridge was started in 1827 and was finished in 1833.

Nine Arched Bridge, Hortobágy, Hungary, bridge
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / FORTEPAN (Lajos Balázs)

This arch bridge was the longest road stone bridge in historic Hungary before 1921 when Hungary was reduced to one-third of its former territory. The distance between the two abutments standing on either side of the river is 92.13 meters while the entire length of the stone bridge measures 167.3 meters.

The entrance to the bridge on each side is broader, thus making the life of the herdsman easier as approaching animals being herded onto the bridge entered the funnel-shaped opening of the bridge.

Hungary, Hortobágy, Nine Arched Bridge, bridge
Photo: www.facebook,com/boszormenyi.sandor2

Dívány reported that the bridge was mainly used first by tradesmen who crossed it to reach Szolnok and then heading to Vienna. Although it was the main function of the building and it was determined by historians how the idea of the bridge was born, its construction has two legends.

budapest chain bridge visit
Read alsoThe top 10 scariest Hungarian urban legends – VIDEO

The word Hortobágy has nine letters. The first and most common theory that the bridge has nine arches because of the number of letters.

Another legend says that Hungarian betyár Sándor Rózsa was having fun when he heard that the region is being under attack. He needed to escape and to find a safe place he needed to cross the river, but there was no bridge.

Hortobágy, Nine Arched Bridge, Hungary, bridge
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by János Korom dr.

According to the story, nine women appeared, who were Rózsa’s lovers, and formed a bridge in front of him so that he could cross the river.

The main of the construction was to build a safer and more massive bridge to serve the tradesmen and herdsmen of Hortobágy.

Hortobágy horse betyár
Read also5 interesting things about the Hortobágy National Park

Featured image: www.facebook.com/csodasmagyarorszag

This is how the Tokaj wine region will be renewed

Sauska Winery View Design Plan Tokaj Bord Architect Studio

The new ultramodern Sauska Winery, located a few kilometres from Mád, Tokaj, can be built by a Debrecen-based company, HUNÉP Zrt., following the stunning design by BORD Architectural Studio. The investment – with a total value of 3.1 billion forints (€9.4 million) – will be realised by 2021 through private investment won by a renowned construction company based in Debrecen, says cívishir.

Sauska Winery Bord Architect Studio Tokaj
Source: bordstudio.hu/en/projects/new-sauska-winery/

Awakening Padi Elf

“According to the design concept, two statue-like bowls appear as curious eyes on the top of Padi Hill, evoking a figure opening its eyes. The function of the building is to be built as a winery, including the associated wine exhibition and wine tasting areas, with a total area of ​​4,002 square metres. The complex consists essentially of two organically connected parts of the building. One is the ‘rectangular’ part of the building, which represents the main mass of the building, and the other is the ‘chalice’, defined by two intersecting circular planes, which have a different structural design,” said Miklós Bakos, Chief Executive Officer of HUNÉP Zrt.

Bord Architectural Studio is also the one who created the stunning designs of the Nagyerdő bath in Debrecen. We covered the start of the construction in this article. If you are planning to try some Tokaji wine yourself, read this article first where you can read which bottling might taste the best.

Sauska Winery View Design Plan Tokaj Terrace
Source: bordstudio.hu/en/projects/new-sauska-winery/

It blends into the landscape

The challenge for designers and builders alike is to build an ultra-modern winery on Padi Hill, where the landscape is dominated by the vineyards of the historic Tokaj wine region. The two bowls, each 36 metres in diameter, provide visitors with walkable spaces, will be partially lowered under ground level so that it moulds better to the shape of the hillside. Green areas are planned on the roof of the two circular buildings, and the vineyards will wrap around the ultra-modern building at ground level. “It is always our goal to build something that strives for balance. This is especially important in a green environment. The mountain is alive. The grapes are nourished by the power of sunlight, making the wine a drink of life, part of our social life. This is why it is important for HUNÉP Zrt. to create a winery in Tokaj, which is ultra-modern, yet almost one with nature,” the CEO emphasised.

WOW! Fascinating Hungarian building designs are shown on the world’s Nr1 real estate event in Cannes

Cannes building Hungarian expo

Building designs worth more than 5 billion EUR are going to be exhibited on the world’s most prominent real estate event in Cannes where those interested can learn about the latest private or state-financed real estate investments.  

