Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Argentina’s new President Javier Milei for bilateral talks in Buenos Aires late on Saturday, the prime minister’s press chief said.
The talks focused on political cooperation “in the interest of more effective fight against international leftist forces” as well as opportunities to further developing bilateral ties, Bertalan Havasi said in a statement. Orbáncongratulated Milei on his election victory and invited him to pay an official visit to Hungary.
Orbán meets Catholic lawmakers’ network members in Argentina
Orbán met Argentinian members of the International Catholic Lawmakers’ Network (ICLN) in Buenos Aires on Sunday, Orbán’s press chief said. At the meeting, Orbán discussed challenges for and opportunities in Christian Democratic policy making with MPs and state secretaries of Argentina.
Read also:
Orbán face to face with ‘The Trump of the Tropics’ – Read more HERE
Final decision: euro hundred millions to come to Hungary in 2024 – Details in THISarticle
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held talks with former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Buenos Aires on Saturday, his press chief said.
Their talks focused on the international cooperation of conservative parties and the Hungarian prime minister briefed Bolsonaro about the political achievements of the European right, Bertalan Havasi told MTI.
Orbán wished Bolsonaro much success in the Brazilian municipal elections next year while the former president wished the Hungarian premier success in the EP and Hungarian local elections also taking place in 2024.
The Hungarian prime minister is in Buenos Aires to attend the inauguration of Javier Milei, the newly elected president of Argentina, on Sunday.
PM Orbán with his Brazilian friends:
Orbán has talks with Spain’s VOX leader
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held bilateral talks with Santiago Abascal, the head of Spain’s VOX party, in Buenos Aires on Saturday, Orbán’s press chief said.
The talks focused on cooperation ahead of next year’s EP elections and efforts to protect national sovereignty, Bertalan Havasi said. Orbán and Abascal made a commitment to deepen “cooperation between the ever strengthening right-wing parties in Europe”, he said in a statement.
Read also:
Final decision: euro hundred millions to come to Hungary in 2024 – Read more HERE
Budapest-Vienna railway connection to be restored with many changes – Details in THISarticle
Near Veszprém on an isolated private property stands Szentkirályszabadja, or as the locals call it, the ghost town. Better known as the “Hungarian Chernobyl”, the city has been empty for the last three decades.
Despite the name, there’s no radiation here, the name mostly reflects the abandonment of the place. Szentkirályszabadja used to be a massive Soviet barrack, built for Russian and Ukrainian soldiers back in the 1960s. There were all kinds of luxuries for the soldiers and their families who were stationed here. The busy military complex was home to around seven thousand souls.
Next to the five-storey panel houses, there was a theater, cinema, store, pub, post office, kindergarten, and school—a complete small town, all built in the typical Soviet style, catering to the needs of the soldiers.
Naturally, little to no people were allowed to pass through the doors of the complex. Obviously, the locals and the soldiers started trading their goods like alcohol, tobacco and even colored TV, which was considered a huge luxury back in the day. That may have been a contributing factor in the lavish living conditions of the barracks of Szentkirályszabadja.
In contrast to Chernobyl, there was no hurry here in the evacuation. There was no radioactive blast, only the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The demobilisation and withdrawal of Soviet soldiers took place gradually and leisurely. That’s why none of the buildings have children’s toys or kitchen equipment. People took what they needed and left.
By 1990, the barracks were almost completely emptied, guarded by the Hungarian state until 1996. After that, it was up for grabs, and grab they did. Not much is left of the furnishings of the flats. Everything made of wood or iron is gone. Mostly, it’s just graffiti on the walls and houses being reclaimed by nature. That’s why ever since 1996, the barracks have been standing abandoned, gradually falling into decay. Nowadays, they are mostly used as airsoft or paintball competitions.
Nevertheless, the empty homes create an eerie picture, no matter in what kind of weather or time of day you’re checking them out.
Check out this article, that talks about even more abandoned places HERE!
Life doesn’t stop when it gets cold and dark outside, and neither should you! Here’s a list of all the best places around Lake Balaton, where you can warm your hands and soul with a lovely cup of coffee when the winter chills arrive.
1. Buborék – Csopak
Where once stood an unassuming old grocery store now stands the modern French patisserie that is Buborék. They specialise in breakfast and brunch options, magyarorszagom.hu writes. There’s also a ton of special pastries on the menu that you definitely shouldn’t miss. For those who are leaning more into the special part of gastronomy, they also offer sushi. The place also functions as a bicycle shop and accommodation–though you can only get a room when summertime rolls around.
