FUGA, Budapest Center of Architecture has invited photographer László Kondor – to exhibit a masterly body of vintage photographs from 1960 thru 1994 of Chicago Public Art and Architecture. László Kondor is better known for decades in the United States as a conflict and political photographer. This first showing in Budapest of 50 images is the result of a non-commissioned personal project.
Opening ceremony: 6pm 21st March, 2018. Opened by: Peter BAKI.
Date: 21.03.2018. – 15.04.2018.
Venue: FUGA – Budapest Center of Architecture/ 1052 Budapest, Petőfi Sándor utca 5.
It was in 1961 that Hungarian born Kondor arrived in the City of Chicago. The young photographer was awe-inspired by the newness and enormity of Chicago’s modern architectural wonders.
He prowled among landmarks created by giants in the history of Architecture such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. Chicago, the birth-place of the modern skyscraper, offered a forest of glass and metal to this new observer.
The images are in two phases – from 1961– 1969, using a 35 mm camera and working out of other photographers darkrooms, reflects Kondor’s inquisitive and emotional vision, searching for identities in this very American city. The second phase is from 1973 – 1994, returning from photographing the war in Vietnam, Kondor refocused his more mature and analytical gaze to many of the same buildings using a Hasselblad camera. These images were printed in 1994 in his commercial studio.
László Kondor now lives and works in Kapolcs, Hungary. His photographs are represented in the permanent collection of the NVAM, National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago and the Richard J Daley Collection in the UIC Library in Chicago.
Budapest Center of Architecture/ 1052 Budapest, Petofi Sandor utca 5. Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday 13:00-21:00 pm, Tuesday closed, Saturday-Sunday 11:00-21:00. www.fuga.org.huin**@fu**.hu +36 1 266 2395
The most notable symbol of Eger is undoubtedly its minaret which has been closed to visitors for some time during its reconstruction. The state of this Turkish monument has deteriorated a lot during the last few years, and the load-bearing capacity of the tower has also greatly decreased due to which the monument was in danger, reports Turizmus.com. Now, if the renovation goes according to the plans, the historic building can be opened to the public in the summer.
One of the most important historic monuments of the city of Eger is its minaret dating back to the Turkish era when it was built. As Minareteger.hu unveils, the 40-meter-tall building belonged to the Djami of Kethuda, but after the recapture of the city in 1687, locals wanted to destroy it with 400 oxen. Eventually, the tower was not destroyed and has stood the test of time.
However, by now it has become obvious that this monument is in urgent need of reconstruction since the state of its structure has seriously deteriorated in the last few years.
As Béla Lóczi, Technical Manager of the Hungarian National Asset Management Inc., reported, the vertical pillar of the building has moved away, and the load-bearing capacity of its foundation stones has also decreased due to which the stability of the minaret was in danger.
/www.minarethoteleger.hu/
For this reason, the Technical Manager of the Hungarian National Asset Management Inc. decided to strengthen the foundations of the building and renovate the monument. During the reconstruction, not only the tower, but its surroundings as well get renewed, and if everything goes according to the plans, the construction works can be finished until 30 June.
The already accomplished works were financed by the Technical Manager of the Hungarian National Asset Management Inc., but for the oncoming works, public procurement has been tailored.
Béla Lóczi also talked about the archaeological excavations related to the reconstruction that provided useful information for the experts. Among others, they got to know that the underground layers present in the Turkish era have been seriously stirred up during previous earthworks, but despite the damages, they could also document some extraordinary things related to the foundation of the building.
In spite of the archaeologically precious responses obtained during the excavations, several questions have rested unanswered. For instance, it is still unknown when the building was constructed since a number of theories exist about it. Furthermore, experts finding pieces of ceramic dishes dating back to the Turkish era would also like to get to know more information about them.
Twenty-five sites have been nominated for the European Heritage Label this year. An independent body formed by the European Commission selected the final nine sites that received the European Heritage Label. As we have reported earlier, the Dohány Street Synagogue Complex in Budapest was also nominated for the label. The Dohány Street Synagogue has been selected, and it is now officially a European Heritage site, reports TurizmusOnline.hu.
Together with the Dohány Street Synagogue, currently, there are 38 European Heritage sites in Europe. This year’s award ceremony will be held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria on 26 March.
What is the European Heritage Label?
According to the European Commission’s official website, European Heritage sites are:
“…milestones in the creation of today’s Europe. Spanning from the dawn of civilization to the Europe we see today, these sites celebrate and symbolise European ideals, values, history and integration.”
The website also says that European Heritage sites bring to life the European narrative and the history behind it.
Aims
The European Heritage Label aims to “focus on the promotion of the European dimension of the sites and providing access to them” and to allow visitors to “get a real feel for the breadth and scale of what Europe has to offer and what it has achieved.”
The Dohány Street Synagogue
The Dohány Street Synagogue is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest. It is the largest synagogue in Europe, and it is the second largest synagogue in the world. The whole synagogue was built in five years (1854-1859), and it was renovated in 1991. The Dohány Street Synagogue is a complex encompassing a museum, an archive, a memorial for the Hungarian Jewish soldiers who died in the First World War, a garden cemetery preserving the remains of the victims of the holocaust and the Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park.
