Adventum International became known for its many purchases in the last few months. Recently, the company bought the Hungarian Köki Terminal (shopping mall), and the transaction reached 100 million EUR.
Adventum is a group of boutique investment fund management companies focused on Central European real estate investments, founded in 2006 and entirely owned by the management. It has been operating under the alternative investment management act with fund management companies established in Valletta and Budapest, and a total AuM in excess of 250 million EUR.
The Group’s personnel includes highly experienced real estate professionals with CFA, NRW and MRICS qualifications with a combined investment experience of 70+ years. The management has so far executed investments in the CEE region over a total value of 1.5 billion EUR.
Portfólió reported that the plans related to Köki Terminal include making it a core investment. Out of 6 billion HUF (17 million EUR), the mall would get a brand-new look.
Investors would like to make the building the main centre of entertainment, food, fashion and other facilities.
The necessary permissions have been provided for the project. Another important factor of making Köki Terminal different is the “green factor”: redesigning the mall into a more environmentally friendly centre. Adventum would like to deliver this project in 3–5 years.
Featured image: Youtube
Budapest’s Allee Shopping Mall gets a facelift for 16.5 million Euros
It has been recently announced that Buda’s most popular shopping centre, Allee will be renovated next year. The aim is to modernise the 10-year-old building. The project will cost approximately 16.5 million Euros.
Hungary has many magnificent religious buildings located in every bigger city in the country built in different architectural styles. From small chapels to churches and enormous iconic basilicas, every one of them is waiting to be discovered and admired. In this article, we would like to focus on Hungary’s most significant basilicas and mention four you need to see at least once.
Basilica of Esztergom
Our journey starts in Komárom-Esztergom County and the city of Esztergom. The official full name of the basilica is the Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed Into Heaven and St Adalbert. Considered to be the most monumental basilica in the country it is
one of the biggest religious buildings of the country and the centre of the Catholic Church of Hungary. With its monumental green colour, columns and impressive look it is the main symbol of the region.
The building is located on a 5,660 square-metered location. The length of the basilica is 118 meters, and it is 49 meters wide. Its construction started in 1822 and ended in 1869. Smaller parts of the building though were completed by 1859, and in the same year, it was consecrated by the church. The basilica will be renovated by 2022.
Photo: www.facebook.com/wellspringofwondersPhoto: Wikimedia Commons by Ivanhoe
Basilica of Eger
Our next stop is Heves County and the city of Eger, which is known from its heroic battle against the Turkish Empire back in the 16th century. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle or more formally Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, St. Michael and the Immaculate Conception is simply called Eger Cathedral or Basilica of Eger.
On the basilica’s location, the medieval Hungarian people built the first church when St. Stephen – the first Hungarian king – introduced Christian religion into the country.
The basilica we can see today was built between 1831 and 1836 in classicist style. The monumental building is the biggest one in whole Heves County and also its religious centre.
Photo: www.facebook.com/csodasmagyarorszagPhoto: Wikimedia Commons by Gergely Farkas
Basilica of Pécs
The Sts. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral Basilica (or Pécs Cathedral) is the leading religious building of the city of Pécs in Baranya County. As Pécs was an important location for the Romans, the cathedral’s foundation comes from this era (approximately from the 4th century). The basilica that we can see today was built in 1882.
It is considered to be a unique and extraordinary building in Hungary. After its consecration in 1891, many newspapers in Budapest wrote: “If you would like to see heaven travel to Pécs!”.
The building with four monumental towers and impressive interior design is something you should see at least once if you spend your time in Pécs.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Tamás ThalerPhoto: Wikimedia Commons by Tamás Thaler
St. Stephen’s Basilica (Budapest)
The last stop is the capital of Hungary with its monumental St. Stephen’s Basilica named after the first Hungarian king. Built between 1851 and 1906 it is the most important religious centre in the country and one of the leading and most visited tourist attractions of Budapest. With its 96 meters high it is the tallest and most monumental building in Hungary.
An interesting fact about the building is that the Holy Right Hand (the mummified right hand of the first Hungarian king, St. Stephen) is kept inside the building. It is carried around the city every year on August 20, the birth of the Hungarian state.
The basilica also functions as a cemetery, and many famous Hungarian people lie inside the building. One of them, for example, is the legendary Hungarian football player Ferenc Puskás.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by ktanakaPhoto: www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope
After sixty-six years, Hungary reveals another monumental arena in Budapest. With the friendly football game against Uruguay, Central Europe’s biggest and most modern stadium named after the legendary football player, Ferenc Puskás, will be officially opened.
HVG reported that the stadium’s measurements are its most monumental feature. The full coverage of the stadium and its environment is 208,010 square meters while the building itself covers 60,703. The highest point of the building is 50.7 meters, its widest point is 261.3 meters, and its longest measurement is 316.5 meters.
Photo: www.facebook.com/puskasarena
The arena of the stadium covers 11,150 square meters, and the football field out of this is 105×68 meters.
The grandstand of the stadium was built to three levels. On an area of 36,374 square meters, it is covered by a 57,142-square meter roof. The lowest point of the grandstand is not covered, though; those who sit in these places need to prepare for getting wet when it rains. Architects kept the memory of the old stadium in the newly built one. The round-shaped circle of the stadium remained in its original place, and the tower next to the statue park was also kept. Here, the planned Puskás Museum will be opened soon.