2. Bergmann Cukrászda – Balatonfüred
Everybody knows that Bergmann has the best French cream puffs, so if you’re around town you definitely need to stop by for a taste. This confectionery is best described by the word classic, because let’s be honest, it’s an old-timer gem. They have everything from coffee spiced with rum and liqueur to the beloved Eszterházy cake.
3. Karolina Kávéház – Balatonfüred
In Karolina Kávéház, you can enjoy the calming view of the lake and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Füred at the same time. Here, they do things the way grandma does, and you can do it that way too! Just sign up for a workshop and learn all the intricacies of traditional pastry making. You can even get a peek behind the curtain and see how the Karolina works from the inside!
4. Rege Cukrászda of the Abbey – Tihany
This confectionery has been in the hearts of locals and visitors alike for the last 60 years. Here you are guaranteed a fantastic view, perhaps even the best in the whole Tihany peninsula. Not only that, but since we’re talking about Tihany, lavender is also an unmissable element in their baking. You can even watch how they prepare their iconic goods! After all that, you get to taste the taste of Tihany with a cup of their specially roasted Abbey coffee.
5. La Téne – Badacsony
This one is for the weekend-visitors. During the week, they operate a pop up in Budapest and in the weekend, they open their shop in Badacsony. You can enjoy the sights while sipping their new-wave coffee. A quick visit or a two-day trip, this café welcomes everyone!
6. Promenád Kávéház – Balatongyörök
If you want to crown your hike with something special, you should definitely visit Balatongyörök. Here, above the Szépkilátó, you can relax after your chilly hike with a lavender latte, winter tea or some homemade pastries. Winter hikes never tasted so sweet!
7. Füge Fagyiudvar és Kávéház – Veszprém
Don’t get discouraged by the name! The Fagyiudvar (Ice Cream Court) offers tasty baked goods instead of cones once the chill arrives. When visiting Veszprém, you should definitely pop by Óváros Square for a taste!
Hungary’s president met Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the mother of the president of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Saturday.
Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak is well-known and respected for her humanitarian activity in the Emirates. Her foundation supports health-care, education and welfare institutions.
Katalin Novak and Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak agreed on the importance of families and the need to support families, “which form the basis of society”, the president’s office said on Saturday.
In connection with demographic issues, Novak recalled her address given at the climate summit on Friday, when she spoke about how the family was not the problem was the solution to climate change. Novak said that in her opinion, climate change, poverty, inequality, biological diversity, water and “the demographic ice age” could only be tackled together. “We must protect the Earth for our children,” she said.
Novak addressed the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai on Friday before conducting bilateral talks with Cypriot president Nikos Christodoulides, Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh, Mongolian president Uhnagin Hurelszuh, King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Polish president Andrzej Duda and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, among others.
On Saturday, the Hungarian president will attend the national holiday of the United Arab Emirates. December 2, the anniversary of the unification of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the other emirates is being celebrated with fireworks and other spectacles.
Read also:
Hungarian President met Charles III and pharaoh-researcher Hungarian archaeologists in Egypt – Read more HERE
Huge success for PM Orbán? Tens of billions of euros may come to Hungary soon
Hungarian archaeologists at Egyptian excavations – Meeting with Hungarian archaeologists researching in ancient Thebes, present-day Luxor, Katalin Novák wrote under some photos shared about her official visit in Egypt.
“As the final stop of my official visit to Egypt, I visited the excavation of the Theban cemetery, where Hungarian archaeologists have been working for forty years, initially led by Professor of Egyptology László Kákosy, and now under the leadership of Professors Tamás Bács, Zsolt Vasáros, and Zoltán Fábián.
We can be proud of the Hungarian archaeologists! And now, I am heading to the Climate Summit, where I will speak tomorrow”, she wrote. Here are her photos:
Furthermore, she met with Charles III. “We had a conversation with King Charles III before the opening ceremony about our expectations from the Climate Summit.
The Climate Summit (COP28) is about to begin, and I will be speaking on behalf of Hungary”, she wrote.
President in Dubai: ‘Sustainable future requires sustainable demography’
Family is not the cause but the solution of the climate crisis, a sustainable future requires a sustainable demography, the Hungarian president said in her address at the UN COP28 climate conference in Dubai on Friday. Katalin Novák called climate change one of the few issues in which world leaders shared a common understanding and were uniting their forces.
“Hungary has done its homework. We have one of the world’s most ambitious climate agendas. We have substantially reduced our CO2 emissions while increased economic productivity,” she said.