László Hugyecz (Laszlo Hudec), a brilliant Hungarian architect, was born 125 years ago and died 60 years ago. He was a mastermind who was known better by the Chinese than by the Hungarian. Read along to find out why.
Have you ever tried typing #hudec on Instagram? Give it a try, and you will find hundreds of pictures of his works. But if you want to see them personally, you will have to travel far away from Hungary, because László Hugyecz became famous and successful far away from his homeland, in China. Szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu collected some interesting pieces of information about his life and work.
Because his father was a successful architect himself, he had a natural interest towards architecture from a very young age. Later on, he had the most excellent teachers in Hungary and got his diploma in architecture. In World War I, the Russian army held him captive near the Chinese border until he escaped to China. There, he learnt English and Chinese, got a job and, because those around him realised how talented he was, he got more and more orders. However, it has always pained him that he was not able to move back to his homeland, the Felvidék (part of the historical Greater Hungary).
Photo: Wiki CommonsPhoto: Wiki CommonsPhoto: www.idealshanghai.com
His life and work in China
From 1925 to 1941, he designed 37 buildings in Shanghai, that are still standing and functioning today.
One of his best-known works is the 22-story Park Hotel, which was the tallest building in Shanghai up until the 1980′.
In 1942, he was offered the post of honorary consul of Hungary in Shanghai. He accepted the position and during the Second World War, he saved lives giving shelter and papers for Jewish people.
After the war, in communist China, he was seen as a traitor, and this is why he was put in jail. He managed to escape to Switzerland. After that, he lived in Italy as well. Finally, he moved to San Francisco where an earthquake destroyed his house. He rebuilt it, but another quake came during which he died of a heart attack in 1958.
2008 was a Hudec-year in Shanghai, to make a tribute to this talented architect, who played a big role in shaping the city’s look.
It is interesting and also useful to know what tourists like the most about our country. Therefore, turizmus.com collected what to visit in Budapest, according to the Swedish point of view. Take a look!
Alltomresort, a Swedish touristic website, listed worth-visiting places in Budapest. Their colleagues didn’t just read about the city, but they experienced its charm personally! However, they do refer to Karavan guide’s tips as well.
Amazing sights in Budapest
According to Alltomresort’s journalists, Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő is essential to visit if you stay in Budapest. They call the building a palace, where you can even get married while bathing in hot water!
Photo: szechenyibath.hu
Memento Park’s communist statues are just as interesting. “When the iron-curtain was pulled up, and Hungary became officially free, people got rid of all communist symbols.” – writes the journalist duo.
Photo: Wiki Commons
The next attractions are rather gastronomical: the lovely Kéhli Vendéglő and Doblo winery.
Photo: Wiki CommonsPhoto: www.facebook.com/budapestwine
As for the buildings, the writers paid attention to the Hungarian Central Bank’s building as well as the Museum of Applied Arts.
Photo: Wiki CommonsPhoto: www.facebook.com/IparmuveszetiMuzeum
Furthermore, also the Danube charmed the Swedish people with its romantic, beautiful, and old bridges.
Cultural sights on the list include the Liszt Academy and the Hungarian State Opera, as well as the 360 rooftop bar, from where the view is mesmerizing.
Photo: Wiki CommonsPhoto: Wiki CommonsPhoto: www.facebook.com/360Bar
Budapest Pinball Museum is quite surprising on ht list unlike Szimpla Kert, which is a ruin bar in District 7.
Art Nouveau (or “New Art” in French) was a popular style between 1890 and 1910 that also conquered Hungary. The natural forms and structures along with the curved lines of plants and flowers very much characterise this style prevalent in art and architecture, and Budapest has some unique buildings that are excellent representatives of it. Mertutaznijo.cafeblog.hu collected 10 of these buildings, but of course, during a tour in the city, you can easily bump into further examples.
The history of the style and its characteristics
Secession, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Stile floreale, Tiffany style…. these names all refer to the same style appearing in literature, architecture, fine and applied arts. In Hungary, Art Nouveau architecture means a diverse artistic heritage dominant in the 19-20th century in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In architecture, it firstly appeared in the 1890s, and by the end of the 1910s, it came to its end.
Its most important characteristic features are the stylised images, the wavering ornamentation inspired by plants and geometric patterns and the use of light colours. What is also a particularity of these buildings is that architects preferred rounded shapes rather than angles.
Its major architectural representatives in Budapest
1. Museum of Applied Arts (Budapest, 9th district, Üllői Street 33-37)
The palace of the Museum of Applied Arts is the third oldest applied arts museum in the world. It is the masterpiece of the style of Art Nouveau built between 1893 and 1896 based on the plans of Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos. In the fall of 2017, the museum was closed to start its full reconstruction and expansion, but admiring the building only from outside will not disappoint you.
/imm.hu/
2. Geological and Geophysical Institute of Hungary (Budapest, 14th district, Stefánia Street 14)
It was during the reign of Franz Joseph I that on 18 June 1869, the foundation of the Hungarian Geographical and Geophysical Institution was agreed upon. The Institute was constructed in 1898-1899 based on the plans of Ödön Lechner. The execution works were carried out by Sándor Hauszmann, but the whole construction could not have been accomplished without the financial assistance of Andor Semsey. Its official inauguration took place on 7 May 1900. Franz Joseph himself also visited this exceptional Institute.