According to turizmus.com, Hungary is going to introduce itself with real estate projects fundamentally defining the country’s foreign assessment on the MIPIM 2020 (Le marché international des professionnels de l’immobilier), a global property event hosted in Cannes, France, each March.

Cannes building Hungarian expo
Source: MTI

The expo provides a perfect opportunity for each country to show its latest real estate projects. The organisers of the Hungary-Budapest stand say that

visitors will come from more than 100 countries, and they would like to present one of the driving forces of the five pc GDP increase: the most significant Hungarian real estate development projects.

They added that thanks to the stable Hungarian real estate market offering high pay-off for the investors and still having significant growth potential, there is a rising interest both for the planned and the ongoing developments.

Last year, the volume of the investments coming to Hungary broke a record. The share of the state in the developments is 26 pc with which Hungary leads sky high in the European Union. The organisers of the Hungary-Budapest stand – the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA), the Budapest Development Centre (BFK) and the Liget Budapest Project – present a development package worth 5  billion EUR from the recently-inaugurated Puskás Aréna to the House of Innovation.

Cannes building Hungarian expo
Liget Project. Source: MTI

The real estate market can have an even better year in 2020 than it had in 2019 because there are many offices under construction, and the dynamism of hotel-building is also getting faster. Furthermore, the increase in tourism is also stable.

Budapest Airport inaugurates its new passenger lounge this summer

budapest airport

As the project of the company Market, the new lounge will feature resting and waiting rooms for passengers with the opportunity to buy foods and drinks inside the Liszt Ferenc International Airport.

Budapest Airport
Read alsoFastest security checkpoint to be introduced at Budapest Airport

Magyar Építők reported that this year the airport got its brand-new lounge for terminal 2A where passengers can wait for their flights sitting in a comfortable environment. Since January 15, the airport welcomed 300,000 passengers and with the new building which will be ready by the summer season the whole structure will be completed.

Out of 8.3 billion HUF (24 million EUR), the project is run by the Liszt Ferenc Airport with the support of the company Market.

Budapest Airport, Budapest, Hungary
Photo: www.facebook.com/budapestairport

The building will feature an additional eight gates broadening the area of buildings dealing with the traffic of the Schengen Area to 11,500 square-meters. The new lounge aims to make the traffic of the airport more efficient and quick and to offer a pleasant, safe and comfortable environment for passengers.

Alongside shops, and opportunities to buy foods and drinks the lounge will have several toilets for tourists with physical disabilities and a smoking terrace.

The already inaugurated lounge will have the most modern digital screens to inform passengers, wi-fi connection and USB chargers for cell phones on approximately 5,500 square meters.

Ryanair, Budapest, airport, Hungary
Read alsoScheduled Ryanair flight burnt gasoline for hours and did not take off at Budapest Airport

Featured image: www.facebook.com/budapestairport

Hármashatárhegy: An airfield and a hiking spot – Reloaded

Hármashatárhegyi Airfield Redevelopment

The function of the project is to serve the Airfield of Hármashatárhegy, and its gliding purposes, the design proposal of Complex 1 is composed of two existing Hangars, that are to be renovated and remodeled, and adding two masses to serve the purpose of housing the program that is composed of entertainment, relaxation, and administration spaces to the visitors and the project’s and/or site’s users. The Activities of entertainment and relaxation is housed by spaces of restaurants, cafes, small pools, sauna, showers, changing rooms, resting area, congregation areas, lobbies, offices, workshops, lecture halls and storages.

Project name: HAR (Hármashatárhegyi Airfield Redevelopment) Part I
Location: 1028, Budapest, Hungary
Year of the planning: 2018
Area in m2: 7500 sqm

The hill as named after being within the Borders of Three Mountains, which historically was the meeting point of the formation of the city of Budapest, as each hill of the three came out from a different county and region, of which one was of Buda, the second was of Óbuda and the third is of the Pest County, which the three met at this point of land in the 19th century.

So to celebrate this site value of the location, the main site composed a fractional representation of these three hills to house the activites of Entertainment, Spa, Workshops and their services, and definitely emphasize the site’s main potential activity, the Hármashatárhegy Airfield itself, and its aviation purposes.