Novák said Hungary expected to achieve its renewable energy target set for 2030 already by 2026, adding that the country’s greenhouse gas emission target for 2030 was 50 percent of the 1990 level. “Hungary is at the forefront of producing and storing green energy, and we are not giving up on the use of zero-emission nuclear energy, either,” the president said.
She pointed to the problem of welfare states witnessing a dramatic population decline. She said correlation between GDP and fertility was obvious, arguing that “the higher the prosperity, the lower the fertility. The more money, the fewer children.”
“Climate crisis, poverty, equality, biodiversity, water, and the phenomenon of the demographic ice age can only be understood together. What is the point in protecting the Earth if not for our children?”, said Novák .
She warned against “discouraging the youth from childbearing” and called for “giving up the culture of fear” and “listening to Pope Francis saying yes to life”.
The UN COP28 conference is attended by 80,000 participants including the heads of state and government from 140 countries.
Read also:
Want to find peace and security? Come to Budapest! – Read more HERE
Hungarian President Novák discusses illegal migration, Gaza Strip with Egypt’s Sisi
Public transport is to become free from 1 January in a Hungarian town close to Budapest. Here is everything you should know about the groundbreaking change and why it is worth visiting the town.
According to Pénzcentrum, Tata will celebrate the new year by providing free public transport for everybody living in or visiting the town. According to the local council, they pay more than HUF 120 million (EUR 316,885) for the local bus company and the state gives a similar sum, too. However, the revenue from selling tickets and passes reaches only HUF 30 million (EUR 79,000).
Therefore, the local council accepted that they would provide free public transport instead of increasing the ticket prices.
And why is it worth visiting Tata besides the free public transport? HEREwe collected the reasons. Firstly, you can reach it quickly by train or car. Second, there is a beautiful lake and a magnificent castle on its shores. The castle is so popular that several movies and series were shot there, including The Borgias and The Pillars of Earth.
Furthermore, there is an Esterházy Castle there next to the Old Lake.
We wrote HEREabout Platán Gourmet, Hungary’s first rural restaurant that received two Michelin stars last year. According to the Michelin Guide, two Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants that not only use top quality ingredients and consistently high standards of preparation of dishes with unique flavours but where the chef’s personality and talent are reflected in the refined and inspired dishes.
President Katalin Novák discussed illegal migration, the importance of peace and economic issues, among other topics, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on Monday.
The two heads of state reviewed their diplomatic activities and agreements of recent years and discussed topical issues pertaining to the future, Tamás Schanda, the Sándor Palace‘s cabinet chief, told public media.
Concerning illegal migration, Egypt was a key player in the region, adding that Hungary and the whole of the European Union counted on the north African country to keep illegal migration at bay.
Novák and el-Sisi, who talked behind closed doors for over an hour and a half, also touched on the situation in the war zones in their countries’ neighbourhoods. They were in agreement that both of their countries had a vested interest in stability and peace in their regions.
As regards economic ties, Hungarian businesses were present in the Egyptian market and Hungary had fulfilled an “unprecedented” order of rolling stock by Egypt.
Hungary is confident that it will be able to export more transport vehicles to Egypt in the future.
Egypt was a strategic partner of Hungary, calling it a key player in the region with a decisive say in attempting to implement solutions in crisis zones. Hungary and Egypt were also each other’s natural allies and were bound by their strategic thinking as well as the joint projects and achievements of recent years, he added.
Both presidents and countries considered traditional values like family important, the cabinet chief said, adding that Novák and el-Sisi had also discussed the Stipendium Peregrinum scholarship scheme for Hungarian students who have applied to the world’s best universities.
According to a statement on the Egyptian presidency’s website, Novák expressed appreciation for Egypt’s role in safeguarding stability and peace in the Middle East.
The two heads of state were in agreement on the need to condemn the targeting of all civilians, reject forced displacement and prevent the expansion of the conflict in the region.
Concerning the Russia-Ukraine war, Novák and Sisi were in agreement on the importance of robust international action to resolve the crisis.
Regarding developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, President el-Sisi underlined the importance of reaching a lasting ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian assistance, adding that the conflict must not spill over into the West Bank. The region’s stability and security was closely linked to the international recognition of the Palestinian state, along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as the capital, he said.
During her official visit to Egypt, Novák also held talks with Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Hanafy Gebaly.
Photo: MTI
On Tuesday, she will meet Pope Tawadros II, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and on Friday she will address the United Nations COP28 climate summit.
As we wrote earlier, the Egyptian pyramids came closer to Hungary: new Wizz Air flights, details HERE.
read also: László Almásy’s achievements are being revived in Egypt, details HERE.