/keptar.oszk.hu
3. Bedő House /House of Hungarian Art Nouveau (Budapest 5th district, Honvéd Street 3)
The building, designed by Emil Vidor, reflects the influence of Belgian and French architecture. At the same time, the facade of the building also incorporates Hungarian patterns, like the Zsolnay ceramics patterns. Not long ago, the building was entirely renovated. Besides the private museum operating in the establishment and displaying furniture, porcelain, ironwork and paintings, visitors can sit into a lovely café, too.
/5.kerulet.ittlakunk.hu
4. Ernst Museum (Budapest, 6th district, Nagymező Street 8)
Originally, it was a private museum of Lajos Ernst that was set up in May 1912. In the building, visitors can see the works of two outstanding representatives of the Hungarian Art Nouveau style. One of them is Ödön Lechner who designed the hall, while the stained-glass windows are the masterpieces of József Rippl Rónai. Since 2013, the building gives a home to the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center where regular exhibitions can be visited.
/wikicommons by MarlaSinger7 //fesztivalnaptar.hu/
5. Royal Postal Savings Bank / today the Hungarian State Treasury (Budapest, 5th district, Hold Street 4)
The building, which was built based on the plans of Ödön Lechner and Sándor Baumgarten, was inaugurated in 1901. The Secession style typical of Lechner can be seen in the Hungarian flower patterns and the use of colourful ceramic tiles. The facade is decorated with beehives that are the symbols of savings reflecting the original function of the building. If you are in the neighbourhood, take a look at the building from outside. It is absolutely worth a visit. 🙂
/egykor.hu/
6. Gresham Palace / Four Seasons Hotel (Budapest, 5th district, Széchenyi Square 5-6)
The building was built in 1907 based on the plans of Zsigmond Quittner and the Vágó brothers and it operated as the headquarter of the London-based Gresham Life Assurance Company. Once, the very famous Gresham Café operated on the ground floor, and it was there that the exceptional Gresham circle composed of artists organised their regular reunions. Since 1987, the building along with other establishments overlooking the Duna is part of the World Heritage. After some renovation, the luxurious hotel, under the name of Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel, was reopened in 2004 providing 179 guest rooms to the visitors.
7. Gellért Bath and Hotel (Budapest, St Gellért Square)
The Gellért Thermal Bath was built between 1912-1918 in Art Nouveau style. In the last year of the World War, Russian prisoners of war also worked on the construction of the building. The bath was the 1st luxurious establishment of the capital, and at that time, it was the most modern bath in Europe. Of course, visitors today are also amused by its design and thorough decoration that contribute to the peaceful atmosphere of relaxation.
/gellertfurdo.hu//gellertfurdo.hu/
8. Zoo Pavilions (Budapest, 14th district, Zoo Avenue 6)
Most present-day buildings of the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden were built between 1909-1912. The Elephant House is one of the most well-known monuments of the zoo. Originally, the house, designed by Konrél Neuschloss, was named Pachyderm House. It is an exceptional example of the Art Nouveau style as far as both its exterior and interior decorations are concerned.
/wikicommons by Csanády/
9. Turkish Bank House (Budapest, 5th district, Szervita Square 3)
The building, once operating as a Turkish Bank house, is the perfect representative of the Art Nouveau style. It was designed by Henrik Böhm and Ármin Hegedüs in 1906. Most probably, its most prominent part is the facade that you can examine in the following photos.
/kitervezte.hu//kitervezte.hu/
10. Szenes House (Budapest, 14th district, Thököly Street 46)
The construction of the building complex was commissioned by Mór Szenes after whom the building was named. It was built in 1906 based on the plans of István Nagy. It has one of the most beautiful staircases in Budapest. The wrought-iron gate and the stucco decoration create the perfect harmony for the block of flats.
Hungary’s unique Miniature Hungary Maquette Park is definitely worth a visit! Guests can explore the tiny elements of many famous Hungarian buildings, boats and trains from a brand new perspective. The miniature masterpieces were carefully made in great detail. Furthermore, the park offers interactive programmes to keep the little ones busy and the older ones amazed.
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas
The park can be found in the beautiful Arboretum of Szarvas, which is the most significant arboretum in Hungary and lies in the picturesque area of the Körös river. Szarvas is the geometrical centre of both the Carpathian Basin and the historical Greater Hungary.
In the park, almost a hundred maquettes charm curious guests ranging from the youngest to the elderly age group. The collection of the famous building’s miniature replicas include the following but not limited to:
Moreover, there are fantastic boat and train tracks to admire. What is more, visitors can operate the 22 boat and railway models by pressing the buttons.
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas
Lake Balaton’s first paddle-steam boat, Kisfaludy, was put on water on the 21st of September 1846. It was the 55th birthday of Count István Széchenyi, the great reformer.
Photo: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas
The maquette park is constantly growing. Therefore, it is even worth to come back from time to time.