The site being worked on has a very good topography. A flat airfield, low hills, and moderatly high hills make a great composition of nature. So many people use the site for walking their dogs, hiking, picnic, biking, paragliding …etc 

Hármashatárhegyi Airfield Redevelopment

So as a design strategy, the two existing hangars are renovated and remodeled, and two new masses have been added from a total of three, of which the latter is to be for a future expantion. The two new masses are brick-cladded buildings of 500 sqm and 700 sqm consequentively sitting on the southern-east side of the 7,500 sqm plot, where it is a bit familiar in the region, to have less building footprint in a site that is on a forest land or a natural side, and that somhow was the reason to build there, due to the existing infrastructure, to cut short any building on a virgin land, as to promote the environmental atmosphere of the site and promote the great open air landscape that is on site, where the HAR celebrates a 5200 sqm of landscape which makes up around 70% of the site, whereas the functions of the buildings are devided on three and two floors, respectively, to use up to an equal of around 60% of net area of the site with only a 16% footprint (of the four buildings combined, and it is noteworthy that the building are to be erected on an existing infrastructure). The HAR complex is mostly occupied by entertainment and spa facilities in building D and offices and commercials in building C and ofcourse the dedicated service spaces such as electrical room, mechanical rooms (Plant Room) and dedicated storages.

HAR CONFORMS NOT ONLY TO THE HÁRMASHATÁRHEGY, BUT TO ITS ENVIRONMENT, AND TO THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE FROM THE HILLY SECOND DISTRICT TOO.

It is also worth mentioning that it was an early vision of the designer to have an intended integration of the revitalizating activities that are added to the hangars, such as cafeteria, lounges, and spa with the site’s main function, which is the airfield, that is designed in a way that impulses and trigers a visual connection with the hangars, and the fascinating landscape of the Hill of Hármashatár Hegyi. To celebrate the latter, and to also celebrate the beauty of Budapest from the heights of the hill, an observation tower is to be proposed on the highest peak of it.

Hármashatárhegyi Airfield Redevelopment

The experiences and activities intended to be given to the users of the Hármashatárhegyi, through the design of the built and unbuilt environment and spaces are meant to be unforgetable and inevetible, through providing new methods to act through the same activities. The aim behind this is to revitalize the Hármashatár Hegy district and make it the spiced up zone that would influence not only the Second District, but also the whole city of Budapest.

And the project intends to achieve the following:
1: Develop the gliding activities, and revitalize/redesign the existing hangars
2: Initiate a camping site in the middle plain and fascilitate the functionality of camping within the pine woods.
3: Facilitate the activities of Paralgliding and create workshop spaces, near the training field. and also Cycling workshops and storages
4: To Facilitate Hiking, landscape features including shading and resting areas will be supplied throughout the designated hiking routes.
5: The Picnic friendly hill, lacks the needed landscape features, thus, the design will take care of the needs of a memorable picnic
6: The high tides of the wind serves as a great Kite attraction, with the scenery of the fascinating pine forests around
7: The huge area of the site is hard to be covered by a group of people trying to enjoy every bit of Hármashatárhegyi, thus Cable Carts are to be designed to connect the main attractions
8: create Event friendly spaces within the built environment and the landscape scenaries for the intended activities to be celebrated
9: Create Spa activites, to house meditating and relaxing activites for the tiring experiences existing on the site including baths, massages. etc
10: Facilitate the pedestrian movement on the plains and throughout the forests in a well manner by creating resting spaces along the way.
11: Create Entertainment facilities in the woods, including ziplines, and other facilities, by maintaining a minimum building footprint on site
12: Create catering facilities and temporary Pavilions for when needed

The HAR complex is highly responsive to the air flow at Hármashatár-Hegy, to maximize the cross ventilation and natural flow within the building through the considered punctured courtyards that face the forest behind the project that acts as a wind barrier and reflect the cold breezes back into the project, and the tilted roof as well maximizes a 100% rain water harvestment.