Balatonfüred already had reason to be proud of its ice rink, but with these new additions, it can boast even more. The ice rink is undergoing a serious renovation and expansion, meaning that there’s even more chilled fun waiting for visitors and locals alike once the frost sets in. The ice rink is located at the waterfront so guests can not only have plenty of space for skating, but they can also enjoy the fantastic view.
The renewed ice rink of Balatonfüred will stretch on for a kilometer. Skaters can enjoy the beloved Zákony Street, and ice rinks will also be open to visitors on the Tagore promenade and Vitorlás Square. The three rinks will be connected by a new ice corridor that will make the ice rink system stand out in many aspects. The corridor will provide a separate lane for back and forth skating traffic and a terrific view of Lake Balaton.
Changes in the air
András Holczer, deputy major, said to balatonfured.hu that “the city has successfully operated the Zákonyi ice rink for years and we would like to extend the community space it has become. That’s why we’re providing a unique winter experience for the locals and visitors of the city. The new ice rink will be impressive, spectacular, and beloved.”
The new chilled experience with the three combined ice rinks will have around 1600 squaremetres for the skaters to explore. The facilities will include a buffet, warming area, rental tent and secure lockers. The rinks will also be able to host several icy sport, such as ice hockey and curling. Those who are a little bit unstable on their skates have nothing to fear, because there are also animal-shaped skating aids.
Accommodating the rink
Those who don’t skate have nothing to worry about either, the waterfront will still be accessible to those without skates. There will be a special overhead pedestrian bridge, built above the ice corridor so those who don’t wish to be on the ice can still enjoy the view. The Vitorlás Square Park, waterfront, and buildings can still be accessed with a slight detour, the only modifications in traffic will be Zákonyi Street temporarily becoming a dead-end and the relocation of the Vitorlás Square bus stop. Other than that, life goes on as normal in the icy Venice of the Balaton.
Source: FB/Balatonfüredi Jégpálya
There are multiple entrances to the rink system, two of which are located on the ice corridor. Tickets can be bought at the Zákonyi and Vitorlás rinks at a friendly price rate. Locals, children and students can claim discounts, although prices may vary on the weekends. The opening for the Zákonyi rink will be held on the 1st of December and the total of the rink system will be open to guests from the middle of December until the end of January of 2024.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán spoke by phone with Javier Milei, the newly elected president of Argentina, and congratulated him on his election victory, on Friday, Orbán’s press chief said.
Milei invited Orbán to attend the inauguration ceremony set for 10 December in Buenos Aires which the Hungarian prime minister accepted, Bertalan Havasi said.
Here is a video of the chainsaw man leading Argentina:
Orbán: Hungary to become meeting point for most developed companies from East, West
Hungary’s national economic strategy is built on the idea to make Hungary a meeting point of the most developed companies from the East and the West, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Friday. Orbán expressed his congratulations in Baku for the revival of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).
He said that after participating in international politics for 33 years, his experience was that the past 10 years had been very different from the previous 20. Following the financial crisis, Europe was hit by a migration crisis eight years ago, which was followed by a pandemic, then the war broke out in Ukraine and most recently, the security crisis started in the Middle East, he added.
“We must prepare for having to find solutions that promote the development of our respective countries under stormy circumstances even in the future,” he said.
The revival of SPECA can be of great help in this situation, he added.
Europe has been in the frontline of the aforementioned challenges, with a war under way in Europe, the continent’s competitiveness deteriorating, more and more countries developing parallel societies, and the threat of terror continually growing, he said.
European economic growth rested on a firm basis in the past three decades, he said. The idea was to link developed western technology with easily and cheaply available energy from the east, mainly from Russia, he added. However, as a result of the war and the response given to the war, this cooperation has disintegrated and no new strategy has been developed, he said.
A great debate is under way in Europe about how to link the continent with the world located to the east. “There are two schools of thought in this debate, one wants to get separated and the other wants to get connected,” he added.
Car manufacturing is a backbone for the European economy, and as there is a need for green transition, large western manufacturers depend on eastern suppliers, he said.
Central Europe has lost out on blocs forming in the world before, Orbán said. “We want the economic era forming now to be determined by connections and cooperation based on mutual respect.”
A new, successful European economic strategy is impossible without a connection between central Asia and Europe, he added.
Orbán said central Asia’s role had grown considerably recently from Europe’s point of view, and future connections and a civilised East-West cooperation needed mediators. “We in Europe see central Asia as a region connecting European and eastern routes of transport, trade and digital relations.”