During your visit in Szarvas, don’t forget to check out other sights and programmes like the Water Theatre, the Katalinka cruise ship, the Saint András Brewery, the Körös-Maros National Park and the Arboretum of Szarvas. Have fun! 🙂
Featured image: www.facebook.com/MiniMagyarorszagSzarvas
Hungary has many wonders; this is why one should explore as many as possible. Based on the article of magyarorszagom.hu, we introduce you the amazing Church of Ják.
The church of Ják is the monumental basilica of the long-ago Benedictine Abbey of Ják. It was built in the Roman style and is an essential part of the Hungarian architecture. It is the only undamaged survivor of the Hungarian ethnical monasteries of the Middle Ages.
The church lies a hundred kilometres away from the capital. It is on the top of the hills in the Jáki-Soros-Stream Valley. Therefore visitors can see it from any direction.
History and construction
Its founder was Márton Jáki Nagy. He was a noble person, and he started to build a large estate in the 12th century. He wanted to be remembered for his wealth and power, so he ordered the building of this enormous church. During its construction, workers modified the plans several times. As a result, irregularity appears on the finished building. It was baptised in 1256, for the respect of Saint György.
Characteristics of the buildings
The thick-set church is visible from 10 to 15 kilometres away. It perfectly fits in its surroundings. From the south, the building is surrounded by a wall. The most famous part of the church, the main entrance is here. It is deepening, proportioned and decorated with Norman motives. Furthermore, above the gate, we can see a Jesus on the tympana with angels and apostles.
As we step inside, we can see the southern side with another gate. It is not as detailed as the main entrance, but its columns decorated with bay-leaves are beautiful. There is also an embossment of God’s sheep and a dragon figure around them. Leaving this gate behind, we find the entrance of the church, and across the street front, there is the Saint Jakab Chapel. In the middle ages, it was forbidden for the abbeys to function as town churches at the same time. Therefore, the chapel functioned as the church of the town.
The eastern side of the church is less decorated. There are semi-column triads herewith animals and leaf-ornaments. We can also see the Catholic man’s triumph over the dragons.
The sanctuary is decorated. The two-story main apse is in between the two lower side apses. On the main shoulder, there are leaf and chess patterns.
Going around the sacristy, we get back to the southern gate.
Inside of the church
Because of the loophole-like windows, it seems to be dark inside of the church. However, it doesn’t stop visitors to realise how massive the three-bayed basilica is. The loft is so big that is could have functioned as a separate chapel. The patron’s place was the sedilia behind the organ. The most-used elements of the decoration in the church are members of flora and fauna.
Owners and renovations
The estate had several different owners due to the historical events through the centuries. In 1455, Bertold Elderbach possessed it, but his son gave it to Tamás Bakócz. This is how the Erdődy Family inherited it.
1532 was an important date in the church’s history because back then the Ottoman attacked and seriously damaged the building. At this time the sculptures, which were accessible, were beheaded. From 1562, nobody lived here, and the burgess of Szombathely burnt it down in 1567.
Fortunately, the church was renovated between 1660 and 1666. At last, it was repaired between 1896 and 1904. This time, the central idea was to recreate the original look as explicitly as possible.Hungar
According to hvg.hu, Tanpo Solar School was eligible for the nomination for the Building of the Year Awards. The voting took place on the ArchDaily platform between January 24 and 31. The magazine selected the new wings of Central European University in Budapest, as well. Unfortunately, none of the two buildings could get to the next round.
Following the footsteps of Hungarian explorer, Kőrösi Csoma
In fact, the Csoma’s Room Foundation was founded 10 years ago on an entirely voluntary basis. The organisation appeared in the news last time in 2010 when they renovated the monastery fortress of Zangla. They built the monastery in the 16-17th century and
Hungarian volunteers did all the restoration works.
They restored not only the monastery but also some stupas in the neighbourhood. Interestingly, the monastery was the place where worldwide-known Hungarian explorer, Orientalist, linguist and author of the first Tibetan-English dictionary, founder of Tibetology, Sándor Kőrösi Csoma heat the Tibetan language between 1823 and 1824.
In fact, the foundation started to build a school there in 2012 because there was no heating in the former classrooms. Clearly, this made teaching impossible during winter since
the school is 3,800 meters above sea level in the mountains.
Fine Hungarian architecture in the Himalayas
Interestingly, it is the Sun that provides heating for the new school built by the Hungarian foundation. Besides, they built it exclusively of local materials. Of course, this architectural achievement took easily wind in the neighbourhood. Therefore, Tanpo, a small village in the Valley of the Zanskar River entrusted the foundation to build another school for them.
The community collected stone, earth, and straw and in spite of the extreme weather conditions the foundation completed the school building in only two months. Since
the building functions as a greenhouse too,
the school does not depend on fossil fuel. Moreover, designers taught local people how to maintain or even rebuild the structure, if necessary.
ArchDaily magazine put on the list of eligible buildings the new wings of CEU University in Budapest, as well. However, none of the two buildings was able to get into the next round. All in all, Hungarians can be proud of their innovative architects and brilliant ideas.