The HAR complex is responsibally responsive to solar energy, not only through active systems, but also through the passive design of the roof, mass orientation, and fenestration. HAR’s roof is designed to be tilted at a certain angle and the masses are oriented in throughly to maximize the amount of captured sun light and turning it into power through the roof installations of the PVC all over the roof top. HAR’s solar harvesting doesnt stop there, the Facades are designed to eliminate the direct solar gain, instead every place is lit through north light. The northern facade has above 60% of glazing, whereas the southern/eastern and western overlooking facades have these small narrow slits of triple glazed glass that forms nothing more than 25 percent of that certain facade. Not to mention the Cavity External Insulated walls, this way, the inner spaces of HAR are far from heat loss and heat gain problems in an optimum way.

The structure of the the complex was decided after an intensive study among five different initial possibilities, where it was concluded to select the structural framework of the HAR project, for Building C + Buildling D, the selection was a system that is a hybrid of two RC elements, a skeleton frame, and shear walls. This system was selected due to its efficiency for this project when compared to the other alternatives, as it provides the flexibility within the inner spaces that the skeleton frame offers, and also the good bracing that the shear walls offer. This option would be optimum for the HAR function.

The building aims to achieve multiple goals among which political goals which are to stronger bonds withing the European Union, as the project aims to host the activities EGU (the European Gliding Union).

The project does also aim to attract more users to this beautiful natural feature in the city of Budapest, there comes the economic goal, which is actually a main goal, since the building offers services to the public which is around 80% of the people visiting the site, and also the 15% of the users that are employees which means it is providing their families a living. One of the main target user group of HAR Complex is the customers, discussed in the second part of the previous chapter in the user types, as Clerks that form 15% of the user types, the Customers, that make up around 50% (the 60% of the the Public Users in the whole project’s ration).

Hármashatárhegyi Airfield Redevelopment

The HAR Complex overall construction cost is to be estimated around 6,303,329 Euro which equivalent to 2,051,368,211 HUF.

The 7500 sqm plot in District II is roughly estimated to be worth of 779,793 Euro would be provided by the Ministry of Planning in Hungary (Hungarian Goverment). Although the cost of construction is mostly dependent on the quality of the materials used for the construction and their originating location, and as discussed before, for the project to succeed it is better to consume locally available materials and assign local experienced labor. The Structure of the project, on the other side, the skeleton frame and structural shering walls would form the highest concern in the cost estimation process. Not to mention that the preparation period would not cost a lot of money, since it was a competition held by BME. Therefore, there are not a lot of cost measures to be taken into consideration in an extra manner.

Contact: Delovan Delawer, +36204321267, de************@gm*.us
Credits list: Architect: Delovan Delawer

Budapest’s new chief architect says there will be no skyscrapers in the capital

Budapest property market

Zoltán Erő hopes that the government will rethink its plans about rebuilding the Castle district and that the leadership of Budapest will be asked about the state-financed investments concerning the capital.

According to nepszava.hu, Mr Erő said that it is an honour to be the chief architect of Budapest and the field is not unknown for him since in the last 30 years he had many projects during which he actively took part in the work. He added that being an architect is creative work. However, if he feels that the new leadership of the city uses him as a bureaucrat instead of taking into consideration his professional opinion and experience, he will resign. He cleared that

he does not have the power to block any investments

the government or the city decides, but he can express his counter-advice and can postpone the execution of such orders if he thinks that they are against the interests of Budapest.

The chief architect said that the government has the financial resources, many of the important buildings and thanks to its parliamentary supermajority it has the opportunity to change the laws when it wants. Thus, he said that he would like to create a professionally powerful team with which he would like to get involved in every project from their starting point. By this, Budapest will be able to influence the development of every project.

He said that currently, the government concentrates on the development of the Southern part of the city. Since

Budapest does not have the financial resources

to launch massive projects they have to call the attention of the cabinet that, for example, building the Aquincum bridge (3rd district) cannot be postponed in the North.

About the housing crisis, he said that the city council is now drafting a proposal in the issue and they would like to motivate the utilisation of those flats that are currently empty. He added that it would be the best, if modern houses were built in Budapest using the technical solutions of the 21st century; however, the capital has no financial resources to execute such programs.