A safe, reliable and modern transport route between Europe and Asia is also in Hungary’s interest, he said.
“Hungary has the highest proportion of Asian investments, and the role of central Asian energy resources in growing constantly,” he said.
The government is working to strengthen that process in the future, and so it is supporting initiatives strengthening the region and cooperation there, he said.
Hungary was one of the signatories of the UN declaration hailing cooperation in the region, he added.
The government is also building a strong, “brotherly friendship” with Azerbaijan, and has fostered strong cooperation in the energy industry, he said.
Trade between the two countries is expected to top all records this year, and the number of companies in Azerbaijan is growing. The first deliveries of natural gas from Azerbaijan have arrived in Hungary.
Hungary will be happy to continue developing economic cooperation between central Asian countries, Orbán said.
Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, on Friday met Mehmet Kacir, Türkiye’s minister for industry and technology, and discussed the most important issues of bilateral economic cooperation with him.
“We reviewed the most important issues of bilateral economic cooperation, and were happy to see that the past few years have brought dynamic development in Hungarian-Turkish relations,” Szijjártó said on Facebook after the meeting in Dunakeszi, near Budapest.
“Turkish export to Hungary was at an all-time high last year, trade volume has grown by 29 percent this year, and we managed to build a strong and effective cooperation in defence industry, an indicator of the highest degree of trust possible,” Szijarto said.
Turkiyeremains an important factor in Hungary’s energy security, and there are hopes of finalising an agreement on gas purchases with the largest Turkish energy company before year-end, he said.
The two countries’ railway companies have also signed an agreement on submitting tenders together, within and outside Europe, he added. “We also agreed that the number of flights should be increased, and we will give Turkish Airlines the opportunity to do so,” Szijjártó said.
NBH signs cooperation agreement with Kazakh financial market watchdog
The National Bank of Hungary (NBH) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), Kazakhstan’s financial markets regulator, Hungary’s central bank and financial market watchdog said on Friday. The agreement involves an exchange of general information and the organisation of workshops and forums. The agreement was signed by NBH deputy-governor for oversight Csaba Kandracs and AFSA CEO Nurkhat Kushimov during the NBH’s Eurasia Forum held on November 23-24.
Read also:
Wizz Air increases number of flights to European cities, wins prestigious award – Read more HERE
Europe has a longstanding history with good beer, one of the most classic beverages that everyone knows and loves. So, where can you find the cheapest pint?
Here‘s a list of locations with the most affordable beer in Europe, compiled specifically with this question in mind.
Debrecen
First on the list is the charming Hungarian city of Debrecen, located on the eastern side of the country. Debrecen, one of Hungary’s largest cities with its own airport, is easily accessible and well worth a visit. You can enjoy a pint of beer here for around one Euro. Don’t forget to read our article HERE on why you should absolutely never toast with beer in Hungary.
Chisinau
Second on the list is Chisinau in Moldova. Here, numerous little pubs are hidden between the brutalist blocks of Soviet-era architecture, adding to the mood for those craving beer. In Chisinau, you can find a good pint for around 1.20 Euros.
Szeged
The honourable third place also goes to Hungary. This spot belongs to Szeged, a city in the south of the country, living up to its name as the ‘city of sunshine.’ In Szeged, visitors can wander the old town and stop for a pint at any of the quaint pubs, with the cost being only around 1.22 Euros.
Szczecin
Sadly, Poland has just about missed the podium. In the tight-knit competition, it’s the lovely city of Szczecin that gets the mention, representing Poland in the long line of the cheapest European beers. In Szczecin, you can find a good pint for less than 1.35 Euros.
Presov
Next on our list is Slovakia, a country well-known for its rich beer culture. Here you can kick back after a good hike with some quality beers in Presov for 1.37 Euros.
Burgas
Coming in close after Slovakia is Bulgaria. Here, for good and cheap beer, you wouldn’t have to look further than Burgas. You can treat yourself to a pint for 1.46 Euros.
Targu Mures
Right after Burgas is Targu Mures in Romania. Here you can fix yourself a pint for only 1.48 Euros, making the competition very close.
Monstar and Banja Lunka
Number eight on the list is Bosnia and Herzegovina, where two cities hold a tie. Monstar and Banja Lunka are both very affordable, at least from the beer aspect. Both are easily accessible for those who’d like to try out the beer that has the uniform price of 1.49 Euros.
Sibiu
Last but not least, Sibiu in Romania is serving beer for 1.56 Euros. Here you can wander and wonder at the sights and beauty of Transylvania while enjoying your cold, freshly brewed pint of beer.