I might be biased as a humanities student, but libraries have always enchanted me. There is something special about the monumental buildings filled with the smell of old books. Even if you are not into books and reading, you can check out a few really beautiful libraries in Budapest that are simply really nice to look at.
1. Eötvös Loránd University Library
The Eötvös Loránd University Library at Ferenciek tere [Franciscans’ Square] is devoted to serve the students and teachers of Eötvös Loránd University. The building that we see today was built in 1876, and it was designed by Antal Szkalnitzky in an eclectic style. However, the library itself is much older, it was founded in 1561. The library currently has 1,600,000 volumes including 200 codices and 300 medieval charters.
Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org By Thaler
The library has a beautiful reading room which is almost always full with busy (and sometimes desperate) university students trying to catch up on their reading or preparing for their exams. The walls are decorated with beautiful murals.
Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org By Thaler
2. School of English and American Studies Library, ELTE
This library is really special. Eötvös Loránd University’s Faculty of Humanities had an old courtyard that hosted the popular pub Holdudvar (now located on Margaret Island), until the whole place was transformed into a huge library in 2006. As soon as you step into the library, you will be amazed by the incredibly high ceiling and the tons of natural light that fills up the huge space.
Photo: www.elte.hu
The number of books on the shelves might not seem so impressive at first sight, but the majority of the library’s collection is actually stored in the underground archive. Unfortunately, only students of the university can use the library itself, but nobody will be sent away for looking around a little.
3. BME Central Library
Photo: Flickr.com by Olivier Martel Savoie
The Central Library of Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) was founded in 1848. Until 1930, it was the only reference library in the country that had technical and natural science books. The library moved a lot over the years, and the building that we can see today was built in 1909 in neo-gothic style. The library’s building was designed by Samu Pecz.
4. Library of the Hungarian Parliament
Photo: www.latogatokozpont.parlament.hu
The library currently has 700,000 volumes. Besides the recent volumes of Hungarian and foreign journals, a huge collection of documents of the Hungarian Parliament is also located in the library. Obviously not anybody can borrow these documents, only representatives and employees of the parliament. Altogether 130 people can use the central reading room of the library.
5. Szabó Ervin Central Library
The Ervin Szabó Library Photo: www.fszek.hu
This is definitely one of the most popular libraries of the capital. It is a public library, unlike the others that have been mentioned on this list. The library was founded in 1904, and it was named after famous Hungarian social scientist Ervin Szabó, who was one of the first people to work at the library. The central library is located near Kálvin square at Szabó Ervin square, and it is actually part of a chain of libraries.
It might seem easy at first to Hungarians too, but you’ll soon realise that it is not so, says Magyarország Kúl. If you’ve paid close attention during your travels in Hungary, you’ll guess most of these. If you’ve not yet seen them, these are some great places to visit.
If you google Hungary or Budapest, you will find numerous travel journals, videos, articles written by foreigners, telling you why Hungary and the capital city is worth a trip. Buzzfeed did as well, highlighting festivals, different towns and traditions, hungaricums, also providing the reader with useful tips related to each item.
1 – Buda Castle
It is no wonder the Buda Castle is featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list, as it is possibly the most beautiful combination in the world, consisting of the hillside, architecture and the Danube.
Tip: try and visit the castle district after sundown, the lights are magical at those hours.
2 – Hortobágy
Hortobágy is the most plain-like plain not only in the Hungarian Great Plain but whole Europe. It is worth visiting because of the beautiful sunsets, the traditional Hungarian wells, and because of the trick shows of the Hungarian cowboys (‘csikós’).
Tip: Check out the Nine-holed Bridge, the symbol of Hortobágy.
photo: gotohungary.com
3 – Pécs
A pleasant Mediterranean climate, Europe’s most northern-located mosque, lively night-life and vast crowds of university students is why Pécs is the second best city in Hungary, according to Buzzfeed.
Tip: there’s a small village nearby, Villány, where you will find the best red wine in the country.
4 – Hollókő
Traditions are cultivated and protected everywhere in Hungary, but Hollókő stands out from the rest of the villages. The romantic sights, the old houses and the colourful traditional costumes are why you should not skip Hollókő if you’re interested in old Hungarian values.
Tip: if you can visit during Easter when the local men grab buckets full of water and honour the women by pouring a bucket onto each one of them.
photo: www.facebook.com/Hollókő, az élő falu
5 – Siófok
Just like Ibiza! Siófok is located on the southern bank of Lake Balaton, which is Central Europe’s largest lake. Siófok is practically a party town during the summer days. Beautiful Hungarian women, sunshine, clubs, where the party never ends, what else needs to be said?
Tip (for party lovers): a few kilometres away Hungary’s biggest electronic music festival, Balaton Sound, is organised yearly at Zamárdi.
Balaton Sound
6 – Esztergom
Esztergom is a charming town, which serves as Hungary’s spiritual home. At its heart lies the architectural and artistic wonder that the basilica is. Here the Danube serves as the border between Slovakia and Hungary. Esztergom is one of the oldest Hungarian cities, where you can literally breathe in history.
Photo: Wikicommons by Gábor Bejó
7 – Jewish traditions in Budapest
Do you remember that the Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest one on the European continent? Jewish traditions are thriving in Budapest and the 7th district, in the traditional Jewish district, you will find numerous memorials next to popular cafés and pubs.