There is a plan to strengthen the relationship between the locals and the Danube. Therefore,

the Pest embankment will be closed during the summer

but, of course, this is not a solution so the cars will be allowed back there. Without the proper financial tools, it is only a long-range goal to create a car-free embankment.

Zoltán Erő added that the government should let Budapest have a word about their plans to rebuild the castle district. About the MOL tower criticised by the UNESCO he said that in a European comparison it is not very high and in its neighbourhood, there are exciting architectural solutions.

Hotels conquer the centre of Budapest instead of office buildings

Budapest, Chain Bridge, view, bridge

The real estate market of Hungary seems to change the shape and map of Budapest completely. In the capital, twenty-four new hotels are currently being built and most of them in the city centre’s historic areas.

Read alsoThe Telegraph’s list of the most romantic hotels of Budapest! – photos

Népszava reported that the projects of building office buildings seem to move outside into the city’s suburbs. The increased number of tourists squeeze the suit-up working men and women out of downtown. It has been reported that the number of requests for offices showed a never seen rise in the past few months. 

Last year, approximately 640 square meters were rented by companies which is 17% more than in 2018. 

As the number of free places for offices decreased, companies sign renting contracts for more years which makes finding an available place impossible. If a company would like to move on, it needs to be organised two even three months ahead of the actual moving. 

Budapest, Buda Castle, Hungary
Read alsoTourists need to be beware of the illegal hotels of Budapest

Only 40% of all the office buildings are free for renting, and approximately 574 square-meters are being built at the same time. 

Only half of the projects are done that were originally planned to be finished by the end of 2019. Moreover, the city would like to build another 260 square-meters area for offices and increase it as much as possible. 

Emerald Residence, Budapest, Hungary, hotel
Read alsoNew exclusive hotel soon opens in Budapest – PHOTOS

This year, eighteen new hotels will be opened in Budapest, which means 2,150 rooms. Thirty-two hotels are being built in Hungary, resulting in 3,750 new rooms for tourists by the end of 2022. 

Delays, of course, also affect hotels and by June-July it is estimated that only half of them will be ready to welcome visitors. 

Shiraz Hotel, Egerszalók, hotel, Hungary
Read alsoHungarian hotel in Egerszalók wins ‘hotel of the year in 2019’ – PHOTOS

Featured image: www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope

Five Hungarian bridges you need to see – PHOTOS

Budapest, Chain Bridge, view, bridge

We have mentioned many times before that Hungary is not only famous for its culture, gastronomy and natural wonders but its architectural monuments as well. At almost every spot of the country, you can run into historical churches, basilicas, museums, and hotels. Besides these buildings, there are many bridges in the country, every one of them famous for something unique. These are our top five picks.

Read alsoThe top five most beautiful chapels of Lake Balaton

Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Pest and Buda. It is one of the symbolic buildings of Budapest and the most widely known bridge of the Hungarian capital and Hungary.

Its construction was proposed by Count István Széchenyi, one of the leading figures in 19th century Hungary. Its official name is Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

The construction started in 1839 to the plans of English engineer William Tierney Clark with the financial support of Baron György Sina, a Viennese financier. Scottish engineer Adam Clark supervised it, and the square at the Buda end of the bridge has been named after him. The inauguration of the Chain Bridge took place on 20 November 1849.

Chain Bridge, Budapest

chain-bridge
Read alsoWeight restrictions on the Chain Bridge take effect today!

Megyeri Bridge

This bridge is located on the M0 motorway, and its traffic just keeps getting bigger and bigger. This is Hungary’s first slanting cabled bridge which means that the structure of the bridge is not only hung up by one but several other cables. This type of construction became popular after World War II.

Megyeri Bridge, Hungary, bridge
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Tamás Mészöly

The bridge cost 62 billion HUF (195 million EUR). It contains 45,000 tonnes of cement and nearly 120,000 cubic meters of concrete were used. Eighty-eight cables hold it, and approximately 45,000 vehicles pass the bridge every day.

Its location was already known in 1993, although the construction started only years later. For some time, it was questionable whether it will be built or not. Finally, the works began in 2006, but the flood soon destroyed the first parts.