The other list
To complete the picture, there is also a list of the most expensive beers in Europe. Reykjavík tops the list, followed closely by Norway and Switzerland. You wouldn’t want to visit those spots for a brew. Other tourist destinations have more spaced-out beer prices. The Czech Republic serves its cheapest pint in Olomouc for 1.63 Euros. Germany and France have higher beer costs, and we can already sense the trend going on. All in all, if you want a cheap pint of beer, you should venture to Central Europe and, even more specifically, Hungary. Debrecen awaits!
Read about other Hungarian alcoholic beverages HERE.
The time has finally come to revitalise the Rác Bath in Budapest. It has been almost two decades since the bath had stood around empty and at last, the renovation project was published. Let’s celebrate by looking back at the generous history of the building!
Humble beginnings
The Rác Bath’s original base building was made by the Turks back when they ruled Buda. They rather enjoyed a good soak. When they took Buda in 1541, they stayed for a good 150 years and made themselves feel at home real quick. An easy way for them to do this was to build baths. Especially since the Buda region is outstandingly rich in thermal waters.
Rác Bath was one of these Turk bathhouses. The octagonal building was built in 1572 and topped with a dainty dome. Connected to this was a smaller area also topped with a dome, giving the building the iconic Turkish look. Luckily, the bathhouse survived the 1868 year intact, which is when the Hungarians took Buda back with a ferocious siege.
An Ybl revitalisation
In 1860, the bathhouse ended up being owned by János Nepomuk, who took matters into his own hands, sparing no costs. He hired Miklós Ybl, one of the most famous Hungarian architects of all time, to renovate the bath.
Most of his buildings were built in the romantic style, then later in the neo-Renaissance. The renovation of the bath was exactly between the two periods, which means that it carries elements of both styles, making it that much more special. The actual renovation was accomplished in two phases. During the first one, the already existing areas were modernised and they added two more dome halls. One of them was a women’s bath, the other had various new warm pools. The second phase happened between 1869 and 1870, during which period they built another octagonal dome-covered area with another new pool.
The first phase carries elements from Ybl’s typical earlier romantic style. The romantic dome hall is totally in harmony with the Eastern motives that remained from the Turkish age. Ybl adapted to the original building, since the already existing base also had domes and a central layout.
In contrast, the main facade is recognisable as neo-Baroque and quite symmetric, although there are two smaller changes in the risalits. On the left and right sides, the decorations vary by gender. On the left, where the women’s baths are, the ground floor window is crowned by a female head, while on the right, there’s a male head. The ground floor is also decorated with striping, and above are typically baroque accentuations, such as rich stuccoes and mansard roofs.
The Rác Bath was renovated here and there very moderately through the decades, but no bigger changes were made to the building. During the Second World War, the bathhouse was dealt serious damage. In the renovation project of the sixties, these issues were not fixed, and if it’s possible, they were only made worse. The majestic work of Ybl began to fade from memory and the walls of the bathhouse. The Rác Bath deteriorated into such an awful state by 2002 that it had to be closed, writesPestBuda.
A modern revitalisation
Luckily, in 2007, Tamás Dévényi, the well-known heritage architect, got on the case of restoring it to its former glory. He balanced the work of the great Ybl with slight modifications of his own to better the experience of the visitors. Now, they could enter an intimate garden and get a glimpse of the majestic dome. He worked on the Rác Bath for 4 years and his final work was awarded with an ICOMOS.
Sadly, due to legal fights over ownership rights, the doors of the freshly renovated and awarded bathhouse never opened. As the years went on by, it was robbed multiple times, got damaged by the elements and even got flooded three times.
After the legal disputes were settled in 2021, the bath returned to public ownership. The story now starts anew: in the October of 2023, a public procurement was posted for the restoration of the bathhouse. It seems a comprehensive work already; the interior is heavily damaged, the electrical wires are outdated and the exterior is also heavily in need of a retouch after a decade of negligence. However, if everything falls into place, we can enjoy the Turkish delight of bathing in the Rác Bath by 2025.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met the acting chairman of the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians in his office on Friday, and they confirmed ties between the Hungarian government and the party, the prime minister’s press chief said.
Former leader István Pásztor, who had headed the largest ethnic Hungarian party in Serbiafor 16 years, died after a short and serious illness at age 67 on October 30, Bertalan Havasi noted in a statement.
His son, Bálint Pásztor, a parliamentary group leader and head of the Subotica city council, will be acting chairman until the party’s next general meeting, he added.