Tip: make sure to take a walk along Kazinczy street.
The Dohány Street Synagogue Photo by Guavin Pictures
8 – Balaton Uplands
The Balaton Uplands on the northern bank of Lake Balaton often slip people’s attention, even though there is an abundance of things to be seen here. For example, tiny volcanoes, vineyards where you can get a taste of the local grape, cultural festivals, bicycle roads and a beautiful view of the lake.
Tip: you can get a view of the whole lake from the hill of the Tihany Abbey. The abbey is actually one of the most astonishing churches in Hungary.
photo: www.facebook.com/TihanyHivatalosOldala
9 – Aggtelek
Central Europe’s biggest and most intricate cave system is between an enchanted forest and the castle of a queen from a fairy tale. We’re not surprised that the Aggtelek Caves are also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tip: half of the cave belongs to Slovakia, thus on particular days you can cross the border underground.
Photo: Wiki commons by Fenyessanyi
10 – Sziget Festival
There’s an island on the Danube that goes crazy every August. One of Europe’s biggest and most popular music festivals is organised here for more than 20 years now. The festival’s success is so great abroad that the Dutch, French and Italian visitors outnumber the Hungarians.
Tip: if you’re already at Sziget, take a look around Budapest if you have some free time. All festival-goers do this.
photo: https://szigetfestival.com/en/
11 – Debrecen
Debrecen is Hungary’s second biggest city, also dubbed as the ‘Calvinist Rome’. The busy and devoted locals built a church on the main square, and you will hardly find another such well-kept city in Hungary. If you’re visiting in August, you might be able to catch the Flower Carnival.
Tip: the local football team is said to be the best in the country, and the football stadium is a pretty cool sight.
Photo: www.facebook.com/DebreceniVirágkarnevál
12 – Szentendre
Although Szentendre is extremely close to Budapest, it is an entirely different world. Szentendre is the beloved place of Hungarian artists and bohemians, and the cobbled streets and unusual cafés work like magnets when it comes to tourists.
Tip: the old royal Hungarian inhabitancy, the Visegrád castle, is located close-by, which if you visit Szentendre too, won’t even take up a day.
13 – The baths in Budapest
Be it roofed or outdoors, modern or medieval, steam bath or sauna, the Budapest baths will surely satisfy all your water-related cravings. There is a handful of baths to choose from in the city of waters.
Tip: be careful, some baths can be visited only by men.
The local aszú (muscatel) is rightfully crowned as the king of wines: Buzzfeed argues that an old Burgundy red wine will be just a quality grape juice compared to the wines that are produced at the hillsides of northern Hungary. Plus, the prices are reasonable.
Tip: the best hotels and restaurants in the area are in Mád.
photo: www.facebook.com/furmintfebruar
15 – Ecseri Flea Market
As we’ve said previously, it is indeed mind-blowing how many treasures and collection items you can find at this flea market near Budapest. All eras and all functions are represented here.
Tip: observe the sellers too, they are quite impressive people.
The Margaret bridge serves as an important crossing between Buda and Pest near the Margaret Island, also making it easy to access the beloved green spot. With this quiz, originally compiled by Magyarország Kúl, you can test your knowledge about it and learn some interesting things too.
It seems like this week is all about admiring our capital city and its wintery face. A few days ago we shared a breath-taking photo gallery about Budapest, and we thought that the following video would compliment it very well. We hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as we do 🙂
The video – shared on Szeretlek Magyarország’s page – was made by Attila Szitás with his drone. The shots are truly unique, they give an overview of the city from above – an angle most of us can only see through videos. The city looks as if it was dwelled by nobody, while the white rooftops beautifully highlight the buildings. Moreover, the video has been edited in a way that it sometimes resembles the Inception movie.
You might be able to tell that we can get quite excited about even a little snow in Hungary since it’s not an everyday spectacle. It can take your winter experience in Budapest to a whole new level 🙂
444.hu reports that new plans were born during a design contest announced for the renovation of the Király Thermal Bath in Budapest. It is high time that the bath, one of the most well-known recreational institutions of the capital and also one of the worst in condition, gets renewed based on the winner plan of the 3h Architectural Office. Here are the details of the future renovation!
If everything goes according to the plans, the well-known Király Thermal Bath is going to be closed in 2019 while it is under renovation. It is not only one of the most outstanding baths of the capital but also one of those still operating ones that were constructed during the Turkish Siege of Buda, which by now is in critical condition. Therefore, it is high time to start the reconstruction.
The Király Bath in 1959/Fortepan/ Budapest Főváros Levéltára. Levéltári jelzet: HU_BFL_XV_19_c_11/
Last year, the Budapest Healing Baths and Hot Springs Ltd. (BGYH) announced a design contest for architects concerning the renovation of the Király Thermal Bath. The submitted plans were evaluated together by the management of the BGYH and the Association of Hungarian Architects. Although the jury chose the winner, it does not automatically mean that the winner plan is going to be realised because a lot depends on the financial matters, too. If, for instance, they announce a public procurement, a new contest can also be announced where besides architectural aspects, financial issues are going to be taken into consideration as well.