Megyeri Bridge, Danube, bridge
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Gábor Dvornik

Nine Arched Bridge

The Nine Arched Bridge (Hungarian: Kilenclyukú híd) is the most identifiable symbol of the Hortobágy National Park, Hungary’s Great Plain and the first official national park of the country. This arch bridge was the longest road stone bridge in historic Hungary before 1921 when Hungary was reduced to one-third of its former territory. The bridge was built between 1827 and 1833 in a classical style.

Hortobágy
Read alsoCNN: Hungary’s Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s most beautiful places
Nine Arched Bridge, Hungary, bridge
Photo: www.facebook.com/csodasmagyarorszag

Szent László Bridge

This bridge is located in the northern part of Szekszárd and connects the Hungarian plain with the Dunántúl region. The inauguration of the bridge took place on 4 July 2003.

Szent László Bridge, Hungary, bridge
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Piroska

After 73 years, this was the first bridge in Hungary above the river Danube which was not built in the capital.

Built on the area of the Gemenci National Park, it was an essential factor while building not to harm the precious environment. The bridge (often called as Szekszárdi Bridge) was named after the great Hungarian king, Szent László.

Kőröshegyi Bridge

On motorway M7 this is Hungary’s longest bridge and was opened in front of drivers on 8 August 2007. The bridge is 1,872 meters long and its highest point is 88 meters above the ground. The plans and idea of the bridge were already born in the 1970s, but the actual construction started years later in 2004. The bridge can be seen and observed from Tihany.

Kőröshegyi Bridge, Hungary, bridge
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by VargaA
basilicas, Esztergom, Hungary, religion, buildings
Read alsoFour incredible basilicas you need to see in Hungary – PHOTOS

Featured image: www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope

Hungarian city next to River Tisza welcomes new five-star hotel – VIDEO

Hungary, Szolnok, hotel

The spectacular plans of a brand-new five-star hotel next to the River Tisza with 120 rooms were presented through a video.

Read alsoThe top 10 adults-only hotels in Hungary – PHOTOS

Magyar Építők reported that the Hungarian city of Szolnok (Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County) has never had a five-star hotel before, but the project of the building starts soon. Close to the river next to a water settlement, the citizens of the city will soon see a brand-new hotel complex built from the ground.

The hotel with 120 rooms and three floors will have an outside surface that resembles waves on the water.

https://www.facebook.com/szolnokihirek/videos/1464492727058495/

The investors and the name of the hotel have not yet been announced. Szolnok faced and faces many changes. Last year, its thermal bath underwent a complete renovation, including building new swimming pools inside and outside of the building. The city’s new sports centre was also opened last year, and the Szolnok theatre and one of its area’s called Művésztelep, which is 120 years old, also got renovated.

The city will welcome its newest Tisza-bridge soon as well as new roads leading to the capital and other major points in Hungary.

Museum of Fine Arts Budapest
Read alsoAmazing video of the renewed Museum of Fine Arts

Featured image: www.facebook.com/szolnokihirek

Hungarian State Opera House to reopen for season 2021/2022

Hungarian State Opera House, Budapest, Hungary

As the Hungarian State Opera House is currently being renovated the opera moved to Erkel Theatre. According to the plans, the opera receives back it’s building on Andrássy Road in the next season.

Read alsoHungarian State Opera closing for one and a half year

Index reported that the building of the historical Hungarian State Opera would be reopened in 2021 during the autumn or winter season. If everything goes as planned the company of the opera could start season 2021/2022 in the renovated building.

The opera house was renovated from the cellar to the basement entirely and also from the outside. Since the 1980s, the building has not been restored and was in a miserable condition.

After the reopening, the opera would give place to classical pieces, and folk operas as the building can fit more viewers inside as the Erkel Theatre. In Erkel, rehearsals already started for The Master and Margarita which premieres in February 2020. Richard Wagner’s Parsifal will entertain the visitors from spring alongside with Don Carlos.

Hungarian State Opera Orchestra
Read alsoHungarian State Opera Orchestra opens 2019/2020 concert season

Brand-new Hungarian bridge over River Danube will ease traffic for thousands of drivers

Kalocsa, Paks, bridge, Danube, Hungary

The investors are being searched for regarding the construction project of the 1,133 meters long bridge between Hungarian towns Paks and Kalocsa to be connected to motorway M6.