At the meeting, Pásztor briefed Orbánabout the election campaign in Serbia and discussed opportunities to further develop Serbian-Hungarian relations, which, the statement added, had improved significantly in recent years.
They agreed to continue an economic development programme in Vojvodina and were in agreement that the opening of a Szeged-Subotica railway link and the extension of opening hours at small border crossings were vitally important to ethnic Hungarians, and both sides would take steps to achieve them.
Read also:
Orbán and Serbian President Vucic bid farewell to late leader of Hungarians living in Serbia – Read more HERE
Levente Magyar, a state secretary of the foreign ministry, visited Transcarpathia (Kárpátalja) on Monday and expressed his condolences to the region’s leadership over the heavy losses sustained in the war.
In a speech opening the meeting with the Transcarpathia general assembly and representatives of the military administration, Transcarpathia Governor Viktor Mikita thanked Hungary for its continuous help throughout the war.
Magyar said the talks focused on joint projects. “The list of things Hungary and Ukraine have done together to mitigate war damage and ease the suffering is already long,” he said.
Both sides also looked into the future, preparing for trade and cooperation in peacetime, he said. He highlighted a Hungarian-Italian-Ukrainian investment aiming to establish a railway corridor linking Ukraine and the Italian coast, saying Hungary was supporting the Ukraine leg of the investment, among other projects.
Ukraine and Hungary have recently won significant EU funding for the upgrade of a border crossing to ease the pressure on the Záhony-Cop (Csap) crossing, he said.
Magyar thanked Mikita for his support of the Hungarians living in Transcarpathia, saying he had done everything in his power to preserve peace in the region.
Lawmaker Julija Hrisina of the ruling Sluha narodu (Servant of the people) party also attended the meeting, and thanked Hungary for financing 100 ventilators for Ukrainian health-care institutions, adding that traditional cooperation between Transcarpathia and Hungary had strengthened after the start of the war.
In the afternoon, Magyar laid a wreath at the memorial site for the soldiers who died in the war, and said he had been “shaken” by fast-growing number of graves. The war is becoming more intense, “and that supports the Hungarian narrative that peace is a priority,” he said.
As we wrote before, the academic year of Hungarian college in Ukraine started in red-white-green, photos and details HERE.
As the Hollywood actress extends her stay in Budapest for filming, the world is getting a glimpse of Angelina Jolie’s luxurious home away from home.
Angelina Jolie’s stay in Budapest
As we wrote about it in October, Angelina Jolie has once again found herself in Budapest, Hungary, for filming. While it’s not her first visit, this time, she has opted for a different kind of living arrangement. Over a decade ago, she and her family resided in a luxurious villa on the city’s outskirts. However, this time around, she’s chosen to stay closer to the heart of the capital, seeking a temporary home near Buda Castle, Blikk reports.
Quiet luxury near Buda Castle
Despite her global stardom, Angelina Jolie tries to maintain a low profile during her stay in Budapest. Nevertheless, locals have spotted her in the vicinity. “The complex has two exits, one of which opens onto a quieter, less busy side street. Although the building has a locked garage, Angelina Jolie always waits on the street for the black Mercedes that picks her up and takes her to the set. The actress always takes a seat in the back seat, after greeting the driver kindly,” according to an informant familiar with her routines.
Neighbourhood secrecy
Curious residents were questioned by Blikk, but they have not yet encountered the movie star and have not observed any unusual commotion in recent days. It appears that Angelina Jolie is successfully maintaining her privacy in the area.
A taste of luxury living
According to information found online, Angelina Jolie doesn’t have to venture far to fulfill her desires during her downtime. The amenities offered in her new building provide a five-star hotel experience right at her doorstep. However, these luxuries come at a considerable cost. The three-bedroom apartment, spanning more than 200 square meters, boasts a monthly rent of EUR 5,000, roughly equivalent to 2 million forints. The price tag comes with around-the-clock staff services, an unlimited spa and wellness facility, a pool, massages, sauna and even a fully-equipped gym. Cleaning and laundry services, as well as room service, are readily available to ensure residents experience the epitome of comfort and luxury. Security measures are in place to guarantee peace of mind in Jolie’s home.
Angelina Jolie’s Budapest experience
Angelina Jolie, currently portraying the role of Greek-born opera singer Maria Callas, has been filming in Budapest since late October. Despite her busy schedule, she still found time to enjoy an opera performance herself. Recently, she has attended the Opera House. She was profoundly moved by Verdi’s Requiem, wiping away tears at the conclusion of the performance. The actress displayed a keen interest in the building’s history and asked several questions to a staff member accompanying her.