This design contest was about renovation and a little expansion, too, because the management would like to replace the entrance from the Fő Street to the Ganz Street and would like to construct a new 20 or 25-meter long swimming pool, too.
In addition to this, the current buildings are going to be divided into 2 zones, a Turkish zone and a wellness zone, and the request for a covered courtyard and a display section have to be also satisfied.
The layout of the bath/facebook/3h építésziroda – 3h architecture/
The reason why the renovation of the bath is such a significant challenge to architects is that the complex does not have a consistent style. For instance, the most notable part of the bath, the Turkish dome, was constructed in the 16th century, while the neighbouring buildings were later built in baroque and classicistic styles between the 18th-19th centuries.
Furthermore, the building was damaged in the Second World War, and it was only between 1954-1959 that it was restored to its former glory.
Altogether 24 architectural offices submitted plans for the design contest from which 11 were announced to the public. The common feature of all the plans was that they do not intend to make drastic changes to the bath. Moreover, they want to remove the parking lot maintained for the employees and construct a roof garden.
The contest was won by the 3h Architectural Office which wants to preserve the spacious layout of the spa without changing the existing buildings. They would only like to demolish the expansion built to the atrium in the 20th century and construct a new 20-meter long swimming pool.
Matthias Church has been the venue of historical events for centuries. It was the building where the crowned kings showed themselves to the population of the capital. It was also the church where deceased monarchs were laid out, and the living ones swore their oaths.
Though people living in Budapest might walk by the magnificent monument, we tend to know only a little about one of the capital’s most brilliant jewel. Magyarorszagom.hu collected ten facts about Nagyboldogasszony Church that most people are not aware of.
The origin of the name
Naturally, the church was named after King Matthias as he was the most generous supporter of the construction. The southern tower — which is 80 meters tall — also bears his name, because he ordered its restoration and marking it with his symbol, the raven. Matthias was married twice, both ceremonies being held here: one of the gates preserves the memory of the second one with Beatrice of Naples.
The oldest church in Budapest
Its construction began in 1255 during the reign of Béla IV, who was rebuilding the country after the Mongolian raids of 1241-1242. That is the reason why one of the towers bears his name. You can read more about the construction here.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
It is the coronation church of Hungary
Multiple monarchs were crowned in this building, including Charles Robert, Austrian-Hungarian emperor Franz Joseph I and the last king of Hungary, Charles IV. The church also used to preserve the symbols and banners of past military campaigns.
The Nagyboldogasszony Church
The first Christian ruler of Hungary, Saint Stephen I offered the country for Virgin Mary, so she became the patron of Hungarians. A statue of Mary wearing the replica of the Sacred Crown stands at the main altar.
It was used as a mosque
Matthias Church used to be Buda’s primary mosque during the Ottoman occupation of the country. After the Muslims conquered the capital in 1541, they painted the walls white and covered the inscriptions with citations from the Quran. It was later used as armoury and stables.
The bell toll at noon
The legend claims that it was the bell tower of Matthias Church where they first ringed the bells celebrating the victory at Nándorfehérvár (Belgrade) in 1456.
Whether if it is true or not, the Hungarian Television aired the bell toll of Matthias Church’s Szent Károly bell every noon between 1994 and 2011.
The resting place of a royal couple
The remains of Béla III and Anna of Antioch were found in Székesfehérvár. They were later placed in Matthias Church for their final rest.
It was the first place where Franz Liszt’s Coronation Mass was played
World-famous composer Franz Liszt composed the mass for Emperor Franz Joseph I. This lead to the monarch’s generous support of the royal organ’s renewal. This organ became a public attraction with its unique, powerful sound.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Handmade Zsolnay tiles were used
The fascinating coloured ceramic tiles of the church were made by the famous Zsolnay Manufacture, giving the building a mild modern taste.
World War II devastated it
During the siege of Budapest, the capital suffered heavy losses. Fortunately, some of the church’s valuables managed to evade the damage: these include the painted window glasses made by Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz, which were hidden during the war so that they can be still seen in their original form on the Southern side of the church.
The world’s largest Gömböc statue has been erected on Corvin Promenade in Budapest, Hungary. The 4.5-meter high stainless steel Corvin Gömböc weighing more than 4 tonnes is also the world’s first outdoor Gömböc shaped statue. The Gömböc, one of the most important Hungarian inventions of the 21st century, is also the symbol of the Hungarian ingenuity.
The Corvin Gömböc statue raised at Nokia Skypark located on Corvin Promenade is a stainless steel shell supported on a frame. The Corvin Gömböc was commissioned by Futureal Group, a leading real estate development company in Central Europe. The statue has been completed by Direct Line Kft under the artistic supervision of József Zalavári in association with the inventors of the Gömböc.
The Gömböc was invented by two Hungarian architect-engineers, Gábor Domokos and Péter Várkonyi, both teaching at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
The Gömböc is the first known convex, homogeneous object to have just one stable and one unstable equilibrium point.
It is easy to prove that objects with less than two equilibria do not exist. The existence of the Gömböc was conjectured by one of the greatest mathematicians, Vladimir Igorevich Arnold.