CLICK HERE to learn about the legendary Ferenc Puskás
Over the course of three years, approximately 15,000 people worked on the Puskás Arena. 19,000 tonnes of rebars were used, which would be enough for 75 houses with 10 floors. Furthermore, 150,000 tonnes of concrete and 12,000 tonnes of steel structure were needed, which would be enough to build to Elizabeth Bridge. Last but not least, 1,700 kilometres of cable was used, which is the distance between Budapest and Ankara. The biggest challenge of the construction was the stadium’s roof, which required a special crane from abroad.
Photo: www.facebook.com/puskasarena
The new building has 67,155 seats. With this capacity, it is the 19th biggest stadium in Europe. In the world, it is not in the top ten biggest sports buildings, it is only in 56th place. According to the project’s plan, the new stadium’s budget was originally 150 billion HUF (435 million EUR), but eventually, it was reduced to a smaller amount because the planned one would have been too expensive for the Hungarian state.
Photo: www.facebook.com/puskasarena
The Puskás Stadium’s final budget is an estimated 143 billion HUF (415 million EUR). This includes the most modern and unique hybrid lawn coverage of the stadium.
Photo: www.facebook.com/puskasarena
The stadium will give place to several football games under the wings of the European Championships next year. Another interesting fact about the stadium is that visitors can only pay inside the building by credit cards.
Photo: www.facebook.com/puskasrena
CLICK HERE for more articles about the Puskás Arena
Multiple buildings in Budapest received awards at this year’s Media Architecture Award contest; the main prize was given to a kindergarten building in Budapest’s 13th district, which was designed by Archikon Studio. The plans for the new Hungarian Museum of Science, Technology and Transport received the Big Investments special award.
The Media Architecture Award was given for the 15th time this year. The goal of this acknowledgement is to make architecture known by and bring it closer to the public, as well as to raise awareness about contemporary architecture’s achievements. The award show was held last Friday at the Urania National Theatre, reported pestbuda.hu.
Vizafogó Tagóvóda (Archikon Studio), located in the 13th district, was given the Best Building award by the media-judges, made up of Hungarian journalists.
Photo: Archikon Stúdió
The kindergarten building, built in the 1980s, had its rooms expanded toward the yard, and in front of them, a two-story semi-open playing and the relaxing area was put. By leaving the original building and modernising and expanding it, a new unified look came to be. The architects considered the pedagogues’ and children’s needs and developed the spaces accordingly.
Photo: Archikon Stúdió
Photo: Archikon Stúdió
Photo: Archikon Stúdió
Besides the judges, the audience could also share their opinions, and the audience prizes were given based on the votes at the event. The kindergarten building chosen by the judges received the most votes from the audience as well.
Based on Index.hu’s votes, the Index special award was given to the Parisian Court, designed by Archikon Studio.
Photo: Archikon Stúdió
There were a total of 130 entries for the contest organised by Építészfórum (Architectforum). Before the gala, an international group of judges chose five-five finalists for building and plan categories.
The Big Investments special award was given to the Hungarian Museum of Sciences, Technology and Transport’s plans by Diller Scofidio + Renfro and M-Teampannon.
The new Museum is a collaboration between the Northern Maintenance Depot’s valuable industry heritage, from old workshops and Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s plans from New York. With a thorough rehabilitation of the rust zone of the museum, its new formation, public spaces and parks, the whole neighbourhood will come to new life.
At one of the city’s most significant brownfield industrial territory, by keeping and expanding the valuable buildings of the railway plant, one of the country’s most popular museums will not only find a home, but a whole new cultural quarter will come to life. The new group of buildings is an extremely complex architectural and urban development investment. The museum announced a blueprint-competition in 2018, receiving significant national and international professional and media interests.
Photo: Közlekedési Múzeum (Transport Museum)
The new museum will have permanent and seasonal exhibitions, be the documentary centre of one of the longest transport history in Europe, have conference spaces, as well as a new public park.
The Dieselhall, built between 1959 and 1962, and the connected head building will be recycled, as Diller Scofidio + Renfro reflect on the place’s industrial history with elegant methods, but bring a world-class 21st-century building to the scene at the same time.
Sustainable operations and smart, innovative solutions are emphasised in the plans. The American architect office has successfully renewed several museums and similar industrial territories, one of the notable ones would be High Line in New York.
The elements of the Hungarian pavilion will be transported to the United Arab Emirates with the help of the biggest cargo plane of the world. The World Expo is going to be between October 20, 2020, and April 10, 2021, and its organisers expect more than 25 million visitors. They will be able to see the 193 pavilions built by the 193 countries taking part. The expo’s theme is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.”
The Hungarian government earmarked 75.4 million dollars for the country’s participation at the expo. The pavilion Hungary is going to build there is designed in Makovecz style and will be placed in the expo’s Mobility district (there will be two more districts: Opportunity and Maintainability, Origo reported. It features a timber-framed circular structure that
pays tribute to the country’s thermal waters.
The pavilion was designed by one of the students of the famous Hungarian architect, Imre Makovecz. Lőrinc Csernyus’s building will focus on water, with special regard to balneology and curative tourism. According to the official website of the Hungarian government, the pavilion’s design is in harmony with the country’s tourism slogan, “Wellspring of Wonders.”
With its participation, Hungary’s goal is not only to
boost its diplomatic and cultural relations with the Arab region,
but also to promote economic cooperation schemes, boost trade relations, enhance the country’s image, and introduce Hungarian tourism and gastronomy to the Arab region.