The famous Hollywood actress, Angelina Jolie, visited Budapest’s historic Opera House on the city’s iconic Andrássy Avenue. She is in Hungary because of a film shooting.
We wrote HEREthat the world-famous actress was in Budapest and would remain for long. She is shooting a film about the final years of Maria Callas, a world-known opera singer. The Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Hollywood celebrity Angelina Jolie (Tomb Raider, Mr&Mrs Smith, Maleficent, Salt) works with Hungarian staff, and a Hungarian opera singer helps her prepare for the role.
Jolie will spend three months in the Hungarian capital, so she will have plenty of time to visit all the famous places in Budapest as she likes discovering the cities she spends time in. Now she can tick the first illustrious Budapest building, the Budapest Opera House, off her list.
According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, Joliereturned to Hungary after 13 years. She spent some time in Budapest in the fall of 2010. She made her first film in the Hungarian capital, “In the Land of Blood and Honey”. The film depicts a love story set against the background of the Bosnian War. Before, she was here in January that year with her former husband, Brad Pitt, because the latter shot some scenes for his World War Z piece here.
Official photographer of Opera House spotted Angelina Jolie
Since the Hungarian State Opera’s magnificent Budapest Opera House will be one of the venues for the shooting of her new film, Maria Callas, she visited the place yesterday. Furthermore, she watched Verdi’s Requiem there. Szilveszter Ókovács, the director of the opera house, shared some photos of the seemingly satisfied Hollywood celebrity happily praising the actors and actresses on his official Facebook page. Here they are:
The shooting of Jolie’s film will start this weekend on Budapest’s illustrious Andrássy Avenue and the Opera House. Therefore, authorities will close the Andrássy Avenue between Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street and Nagymező Street between 6 AM and 5.30 PM on Saturday.
As a result, buses number 105 and 210B will commute on a modified route and stop at the Saint Stephen Basilica instead of the Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street station. At the opera, they will stop at the station of the trolley bus nr 70. Furthermore, the M1 metro will not stop at the Opera House station on Saturday regardless of the direction.
Macron believes it may become handy that PM Viktor Orbán met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing two weeks ago. The Hungarian prime minister told NATO and EU leaders that the talk could not be evaded. Meanwhile, President Macron showed support towards Orbán. That is another sign of a stabilising France-Hungary cooperation in the European Union and NATO.
We wrote HEREthat Hungary sends a lot of support to Chad, one of the world’s poorest countries where a Macron-ally antidemocratic regime is in power. That is unique in that region because most local rulers there turned towards Russia or China recently. The Hungary-Chad cooperation can be a sign of the forming of France-Hungary friendship.
Furthermore, HEREwe wrote that Germany seems to have started to neglect Hungary. Their chancellor did not show enough respect for Orbán, so the Hungarian prime minister sought new allies in Europe.
Another sign of the France-Hungary cooperation may be Marcon’s reaction to the Hungarian prime minister’s bilateral discussion with Russian President Putin in Beijing.
Xavier Bettel, the prime minister of Luxemburg, said after the meeting that Orbán’s talk with Putin was showing a middle finger to all those who fight and die against the invading Russian forces, telex.hu wrote. Moreover, the Estonian and the Lithuanian presidents criticised Orbán for talking with Putin.
Macron defended Orbán’s meeting with Putin
The Lithuanian president said Orbán’s meeting with Putin carried a bad message to Ukraine and the international community. Meanwhile, the Estonian Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, said that she would not like to be in a photo with Putin, who she called a war criminal. She said nobody should make Orbán apologise. She added Orbán said wrong things but did the right ones up until now. “So we were fine”. For example, he criticised Ukraine’s support but took part in it. She hoped that will continue.
Meanwhile, Macron said he was not shocked after hearing the news. “There’s absolutely no need to prohibit a head of state or government from going in one direction or another”, he added. He added that he thinks it could be useful, “who knows, at some point.”
He only demanded that such talks not weaken European unity and the heads and prime ministers of the states should coordinate with EU and NATO allies before, The Guardian wrote. And that is what Orbán did before the meeting.
Considering Hungary’s EU membership, he said Brussels did not invade Hungary. “Hungary made a sovereign decision to join our Europe. It has benefited greatly from this and has benefited from it since it joined. And the Hungarian people have had a much better life since they joined our Europe, but it was a sovereign choice,” he said.
We wrote HEREthat the wealthiest Hungarian and a university professor both think there is an increasing chance for a Huxit in the next 5-10 years.