Photo: Futureal Group
Photo: Futureal Group
Photo: Futureal Group
Photo: Futureal Group
Because of its similarity to the sphere, the Gömböc is one of the most sensitive geometric forms. It does not exist in the non-organic environment (pebbles), because the constant erosion changes the number of its balance points. The organic environment, however, managed to produce a Gömböc-like shape in the form of the shell of the Indian Star Tortoise. Gömböc-motivated abrasion theory has already led to interesting discoveries in planetary sciences, including the reconstruction of the provenance of Martian pebbles based alone on the pictures taken by NASA’s Curiosity and it served as an independent confirmation of past fluvial activity on the Red Planet. The Gömböc also helped to explain the bizarre, elongated shape of the first observed interstellar asteroid Oumuamua.
Photo: Futureal Group
Photo: Futureal Group
Photo: Futureal Group
Photo: Futureal Group
Photo: Futureal Group
Photo: Futureal Group
The length of the Corvin Gömböc’s shell makes a reference to Vladimir Igorevich Arnold’s work: 4851 is the 97th extactic number and the Corvin Gömböc was designed so that its length reaches 4851 millimetres at the temperature of 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius). Extactic numbers appeared in the work of Professor Arnold on the generalization of the 4-vertex Theorem, which is closely tied to the Gömböc shape.
Beside its function as a tourist attraction, the world’s largest Gömböc statue standing next to Nokia Skypark office building developed by Futureal Group raises attention to the scientific activities carried out in the area.
Prestigious institutes including Semmelweis University, IT faculty of Pázmány Péter Catholic University and Institute of Experimental Medicine of Hungarian Science Academy operate nearby Corvin Promenade.
11 projects were awarded this year at the Architectural Excellence Awards and 3 additional projects were given an award certificate. The prizes were given at the annual closing assembly of National Federation of Hungarian Building Contractors (ÉVOSZ), as Magyarépítők reported.
The competition was announced in spring the 18th time. The competition had eight categories for that projects with a budget of more than 100 million forints (about 320,000 euros) could be submitted. They also had to begin functioning at least one year prior to the submission.
Builder: CD Hungary Ingatlanhasznosító, Forgalmazó és Szolgáltató Zrt.
Designer: Archikon Kft.
The building was rebuilt multiple times. This building from the 19th century combines Historical Hungarian and modern features. It was designed by Adolf Feszty on the orders of Baron Henrik Schossberger between 1880 – 1882. Now it functions as a four-star hotel with 99 rooms. The inner courtyard was covered with a glass roof. The original frescoes of the building were preserved at the entrance and the lobby. The estate lies at a favourable location: the service units are situated along the neighbouring firewall, while the rooms overlook the three streets surrounding the hotel. The uppermost floor has a presidential room facing the dome of the Basilica. The building deterred by the end of the ‘90s, but Hungarian investors opened the hotel in March 2016 after a series of renovations.
Builder: Benedictine High School of Pannonhalma Charitable Foundation
Designer: Gutowski Építész Kft. (Páty)
Public building / Education category
Students’ Dormitory of National University of Public Service
Builder:National University of Public Service
Designer:Finta és Társai építész Stúdió Kft.
The dormitory is situated on the corner of Orczy Street and Üllői Street. The building is currently replacing the absent brick wall of the campus. The panorama is occupied by Orczy garden, while Campus Square serves as a splendid venue for marches and festivals. A mildly tilted sunbathing hillside was created on one side, which faces towards the garden lake and serves as a green roof. The dormitory has 600 free beds with apartments for 2+2 people. These apartments have their own bathrooms and there are tea kitchens and public rooms on every floor. Reception, multifunctional rooms and a buffet can be found on the ground floor, while a garden and bike storage awaits outdoors.
Public building / Education category
Central European University’s new building
Builder: CEU Oktatási – Szolgáltató Nonprofit Ltd.
Central European University united its campus in its former centre in Nádor Street. It is the first stage of a larger investment. This stage affected two buildings: 13th Nádor Street, which is a Classicistic housing designed by József Hild was connected to 15th Nádor Street. The Irish architects created an interesting, unique inner structure for the twin building. The execution had strictly limited space in a world heritage environment.
Public building / Church construction category
Mátraverebély – Szentkút National Shrine complex, partly renovated
Builder: Fons Sacer clerical person, Magyarok Nagyasszonya Franciscan Order
Designer: LINT Építészeti és Művészeti Kft. (Budapest).
Monument restoration, building renovation category
Szombathely, Bishop’s Palace, the restoration of the bombarded wing, renovation of the facade and the roof
Builder:Diocese of Szombathely
Designer:4RAM Építészmérnök Iroda Kft. (Göd)
Monument restoration, building renovation category
Komárom, the repair of the security of Almásfüzitő Flood Protection Bay
Builder: North-Transdanubian Water Directorate (Győr)
Designer: SOLVEX Környezet- és Vízgazdálkodási Tervező és Kivitelező Kft. (Szombathely)
Architectural Excellence Award is represented by a bronze plate with the name of the creators on it, attached to the construction. The ceremonial inauguration of the plates will take place during the spring of 2018.
