The Buda Castle District revamp project enters next stage – photos

The National Hauszmann Program is an all-encompassing development program responsible for renewing the iconic Buda Castle District which provides one of the most stunning views of the Danube on the Buda side.

The program started in 2019, and it is expected to be finished by 2024. During that timeframe, the Várkapitányság Nonprofit would like to renovate the Buda Castle District and its important historic buildings.

“We are convinced that the Buda Castle District is destined to be more than just a tourist attraction. The objective of the National Hauszmann Program is to restore the Castle to the people of Hungary and to create a place in the middle of the capital that has a “call”, where everyone can feel at home again,” – their mission stated.

Previous renewals

So far the renewal of the Royal Riding Hall, the Csikós Gardens and the Stöckl Stairs were finished before the deadline back in late September.

The Royal Riding Hall was part of the Buda Castle District since its completion in 1902. It was designed by the Program’s namesake, Alajos Hauszmann, but unfortunately, it was demolished during WWII.

: Photo: facebook.com/nemzetihauszmannprogram/

: Photo: facebook.com/nemzetihauszmannprogram/

: Photo: facebook.com/nemzetihauszmannprogram/

: Photo: facebook.com/nemzetihauszmannprogram/

Not long after its renewal, the International Federation for the Roofing Trade’s (IFD) World Championship in Germany awarded the roof structure of the Royal Riding Hall.

The new stage

2022 started with the successful renewal of another architectural element of the Buda Castle District, none other than the “Hauszmann ramp”. This ramp was used for the easy transportation of horses between the different levels of the Buda Castle, and it leads from the upper levels of the castle down to the Riding Hall.

Although this particular element had managed to survive WWII with only small damage, it was demolished in the second half of the 1970s, under the Soviet regime.

: Photo: facebook.com/nemzetihauszmannprogram/

: Photo: facebook.com/nemzetihauszmannprogram/

: Photo: facebook.com/nemzetihauszmannprogram/

With the help of blueprints of the time and photos that survived the passing of time, experts have managed to reconstruct the ramp and built one that also meets modern needs.

The Hauszmann ramp makes it possible to move between levels even for disabled people and the construction blends in well the castle’s architecture.

Photo: facebook.com/nemzetihauszmannprogram/

Furthermore, the designers added easily accessible bathroom blocks and storage units along with benches, garbage cans and trees in the surrounding area.

To give the ramp its ambiance, the designers have managed to replicate the wrought-iron lamp posts that decorate the walls; however, with the use of modern electronics.