Organisers expect 130-170 thousand visitors per month, and the Hungarian government’s goal is to help locals discover the beauties of the country. Based on international surveys, citizens of the United Arab Emirates spent 17.6 billion dollars on foreign travelling, but Hungary is not yet among the most popular destinations of theirs. In 2018, only 3,900 tourists came from the UAE to Hungary.
The design and construction of the Hungarian pavilion are on schedule.
Want more? HERE you can find The Travel‘s 10 reasons why tourists should visit Hungary. HERE we wrote about how the Hungarian tourism sector is booming, collected from where most tourists come.
The Inner City Parish Church (or Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary) in Budapest on the Pest side of the Elizabeth Bridge has undergone many renovations in the past few months.
Magyar Építők reported that the renovation project includes completely renovating the church’s two towers, building an elevator inside, and adding a walking pathway between the two towers.
According to the plans, the management of the project plans to open a brand-new panoramic viewpoint from the towers this December.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by KovacsDaniel
The project started this January. Experts and architects worked on the complete renovation of the church, the towers, and also cleaning its historical objects and features. On the ground floor of the building, a smaller church store will be opened alongside an exhibition on the floor of the towers. On the planned metal pathway between the two towers, visitors can admire the structure of the building from the outside.
The North Tower will also feature a panoramic point with an amazing view on the Danube and the Buda side of the city.
Check out the renovation process of Budapest’s City Park – VIDEO
We are in the midst of the Liget Budapest project, which aims to modernise and renovate the City Park, thus creating a cultural hub and a museum quarter in the heart of the city.
The most beautiful chapels of the Hungarian sea can be found next to wine yards, on top of mountains and in the middle of big open fields. Most of these buildings are related to some kind of legend or interesting story which makes them even more valuable and attractive for visitors. Here are our top five picks!
Szent Donát Chapel (Balatonlelle)
This small Baroque-style chapel was built to honour Donatos of Arezzo, the protector of grape-owners and wine-makers. The chapel was built somewhere in the 18th century, and the first official church paper mentions the building in 1815. This small jewel is considered to be the most attractive sight of the whole Somogy County. The chapel is located 300 meters above the ground and definitely worth visiting for a wonderful view and a fantastic experience.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by ferengra
Lengyel Chapel (Hegymagas, Szent György-hill)
With its yellow walls and church-lookalike, the chapel is the symbol and most iconic building of the entire Szent György-hill. The Lengyel family built the chapel around 1760 in place of Szent György Chapel which was built at the beginning of 1400 but later destroyed. The chapel features an incredible look to Szigliget, and the nearby wine cellars give an excellent opportunity for hiking.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Taz666
Szent Mihály Chapel (Vonyarcvashegy)
There is an old legend related to this chapel which is the country’s only fisher-chapel. In 1739, a team of fishermen got into severe danger when on the frozen Balaton the ice broke under their feet, and they started to flood in the cold water. Six of them died, but the other forty survived thanks to the wind which changed the direction of the flooding water and helped the fishermen escape on the shores of Vonyarc. To celebrate their survival, they built the chapel. According to historians, this story is not true because the chapel was built before 1739, but the story is still stunning.
This little chapel from the 19th century is surrounded by small traditional Hungarian houses and grape-fields. Most times of the year it can only be observed from the outside, but during summer seasons the chapel is open before visitors.
Photo: www.facebook.com/Farkas-Attila-Fotó
Szentháromság Chapel (Szigliget)
This white chapel’s construction was started in 1845 to use its power to protect the grape from storms and drought. The chapel survived both World Wars and also commemorates all the heroes who gave their lives in Hungary during these dark times. Besides Hungarian soldiers, the chapel also has a small memorial place for American troops who did not survive an airplane crash near Szigliget.
Autumn brings true wonders into Hungary, which can be best observed in forests, valleys, and mountains. During this season, it is advisable to organise trips and wanderings into nature and explore the hidden treasures of the country. And while you are wandering around in a forest, you do not necessarily need to do it on foot. You can ride on lovely forest trains and get an incredible experience. Here are the top five picks!
The Hungarian capital never ceases to surprise us. We keep learning new things about the fantastic city of Budapest every day. There might be a few facts here that even “natives” do not know.
The world’s most extensive system of geothermal caves can be found beneath Budapest. You can visit the caves under Paul valley, Matthias mountain and Szemlőhegy.
Photo: Daily News Hungary
The greatest number of spas can be found in Budapest, no wonder it bears the title “Capital of spas” since 1937. Budapest is the only major city in the world that has 118 medical sources and wells. It is also the only capital worldwide where 5 – still operating – historic thermal baths can be found.
Photo: www.gellertfurdo.hu
Vajdahunyad Castle was originally built out of wood.
The Vajdahunyad Castle in the City Park /pixabay/
The great fountain that can be found at Erzsébet square used to be at Kálvin square, but they moved it. The fountain is decorated by four statues that symbolise the Danube and its tributaries; Tisza, Dráva and Száva.
Budapest’s City Park was actually the world’s first public park; it dates back to many centuries. Initially, this part of the city was a marshland that was uploaded and planted with trees as a result of Maria Theresa’s order. The first promenades were created at the end of the 18th century, which were surprisingly open to anyone, and the world’s first public park was established.
Budapest’s City Park also houses one of Europe’s biggest ice rinks; The City Park Ice Rink.
Photo: Facebook.com/varosliget.budapest/
There is a mysterious blue door at Nyugati Railway Station that almost everyone walks by, but no one knows where that door leads. The entry is actually a passage to a 3-room royal waiting room, which was built for Habsburg Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” by József Ferenc.
One hundred forty years ago, in 1877, Vilmos Zsigmond mining engineer found thermal water below Széchenyi Square; the 74 degrees healing water was more than 800 meters deep under the surface. In 1884, a beautiful building was built over the fountain, designed by Miklós Ybl, but unfortunately, it was demolished during the constructions of the Millennium.
Dohány Street Synagogue at the heart of Budapest is the second largest synagogue in the world (the largest can be found in New York).
The Dohány Street Synagogue Photo by Guavin Pictures
Budapest’s narrowest building is only 6.2 meters wide and 22 meters high. It is located on the banks of the Danube, and Manó and Ármin Mandl built it.
There is a building at 13 Teréz boulevard which is a smaller but faithful copy of Florence’s (Italy) most well-known building, the famous palace: Palazzo Strozzi.
District 7 used to be called ‘Chicago’ (between 1896 and 1898) when within the spirit of the monarchical development, a separate part of town was built between Rottenbiller-Damjanich-Dózsa György streets during a period of 2 years. This incredible pace of construction and its parallel arrangement reminded residents of Chicago, which used to be the “super-city” of that age, so people started to use this label more and more frequently.
Former parliamentarians had long-lasting discussions about the capital city’s name, as “The greatest Hungarian” (Széchenyi) did not like the name ‘Pest’ because it reminded him of the negative meaning of the German word ‘pest’. During the period of the language reform, several versions were mentioned – such as Bájkert, Dunagyöngye, Etelvár, Hunvár and Honderű – but eventually, today’s Budapest was the winner of the battle.
These are the most beautiful and well-known castles of Hungary. They are worth visiting even if you are not that interested in history. The architecture, the atmosphere, and the surroundings will make your trip worthwhile.
Impress Magazin collected these beautiful castles from all over the country.
Grassalkovich Castle, Gödöllő
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
This Baroque-style building was designed by Antal Grassalkovich, and it had 136 rooms at its prime. There was also a chapel, a bath, a theatre hall, a riding hall, a marble barn, a French-style garden and a safari park. The castle served as a base during the 1848 Revolution. Sisi and Ferenc József were often relaxing here during autumn and spring. Allegedly, the castle is currently owned by a Belgian bank. For more information, read our other article on this magnificent piece of architecture.
Festetics Castle, Keszthely
Photo: Facebook.com/festeticskastelyhivatalos/
This castle is famous for its owner and for the role it played in Hungarian history. The building is Hungary’s 4th largest castle with its 101 rooms. The size of the library, though not as large as it was in its time, is still unique. There is also an oak tree here which is over 400 years old.
Forgách Palace, Szécsény
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
This castle is unique among the castles in Hungary because its Baroque-style building stands out from among the others. It was built in 1760. During Napoleon’s military expedition, it operated as a hospital. After the war, the castle was rebuilt and now houses a museum.
Schossberger Castle, Tura
Photo: Wiki Commons by CivertanS
Ybl Miklós designed this castle, and it took over ten years to build. The castle is called the “Little Sibling of the Opera House” because of its neo-Renaissance style. Unfortunately, it was closed in the fall of 2016 due to renovation, and there is no information about the reopening dates yet. However, visitors can still take a look at the building from the outside.
The Castle is much older, but the building we see today was built in the 19th century when the castle was reconstructed in the Tudor style. The designer, István Linzbauer, followed the request of the Nádasdy family who originated from England, hence the new style. The family lived in the castle until WWII when they had to leave it. After the war, the building was owned by the Ministry of National Defence.
Széchenyi Castle, Nagycenk
Széchenyi castle in Nagycenk; https://www.facebook.com/nagycenk.szechenyikastely/
This castle was the residence of “the greatest Hungarian” István Széchenyi, founder of the Hungarian Academy of Science. Széhenyi operated in Nagycenk from 1814. Unfortunately, WWII took its toll on this building because the nearby park got hit during an English bomb-run in 1944. Many windows broke, and tiles also fell off due to the strong shock wave. In June and July of 1945, locals ravaged the castle and burnt almost everything.
Andrássy Castle, Tiszadob
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
According to the oral tradition, the castle was built at the request of the first Foreign Minister of Austro-Hungary, Gyula Andrássy in honour of Sisi. The construction took five years, and the castle was finished in 1885. The Romantic-Neo-Gothic castle is thought to be one of the most beautiful castles of Hungary.
Károlyi Castle, Fehérvárcsurgó
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The building was constructed in the Classicist style, designed by Miklós Ybl and Heinrich Koch. The history of the castle goes back to 1691. At that time, it was the residence of the Hochburg family. After several exchanges of owners, it fell into the hands of György Károlyi, who became famous for donating 40,000 Ft (125 €) to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 1825. The castle currently operates as a hotel, but guided tours are often organised.
Károlyi Castle, Nagymágocs
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Imre Károly built the castle between 1896 and 1897. The building was constructed in Neo-Baroque and Eclectic styles. Besides the castle, the park is an exciting tourist attraction too. The park has a 41-hectare green area and a 10-hectare lake.
Eszterházy Palace, Fertőd
Photo: Pixabay
The castle in Fertőd was built between 1720 and 1766 at the request of Miklós Eszterházy. This is the largest Baroque building in Hungary, also referred to as the “Hungarian Versailles”. Famous composer, Joseph Haydn, also worked here.
Wenckheim Castle, Szabadkígyós
Photo: Wiki Commons by Laszlo Kulisics
This building is famous because of its designer Miklós Ybl. The small town of Szabadkígyós is very proud of the castle which was built in 1879 in Neo-Renaissance style.
Rudnyánszky Castle, Budapest
Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org By torobala
This is one of the most famous Baroque monuments in Hungary. The castle was built between 1743 and 1751.
L’Huillier–Coburg Castle, Edelény
Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org by MilanPataky
This is Hungary’s 7th largest castle. It was built in the 18th century.
Bory Castle, Székesfehérvár
Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org
It took over 36 years to build this castle, which is an official Guinness World Record. It was meant to symbolise eternal love. Statues of many famous Hungarians can be found inside the castle’s French-style garden.
There are many facts known about the iconic Hungarian Parliament building, which is an outstanding piece of architecture on the European Continent. But one thing remained in secrecy until now: how much money is the building worth?
Világgazdaság reported that the press office of the Parliament published the actual worth of the building. They emphasised that this amount of money – calculated while paying attention to the decrease in the estate market – is not equal to the actual market price. To estimate the exact cost, a valuation would be necessary, but that process would consume an incredible amount of money.
The estimated value of the Hungarian Parliament building is approximately 28.15 billion HUF (83 million EUR).
The difficulty of the estimation is that not only the building (18 thousand square-meters) itself has an incredible value but the area where the Parliament lies (20 thousand square meters) with an own topographical number next to the Danube as well. The press office did not share information regarding the value of the area.
Another factor that makes the estimation harder is its historical monument title. Also, the building has many data that would be impossible to collect and process.
Reportedly, Hungarian companies do not deal with this kind of estimation process, only internationally known (mostly British) ones. Moreover, it would be an excessive amount of money to spend as it would cost millions of Hungarian forints.
The building has an officially registered value as it has been validated in the past.
444.hu added that not so long ago, the government of Romania also estimated the value of the Parliament of Bukarest. The value of the building is 390 billion HUF (1,147 thousand EUR), and the area where the building lies is 300 billion HUF (882 million EUR).
If there is one thing (one building) Hungarians are proud of it is the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, where the National Assembly of Hungary seats. The architectural masterpiece indeed deserves the attention of 600,000 tourists each year, but let’s see the most interesting facts and beauties about it.
In the next few years, the capital’s elegant hotel market will face several significant changes. Between 2019 and 2021, many new hotels will be opened, including the location of Budapest’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, Andrássy Avenue.
Forbes reported that both hotels on Andrássy Avenu 3 and 52 are located in a historical area, and the two buildings where the hotels are built have been renovated before the actual construction.
Andrássy Avenue 3 is called the Saxlehner Palace, and its main hall is decorated with the paintings of the famous Hungarian painter, Károly Lotz. The style of the building is not that decorative and mainly follows a classical and pure look from the entrance to the rooms.
In its spa section, a special fountain will operate with several types of waters to taste.
Photo: www.facebook.com/esterpartners
Andrássy Avenue 52 is located not far from Oktogon, which is not the elegant part of the avenue, so the style of this hotel is more sporty and extravagant with geometric motives and red, green, and grey colours inside the building.
In the hotel’s lobby, a gypsum horse awaits guests, decorated with the label of the Dreher beer factory. The horse is a returning motive in the hotel.
Featured image: www.facebook.com/esterpartners
Luxurious hotels conquer Budapest in the next four years
In the next three years, Budapest will welcome newly built four and five-star hotels all across the city with more than 4,500 rooms. The available five-star accommodations will expand with another 1,500 rooms shortly.
The reconstructed square belongs to pedestrians once again, and by the end of the autumn, nearby streets will also be renewed. Furthermore, the famous Vörösmarty sculpture of the square was restored, and the magnitude of green surface grew.
According to Pestbuda, Vörösmarty Square is already renewed, and by the end of the autumn, Deák Ferenc, Bécsi, Apáczai Csere János, Harmincad, and Vigadó streets will also be reconstructed.
On the square, the work is finished, and the technological approval will be carried out by October 15th, but pedestrians can already use it. The Vörösmarty sculpture, classified as a monumental heritage, was also restored, and around it, a green square centre was created.
Photo: MTI/Mohai Balázs
Around the sculpture, the square received a uniquely designed cover, which is darker than the sculpture, so it highlights it as if the sculpture were levitating above the square. To better the microclimate of the square, they built a system of humidors integrated into the cover.
Photo: MTI/Mohai Balázs
The size of the green surface increased by 10 pc because they added 15 more trees to the 10 already on the square. Furthermore, there is an automated irrigation system that constantly provides fresh water for them and the newly-created lawn. The elements bordering the green surfaces also provide places to sit for those who would like to cool down in the shade of the trees on a hot summer day.
On Harmincad Street, 8 planters were placed because Metro Line Nr. 1 runs beneath the road, so it would be dangerous to plant trees in the earth.
The Fountain with the Lions. MTI/Balázs Mohai
The Fountain with the Lions was replaced, removing the centre of the square to the junction of Vörösmarty and Harmincad streets. The fountain was attached to the drinking water supply network; thus, it now functions as a drinking fountain, and so it helps to reduce the amount of plastic junk.
Photo: MTI/Mohai Balázs
Classic lampstands were kept during the reconstruction of the square, and they were renewed preserving the atmosphere of the place and saving energy at the same time by having energy-saving bulbs put into them.
Photo: MTI/Mohai Balázs
The concrete paving blocks were changed to high-quality and uniquely designed coverage made of andesite, granite, and limestone. The binder they used is not only spectacular but also very hard-wearing and resistant to weather changes.
The outworn stormwater drainage system was modernised and hidden, just like the tappings of the electric network.
Not enough? Read about another beautiful square that has recently been renewed and check the photos of it as well HERE.
Had enough of squares? HERE are some photos of the beautifully renewed Museum of Fine Arts.
As part of the largest ever transaction in the Hungarian office market Futureal Group has sold the fifth office complex developed on Corvin Promenade to OTP real estate investment funds. Through this transaction OTP Prime Real Estate Investment Fund has now acquired Corvin Technology Park office building from the group. Following the sale the office portfolio of real estate funds managed by OTP Real Estate Investment Fund Management Ltd. will offer nearly 100,000 square meters on Corvin Promenade.
The 27,300 square meter Corvin Technology Park is located on the east side of Corvin Promenade in the immediate vicinity of Nokia Skypark office building. The first phase of the building provides 14,300 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA), while its second phase will have 13,000 square meters of GLA. The second phase of the complex is expected to be handed over in November this year. The first phase of the transaction has been closed. A sale and purchase agreement for Corvin Technology Park’s second phase has also been signed by the parties.
“The acquisition of the state-of-the-art Corvin Technology Park is further proof that Futureal’s outstanding office developments on the Corvin Promenade represent a valuable long-term investment for our partners. This transaction further strengthens our solid partnership with OTP Prime Real Estate Investment Fund,” said Tibor Tatár, CEO of Futureal.
OTP Real Estate Investment Fund Management Ltd. launched its OTP PRIME Real Estate Investment Fund in 2017. The fund aims to invest in category ’A’ real estate properties. The fund earlier acquired Futureal Group’s 25,000 square meters Skypark office building development, the first unit of the office block that marks the eastern boundary Corvin Promenade. In November 2018 OTP Real Estate Investment Fund purchased the already operating office buildings of Corvin Promenade including Corvin One, Corvin Towers and Corvin Corner.
“Corvin Quarter is undoubtedly a dynamically developing neighborhood located in the vicinity of downtown Budapest, that’s the reason why we pay special attention to this area. Following the successfully closed transaction last November, we have now entered into another high value agreement. Corvin Technology Park, a premium class office building from now on belongs to OTP Prime Real Estate Investment Fund’s portfolio,” said Dr. Nándor Tóth, CEO of OTP Real Estate Investment Fund Management Ltd.
With Corvin Technology Park the total GLA of the ’A’ category offices will soon exceed 100,000 square meters on the Corvin Promenade.
According to Alexa Schlosser, director of Acquisitions and Asset Management at OTP Real Estate Investment Fund Management Ltd., another ’A’ category modern office building has been acquired by OTP Prime Real Estate Investment Fund that represents a valuable investment opportunity due to its high occupancy rate and stable income-generating ability. Thanks to these elements, the property perfectly fits into the fund’s real estate portfolio. The office building’s central location, its good accessibility and the wide range of services available in Corvin Quarter provide excellent infrastructure for the tenants.
Corvin Technology Park was designed to meet the requirements of the digital age. The office building fulfills the highest sustainability requirements. A huge emphasis was put on designing a green environment; thus, there will be an inner garden on the ground floor of the building and a rooftop terrace. It will also be equipped with a mechanical heat recovery system, bike storage, showers, water-saving sanitary ware and electric car chargers. Features that are crucial for tech companies, such as higher electrical capacity and power supply providing continuous, uninterrupted operation, received special attention during the planning phase.
The building of a brand-new terminal for low-cost flights has already begun. By the end of 2019, the airport will completely demolish the old terminal and replace it with a brand-new one for passengers, with the most modern technology of the 21st century.
Magyar Nemzet reported that the building of the Terminal 2C has begun and the basics of the structure have been laid down. The terminal would be connected with 2B making it an easily reached point of the airport. In the building, the most modern technology of the 21st century will await passengers to make travelling more comfortable and enjoyable.
The building would have several bathrooms, heating, and cooling system, shops to buy food and drinks and airport buses would transfer passengers to their aeroplane.
The Hungarian government announced at the end of July that the old tin-terminal would be rebuilt for a new terminal, but later it was also announced that by January 1st, 2020, the using of the old building would be entirely forbidden. It has been five years that this type of terminal buildings opened their gates for passengers. On the B side of the airport, these buildings have been completely demolished when Terminal 2B was built, but passengers waiting for European flights still wait under tin roofs.
These buildings had several problems, including rain dropping on passengers and heavy wind coming inside of the terminal. This was the point when the government decided on changing the situation immediately.
Several changes and projects were revealed about the Budapest Airport in the near future including a train-line which would transfer passengers from the city to the airport but lately the ordering company has delayed the plans. The Hungarian government is waiting to decide whether the new train line would be a direct or indirect line and whether it would be operated as a separate line.
In February 2019, Budapest Airport, the operator of Ferenc Liszt International Airport has announced that it would be continuously investing over the next two years in developing its existing terminals, as a result of which travelling by air will become faster, more predictable, and more convenient. In the framework of the bud:plus development program, the airport will change spectacularly already in the first half of 2019. Thanks to enhanced passenger security screening and self-service baggage drop-off, Budapest Airport is going to be well-prepared for the summer peak.
Without a doubt, Hungary is an architectural paradise with endless sights to see starting from the capital, to bigger countryside cities and lesser-known hidden locations. As the country was founded at the beginning of the medieval era, it is no wonder that the Hungarian ancestors built many castles and these five are definite musts if you spend your time in the country.
Castle of Boldogkő
On one of the hills of the lonely Zemplén area, this magnificent Hungarian castle rises from the ground. Its history is quite complicated because the remained written documents archaeologist found cannot state precisely the date when the castle was built. Historians believe that it was built and founded after 1242. In the first found written Hungarian document, the castle is mentioned under the name Castrum Boldua and was built and founded by Endre III in 1282 with the permission of King Béla IV.
There were many names of this castle during the centuries before it got its final name: Bolduakev, Bódokheő, and Bodókő.
The castle was destroyed and renovated many times. The last significant reconstruction work took place in 2002 when many walls, towers and other features of the castle were removed or restored. Despite the many changes and its stormy history, this Hungarian castle with an incredible view and scenery is absolutely a must if you spend your time in the country.
This Hungarian castle is one of the castles of the country which was founded and built before the first devastating tragedy of Hungary the Mongol invasion between 1241 and 1242. As it was built in the 13th century, it is one of the earliest-built and oldest castles of the country.
The castle played an essential part in Hungary’s life, especially in the 16th century. In 1526 the country suffered its most significant loss against the Turkish army in Mohács. To protect the Holy Crown of Hungary – which was expelled to sever danger – it was not taken back to Visegrád, its original place, but it was hidden in the castle of Füzér.
Between 2014 and 2016, the castle was fully renovated and opened in front of the public. The place has an exclusive visitor centre, exhibitions and other programs for children and adults as well.
The Rákóczi Castle in the town of Sárospatak is the most famous castle in the country. The castle is one of the most monumental and valuable Renaissance building in Hungary which attracts many tourists every year.
The castle was built in 1530 four years after the tragedy in Mohács. Hungarian nobleman György Rákóczi I became the lord of the castle in 1616. During the era of the Rákóczis, the iconic Renaissance elements were added to the castle and its surroundings.
The castle has been renovated and awaits arriving guests with lots of colourful programs and three different exhibitions.
Photo: www.facebook.com/hellomagyarorszagPhoto: Wikimedia Commons by Rherczeg
Castle of Siklós
The castle of Siklós, which guards the southern border of Hungary, was the residence of the most important noble families in medieval Hungary. This monument reminds the Hungarian people of a past that is both glorious and sorrowful.
The castle was mentioned first in 1294 when it was the property of the Soklyosi family. In 1387, Sigismund, the young king of Hungary, punished the family by taking away the castle and its estates, following a failed rebellion against him.
Between 2009 and 2011, thanks to grants from Norway and the European Union, parts of the castle were renovated and can be visited.
Photo: Wikimedia CommonsPhoto: Wikimedia Commons by KR Film
Castle of Sümeg
This castle is one of the most beautiful and most intact one in the country. The castle was built between the 12th and 14th centuries; each century gave something to the building. After the revolution of the Rákóczis in 1713 the castle was burned down entirely and remained abandoned until the 20th century.
In 1957, the renovation of the castle began but was not finished. In 1988, the castle became extremely dangerous.
In 1989, the renovations continued, and finally, the castle was opened in front of the public after many years. It is one of the most popular locations for hiking in Hungary.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Krystian CieślikPhoto: Wikimedia Commons by Krystian Cieślik
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons by Péter Szvitek
Five must-see castles in Hungary you must put on your bucket list – Photos
Budapest’s magnificent palace at Fővám Square was designed by Samu Pecz, representing a unique and breathtaking style that fascinates all its visitors. The Great Market Hall has been operating for 122 years with the same purpose – to provide fresh food and beverages to citizens. This year is the 25th anniversary of this special architectural treasure which has become an important tourist attraction as well.
In the 19th century, a new trend emerged in Europe – market halls were established where residents from urban areas could acquire the necessary groceries in one place. Emperor Napoleon can be considered the mastermind of this renewal.
Image: Pixabay
In Budapest, the idea of building market halls cropped up at the end of the 19th century, by which several small markets could be replaced. Charles Kammermayer, chairman of the Public Services Committee, took the task so seriously that he made a study tour around Europe in order to observe other market halls of the continent.
Image: www.facebook.com/Múltidéző+/
The location of the hall was appointed in 1884 – this was the time when they decided to place the central hall to Fővám Square(formerly Sóház Square). This was followed by long debates about the appropriate location of the building, which came to an end in 1890.
Therefore, the public tender was published only in 1892, which received a total of nine entries. Despite the fact that the public wanted works from domestic designers, the contest became so international that – apart from Hungarian applicants – several Bulgarian, Czech, French, and German architects applied for the tender. After a long, multi-round evaluation, the jury selected the winner: Samu Pecz.
During the Second World War, the hall was severely damaged. Its reconstruction had to be realised urgently; therefore, stored materials were also utilised for the process.
After the war, the hall was transformed and “modernised” several times; however, these works had detrimental effects on the structure of the building, to such an extent that the situation became life-threatening by March 1991. As a result, the market hall was closed.
As pestbuda.hu describes, its renovation started in October 1991, which was preceded by a complete redesign of the hall. It had to be resolved how a monument building from the 19th century – located at a pedestrian-centric zone – could operate as a real market which can provide modern commercial goods under proper hygienic conditions.
Image: Pixabay
The Great Market Hall in Budapest was described as such by Bojár András Iván (Népszabadság):
“This program is a combination of ancient and modern industries: the former Zsolnay pyrogranite cover elements are also replaced with Zsolnay products. The original iron structures are mainly preserved. A unique attraction of the reconstruction is the large modern refrigerator in the basement and the enlargement of the modernised delivery opening. For the realisation of these features, the structure of the building could not be moved.”
The investment – which cost EUR 11.7 million at that time – was obstructed by several factors. In the first period, the organisation of the work was quite chaotic – there was no tender for the renovation of the rooftop, which was followed by merchants’ protest and leaks few days prior to the inauguration. Fortunately, they managed to overcome all these difficulties, and on September 15th, the building was opened for the public.
The Dohány Street Synagogue in the heart of the capital is the finest centre of the Jewish community in the Carpathian Basin. The building was dreamt and built by the Austrian Ludwig Förster from Vienna who created a traditional but at the same time extraordinary synagogue for Hungary.
PestBuda reported the full story about the Hungarian Jewish community and the magnificent synagogue itself. The most populated Jewish community in Central Europe is located in Budapest. Because of this fact, many synagogues were built in the country in the past decades, which are occupied by Jewish people regularly. Apparently, historians believe that Jewish people came into the area of Hungary during Roman times two thousand years ago as archaeologists found remains in Aquincum, which was probably built to serve as a synagogue in that time.
During the Middle Ages and the Turkish reign, most of the members of the Jewish community lived in Buda. In the 15th century, King Matthias even built a magnificent synagogue for these people. In 1686, when Hungary was reborn after chasing away the Turkish, the Jewish community found peace in Óbuda (part of the capital).
In the 19th century, the biggest Jewish centre was born in the capital. Their traditional buildings did not only serve religious purposes but educational and cultural ones as well.
The first synagogue of Budapest was established in 1770. It was operated from a salesman’s house, but because it was not official, it was closed. Later, Joseph II allowed opportunities to practise the Jewish religion in the country. In 1830, there were approximately five thousand Jewish people in Budapest. It was time to build a place where all the people of the community could get together.
The Dohány Street Synagogue is the most monumental romantic building in Hungary. With is iconic 43-meter-high towers, it is one of the symbols of Budapest. Förster did not only make the synagogue famous with a mixture of Eastern and traditional Jewish symbols, but the ceramics and all the other building materials of the synagogue had to be produced in Hungary. To ensure this, the Austrian architect made a deal with Lechner factories in Kőbánya (part of Budapest) where all the materials for the synagogue were made.
Works began on May 18, 1854, and took five years to be made. The procedure was often slowed down as Förster was working on an Austrian synagogue at the time, which consumed most of the time he could have spent on the Hungarian building. On September 6, 1859, the building opened its doors. One unique thing about the synagogue is that on opening day, organ music welcomed the arriving visitors, which was the biggest one in the country at the time.
Since then, the synagogue survived two world wars, the revolution of 1956, and many other stormy historical events. The building is not only an important Jewish centre in the country but also a cultural symbol with many concerts and events year by year.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Fred RomeroPhoto: Wikimedia Commons by Varirus
In the next three years, Budapest will welcome newly built four and five-star hotels all across the city with more than 4,500 rooms. The available five-star accommodations will expand with another 1,500 rooms shortly.
Portfólio reported that these new luxurious hotels would be built in the city centre and the most prominent boulevards of the capital but constructions are expected to be expanded outside the centre of Budapest as well. An additional 1,000 rooms will be added to these hotels as due to many international conferences and events many high prestige guests choose to spend some days in this kind of room and facilities.
Many of these hotels will feature extraordinary looks to make themselves more attractive for guests. For example, some hotels will be built as boutique or lifestyle buildings, but in the Mystery Hotel Budapest, a huge Mona Lisa painting is hanging in one of the rooms and other DaVinci masterpieces. Some hotels feature optical illusions giving the feeling that Aladdin’s magical rug is above our head.
Photo: www.facebook.com/MysteryHotelBudapest
Soon the Klotild Castle on Ferenciek Square will get its fellow building the Matild Castle where a Turkish company ensured about luxurious conditions. Andrássy Avenue would not remain intact either as more than 1,000 rooms are planned to be built. According to the leadership of the project, they chose the world-famous Hungarian boulevard as luxurious hotels are not enough to attract guests: luxurious stores, restaurants, and other facilities are also needed to make a hotel’s concept immaculate.
Another part of this project is to transform no-longer-used office buildings into hotels and accommodations. For example, the office building on Boráros Square and some Váci Street ones will soon feature luxurious rooms. In some other locations, luxurious lobbies, bedrooms and even baths will wait for arriving guests.
Featured image: www.facebook.com/MysteryHotelBudapest