Komárom danube bridge hungary
Read alsoSpectacular! The new Danube bridge in Komárom is connected – photos

Magyar Építők reported that another bridge over the Danube would connect these two Hungarian towns in the future. The project was born in April 2019 and aims to make traffic faster and more convenient for drivers in the future.

The monumental 1,133 meters long bridge (originally 1,080 meters) officially got the permission to be built.

The 2×1 road bridge would allow a 90 km/h traffic between the two Hungarian towns. The structure of the bridge will consist of steel and concrete as well.

Alongside the bridge the region would get a 25 km long brand-new road system with new junctions, renovated junctions, allowing drivers to get from one point to the other faster. The project also includes the renovation of the 5 km long road system of the region.

The building of the bridge would take approximately 26 months, and the first steps of the construction would start autumn.

chain-bridge
Read alsoWeight restrictions on the Chain Bridge take effect today!

4 ways to improve the infrastructure of Budapest

Budapest Buda castle Hungary Danube autumn Kató Alpár Daily News Hungary

What makes Budapest great and what could make it greater? If we look at the world and its most interesting urbanistic projects, what can be applied to the Hungarian capital?

These are the paths Budapest should follow, according to Roadster.

Make the Danube bank great again!

In the case of Budapest, its beauty and charm are simply not enough. It has to be liveable and has to be developed consciously to improve the quality of life of its locals, especially concerning the Danube bank.

Because the Danube bank does not serve locals at the moment; only car traffic.

Fortunately, there are good initiatives in action, like the now-closed Valyo port; however Budapest needs something more. Take, for example, Paris. The bank of the Seine is practically a pedestrian promenade in the summer already. And that’s all thanks to the collective efforts of the people of France.

Linerty Bridge
Read alsoPedestrians take over Liberty Bridge for the fourth time this summer – Photos

Revitalising abandoned buildings

Another excellent example of improving their city is the people of Amsterdam. The Bijlmerbajes, a former prison complex, has served as a hotel, a pop-up hotel and creative space and even as an escape room. And now they are developing the city’s new quarter in its place.  The new residential area is built with the most up-to-date materials with sustainability in mind and will be energy-neutral.

High Line

First built in New York City, the High Line is a great and innovative effort to utilise abandoned buildings, railways and other old and out-of-use structures and bring some green and pleasantness back into the city. Many metropolitan cities followed the example of New York, like Tokyo and Seoul. But is it worth the hype?

Absolutely! The High Line functions as a kind of city within a city, its main characteristic being its anthropocentric design. It is car-free, filled with green plants and encourages slowing down with its benches, food trucks and art installations.

Budapest has great potential for such plans, and the great news is that something is already in motion; a project which is to rehabilitate its whole area is to be housed in Északi Járműjavító (North Vehicle Repair Shop).

Pop-up projects for the win!

While investments like the High Line could improve the life of whole parts of the city, pop-up projects could improve the situation in one district at a time by much less effort and resources. Like the project of Mini and Urban Matters, the Urban Bloom, which turned one parking lot in Shanghai to an oasis in the city.

The purpose of that garden is to prove that improving the mood and quality of life of the people is not a question of money and that a pleasant public space is enough to rest and reflect. In Hungary, Hello Wood Studio has a similar purpose with its wooden installations designed and built by groups of students from Hungarian Universities.

Read alsoHello Wood installs Pop Up Park for resting, recharging in central Budapest

Beautiful Hungarian castles to visit during winter – Photos

castle, winter, Visegrád, Hungary

If you visited every Christmas market in Hungary and built many snowmen, it is also advisable to take a trip during winter to explore the icy treasures of Hungary. The best spots from unforgettable routes are Hungarian castles, and the ones below are perfect to visit during winter.

budapest christmas tram parliament
Read alsoPlan a winter city break in Budapest 

Dívány reported about the best Hungarian castles to visit during winter.

First, let’s take a look at the Castle of Füzér which is located in the Zemplén mountain range. You have to leave your elegant shoes at home and wear the tightest ones as you have to climb many stairs and get through forests to reach this medieval building. The castle was built in the 13th century.

It was even the secret place of the Holy Crown during the 1500s. The castle was renovated in the past years and was decorated to look like its visitors stepped back in time while entering the building.

Füzér, castle, Hungary
Photo: www.facebook.com/wellspringofwonders

Another Hungarian castle in the region of Zemplén is the Castle of Boldogkőváralja, which has the most breathtaking view among all of the Hungarian castles. Built in the 13th century, it was often visited by Béla IV, King of Hungary. With colourful programs, the castle is awaiting everyone who is interested in medieval Hungarian culture.

Sometimes, the staff of the castle even dresses up in medieval clothes.

Boldogkő, castle, Hungary
Photo: www.facebook.com/utazaskozosseg

The third castle is the Almássy Castle in Gyula, which is often called the Hungarian Downton Abbey. Inside the castle, an exhibition shows the visitors the life of the aristocracy and their servants. There is even a castle tour to get to know every single small detail of the castle and its history, which you should not miss.

Gyula, Almássy castle, Hungary
Photo: www.facebook.com/csodasmagyarorszag

Budapest – Nyugati Railway Station finally gets renovated

Investors are now in demand for the renovation project of the country’s most important railway station: Nyugati.

Daily News Hungary previously reported that a tender had been issued for the complete renovation of the roof structure of Nyugati Railway Station. The severe water damage is a priority, but the steel structure of the building is going to be repaired as well. According to plans, the station will be closed during the construction for approximately six months.

Nyugati Pályaudvar railway Station
Read alsoNyugati Railway station to be renovated and closed for six months

Magyar Építők reported that during the renovation works, the roof and glass structure of the railway station would be completely changed alongside the McDonald’s building next to the station. The iconic building’s wood and metal structure would also be completely renovated with the gutter-system of Nyugati as well.

nyugati railway station
Photo: Daily News Hungary 

Alongside the renovation of the railway station, several other major changes will be undertaken by MÁV.

From next April to October, the country’s most important and crowded railway lines will be renovated: Budapest–Cegléd–Szolnok and Budapest–Vác–Szob lines. It has been ten years since MÁV announced such a huge and important project as this one. As a part of the renovation, the tracks of the lines and other electronic machines will be renovated, reports another article by Magyar Építők.

MÁV will spend an estimated 6 billion HUF on this project (18 million EUR).

The reason why MÁV decided to renovate these lines is their importance. On the line between Budapest and Szolnok, 19 million people travel every year to major Hungarian cities like Debrecen. The communication expert of the state railways also reported that the tracks and other devices on the line are out of date and need to be replaced as soon as possible. Another problem is the limited speed on which the trains can run because of the old tracks.

The renovation project will start between the parts of Nyugati Railway Station and Kőbánya-Kispest.

The project’s aim is also to prepare the Hungarian railways for the final arrival and usage of the brand new double-decker KISS trains.

Budapest, Hungary: Precious artifacts found in the Buda Castle – PHOTOS

Budapest, Buda Castle, Hungary

Historical remains from the Anjou-era, pieces of a Baroque church, columns from the 1950s and a floor-structure of the Hauszmann times were found in the Royal Castle of Buda.

buda-castle
Read alsoThe first look into the renovation project in the Buda Castle District – VIDEO

Origo reported that the precious artefacts were found during the reconstructions of the monumental and historic St. Stephen Room which is located in the southern part of the castle. The room is currently being renovated under the wings of the National Hauszmann Program according to the original plans and the found artefacts.

St. Stephen Room, Budapest, Hungary
Photo: MTI/Mohai Balázs

The St. Stephen Room was built around the turning of the previous century by the plans of Lajos Hauszmann, who was a famous Hungarian architect. The room was constructed with the help of great Hungarians like Vilmos Zsolnay and Endre Thék. During the world fair of 1900 in Paris the room won several awards.

Read alsoThe story of the man who became the father of the Hungarian furniture industry
St. Stephen Room, Budapest, Hungary
Photo: MTI/Mohai Balázs

From April 2019, the room is being renovated from the dushes of World War II when it was completely destroyed. The aim of the renovation is to give back the full glory and prestige the room used to have.

St. Stephen Room, Budapest, Hungary, architecture
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The room will serve as a national treasure and brand-new tourist attraction from August 20, 2021. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the renovated place and to spend more time between the walls of the Royal Palace.

Featured image: www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope