NATIONAL HAUSZMANN PROGRAM 2019–2024

1 CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 5 I. WHO ARE WE? 6 II. OUR OBJECTIVES 8 III. DEVELOPMENT OF OUR BUILT HERITAGE 9 GUARDHOUSE 10 RIDING HALL 14 STÖCKL STAIRWAY 18 HAUSZMANN RAMP 18 KARAKASH PASHA TOWER 19 YBL WALL 19 MACE TOWER 19 ST STEPHEN’S HALL 20 ROYAL PALACE OF BUDA 23 HUNGARIAN RED CROSS HEADQUARTERS 24 ARCHDUKE JOSEPH’S PALACE 26 NATIONAL DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS 30 IV. MODERN HERITAGE PROTECTION 32 V. CREATING A MORE LIVEABLE CASTLE: PEDESTRIANISATION, ACCESSIBILITY, PUBLIC SPACE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, REVIVAL OF GREEN AREAS 36 RESTORATION OF THE CASTLE WALLS 43 RESTORATION OF THE FOUNTAINS 43 VI. ENRICHING THE REPERTOIRE OF PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES OFFERED IN BUDA CASTLE 44 ALAJOS HAUSZMANN (1847–1926) 48

2 3 NATIONAL HAUSZMANN PROGRAM (2019–2024)

„ FODOR GERGELY Buda Castle is our shared heritage. Government Commissioner It is our mission to preserve Chairman of the Board and revive it; to make it a place of Várkapitányság NZrt. we are all delighted to return to again, and again.

Like many other nations, we Hungarians have our After many decades of destruction and neglect, the own symbolic sites. Places we are attached to, that we Castle is once again experiencing an era of develop­ are prepared to fight for, we are proud of, and we feel ment and rebirth. The objective of our investment is a shared responsibility for. Looking back over the long to restore the Castle to the people of Hungary, and to centuries of our history, we can unequivocally state establish an urban quarter in which it is a pleasure to that for Hungarians, Buda Castle is such a symbolic live, where it is worth spending more time, and where site. there is particular value in returning time and again because there is always something new happening. For us, the Castle has always represented far more than just the sum of its buildings, walls, and bulwarks. We consider the fate of Buda Castle to be an issue of In past centuries, Buda Castle was a bastion of national significance – this is why it is vital we have Hungarian political and ecclesiastical life, Hungarian clear, well-founded and practicable plans regarding its culture, the emerging Hungarian civil society, and future destiny. Dear Reader, I would like to commend Hungarian liberty: indeed, all the values which define to your attention the following description of the our national identity to this day. development projects from the National Hauszmann Program.

4 5 I. WHO ARE WE?

Várkapitányság Nonprofit Zrt. has been over­­seeing development projects, and managing the area in a way the implementation of the government develop- that preserves its values. Our work is characterised ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ment program concerning the Castle District since by responsibility, a commitment towards quality, 1 January 2019. dynamism, openness, and a well-planned approach. Relying on decades of experience from its legal We feel a responsibility for the built, cultural, and predecessors, Várkapitányság put the management archaeological heritage we have been commissioned of the planned development projects in the Castle to oversee, and we protect and enhance it with due area on new foundations. We set up an effective care. organisation where members of staff are wholly In terms of quality, we always strive to attain an committed to preserving the built heritage, and devote exceptional standard by leveraging our preparedness their energies to ensuring Buda Castle regains its and knowledge, which is continuously being enriched. former elegance and recognition which is worthy of its World Heritage status. As a dynamically functioning organisation, we are all driven by creativity, vigour, and proactivity while Our duties include restoring the Buda Castle executing our duties. Palace District and its surroundings, coordinating We are open to new, innovative solutions and we Our work is characterised by its well-planned gradually improve our services in line with the approach: all our decisions are integrated into our demands of the people who live, work, or visit vision of the future, which serves the restoration of Buda Castle. Buda Castle and our national heritage.

6 7 II. OUR OBJECTIVES „ III. DEVELOPMENT OF OUR BUILT HERITAGE Like Sleeping Beauty, the Buda Castle Buda Castle is part of the outstandingly valuable Palace District will built and cultural heritage of Hungary, Europe and awaken from its slumber the world: it is a symbolic site of the nation and „ a keystone of our identity, for which we all bear during the coming decade. In February 2019, the government approved Phase I a shared responsibility. The restored squares of the National Hauszmann Program for the We are convinced that the Castle District is destined The objectives of our efforts are threefold: 1. the and buildings of the Castle 2019–2021 period. Implementation of this project is to be more than just another tourist attraction. development projects will improve the quality of life District evoke the golden age overseen by Várkapitányság. Even though we are only for residents living in the Castle District, 2. they will in the second year of the fully financed three-year All the development projects planned for ­­­Phases I­­ bring about a 21st century renaissance of our national of this locality in the late program, the results of our development projects are (2019-2021) and II (2021-2024) of the National Hausz­ identity, and 3. will enrich our built heritage and its th th already evident to the general public. mann Program are designed to ensure that the Castle 19 and early 20 century. unique environment. once again becomes a part of the everyday lives of the Hungarian people. Our work is conducted with due We have placed this human and community-focused attention to the needs of those who live here, and approach at the centre of all our concepts related to those who visit the area, since the fate of the Castle is the development projects, and below, we summarise our shared responsibility. our key objectives and steps already taken in line with this intention.

St George’s Square in the summer of 2019 The reconstructed Guardhouse and Riding Hall

8 9 GUARDHOUSE

1912

After nearly 50 years absence, the f­ ­ormer Guardhouse once again stands in all of its ­magnificence on the western side of Hunyadi Court. The building was reborn in line with the original blueprints, while taking into consideration the technological­ ­advances of the 21st century.­ Residents and ­visitors to the Castle can enjoy ­pleasant moments in the district thanks to the ­restaurant and cultural­ event/­ exhibition space located in the Guard­ house, both due to open in 2020.

The site of the Guardhouse in 2016

2020

10 11 Details of the Guardhouse

The building was constructed in line with the original plans by Alajos Hauszmann The interior of the Guardhouse

12 13 RIDING HALL

1935

Horseherd Court takes its name from the ­sculpture of on it: the wood paneling was made in the workshop the horseman handling his steed, which – ­following of Károly Neuschloss, and the stained-glass windows restoration – was returned in August 2019 to its came from the workshop of Miksa Róth. Despite the ­original location in front of the rebuilt Riding Hall. damage it sustained during the Second World War, The prestigious equestrian hall was originally built to the building could have been restored; regardless, it the plans of Alajos Hauszmann between 1899–1902, was demolished in 1950. with the most renowned masters of the time working

The site of the Riding Hall in 2016 2020

14 15 Thanks to the surviving plans and documentation,­ not only has it been possible to rebuild the ­authentic ­facade but the inner areas have also seen the ­restoration of original materials, colours and motifs. ­­In keeping with the original plans, we recreated the open roof ­structure, beams and boxes, as well as the large ­stained-glass ­windows. The lower sections of walls The Riding Hall will serve as an event venue received authentic­ wood paneling but the building is also equipped with a modern kitchen, cloakroom and service areas. The nearly 1500-sqm Riding Hall will open as a multifunctional 21st century event space in 2021, following landscaping and overhaul of the area, which will include making it ­wheelchair accessible. Once inaugurated, it is likely to ­become one of the top event venues in the capital.

The interior of the Riding Hall is an authentic copy of the original The wood paneling is located under the colourful windows of the Riding Hall

16 17 KARAKASH PASHA TOWER

2016 2020

STÖCKL STAIRWAY

Current condition Artist’s rendition of the restored Karakash Pasha Tower The Guardhouse and Riding Hall are connected by the entire country! The staircase will regain its main the rebuilt Neo-Renaissance Stöckl Stairway, which in role in 2021, creating a link between the redeveloped itself is an imposing sight, and these historical steps Horseherd Court and the Palace of Buda. Reconstruction of the Karakash Pasha Tower is have perhaps the most remarkable and longest past in ­ongoing. When completed, it will house bathroom ­facilities for visitors to Buda Castle.

HAUSZMANN RAMP YBL WALL Re-establishment of the Hauszmann Ramp ­serves to make the Horseherd Court wheelchair accessible and to link the Hunyadi and the Horseherd Courts. We are rebuilding it based on preserved photographs and the We are restoring the Ybl Wall which will ­complete original plans, with the inauguration­ being scheduled the unified aesthetic of Horseherd Court. for 2021. The ramp will be supported by the ­buttressed wall of today, with bathroom facilities including a baby changing station, shops, benches, and bins being located between the pillars. MACE The final element of the development will be the ­paving of the entire Horseherd Court; the area will TOWER also receive new feature lighting and street ­lighting, and we are going to create another green area in the form of the new Turkish Garden, which will be The Buzogány (Mace) Tower will also receive a new ­enhanced by the addition of trees. exterior and renovated interiors.

18 19 ST STEPHEN’S HALL

These gems of the applied arts are being made by hand

space. St Stephen’s Hall was the pinnacle­ of turn-of- reopening the once magnificent royal chamber in all the-century Hungarian applied arts, and was awarded its original glory on 20 August 2021. 1912 The copy of the fireplace in the Zsolnay Porcelain Factory a Grand Prix at the Paris World Expo in 1900. We are

Reconstruction of the South Passage and St Stephen’s its original state; on the first floor of the passage, the Hall, an integral part of the Palace of Buda, started in decorative St Stephen’s Hall is being recreated, while January 2020. We are restoring the South Passage to on the second floor, we are establishing an exhibition

This is how artworks which were destroyed during the Second World The new bust of Saint Stephen, identical to the The creative process of the pyrogranite War are reproduced today original image depicting Béla I

20 21 ROYAL PALACE OF BUDA

The Royal Palace of Buda is the key, outstandingly and functional investigation of the ­condition of valuable building ensemble of Buda ­Castle, the the ­palace. Only after this will we commence the ­reconstruction of which was long overdue. ­Besides ­renovation of the ­palace, which will be returned to the ­ongoing ­restoration­ of the South Passage,­ the its Hauszmann-period magnificence in a few years’ ­reconstruction demands thorough preparation.­ time. We will begin the long-delayed works from the ­Accordingly, over the coming months, we will conduct­ ­direction of St George’s Square (Szent György tér). an extensive ­technical, architectural, art ­historical,

The Royal Palace in 1935 after being redesigned by Alajos Hauszmann

The Royal Palace sustained serious damage during the Second World War, 1945 The current view from Pest

22 23 HUNGARIAN RED CROSS HEADQUARTERS

Current condition Artist’s rendition of the reconstructed building

The former Hungarian Red Cross Headquarters are repaying a debt of over 50 years. This important on the southeastern corner of Dísz Square was an building ­being reconstructed as part of the National ­integral part of the Castle District cityscape right Hauszmann Program will be an authentic reflection up to the end of the Second World War. Despite the of the original, complete with domed corner turrets. devas­tation caused by shelling during the war, it could However, we will be employing modern solutions have been saved; however, political forces decided its when it comes­ to interior design, infrastructure, and fate in 1946: complete demolition. For many years operations. Designs are being drafted in 2020 and the ­neglected plot was an eyesore on the cityscape, construction launches in 2021. so with the rebuilding of this imposing structure, we

The western facade of the building around 1910 Artist’s rendition of the reconstructed building

24 25 ARCHDUKE JOSEPH’S PALACE

1906 Current condition

Archduke Joseph’s Palace used to stand on the Tabán-­ ­restored in keeping with the original designs of Fló­ side of St George’s Square, opposite Sándor Palace.­ ris Korb and Kálmán Gi­ergl. The former stables, built During the Siege of Budapest in 1944, the western in Neo-­Renaissance style, and the palace garden ­facade was hit several times but no effort was made ­belonging to the archduke’s residence will once again to ­renovate it in the aftermath. Finally, in June 1968, be open to the public. We are finalizing the plans in the largely derelict palace was demolished. As part of 2020 and the building works will start in 2021. the National ­Hauszmann Program, the area is ­being

Artist’s rendition of the reconstructed Archduke Joseph’s Palace

26 27 The building was damaged during the Second World War, 1949 View of the building from Palota Road - artist’s rendition

Entrance to the gardens of the Archduke Joseph’s Palace - artist’s rendition Gardens of the Archduke Joseph’s Palace - artist’s rendition

28 29 NATIONAL DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

The facade facing Dísz Square, around 1895 Current condition

The Hungarian Royal National Defence Headquarters ­between 2012–2014. Planning will conclude in 2020, on Dísz Square was completed in 1897 to the plans of after which­ the National Defence Headquarters will Mór Kallina. Its roof structure was ­damaged in the be restored to its original height. Construction works ­Second World War and although the building could will get underway in 2021. We are creating a visitor have been repaired, it was designated a ruin in 1949 centre and communal area on the ground floor, while ­before gradually being demolished down to the ­first interactive exhibitions covering the history of Buda floor. The building underwent partial re­novation Castle will be installed on the ­upper floors.

Artist’s impression of the restored National Defence Headquarters building

30 31 IV. MODERN HERITAGE PROTECTION

Prior to the start of any development, we place great emphasis on the scientific research of the historical buildings, along with processing and documenting the results. The reconstruction and rebuilding efforts must not endanger our built and cultural heritage. One of our goals is to complete the archaeological ­excavation of the Palace of Buda and its surroundings.­ A fragment of a stucco found in the basement of the All new finds uncovered during the excavations are former Hungarian Red Cross Headquarters professionally conserved, scientifically examined, and presented to the general public using modern yet The Transylvanian Bastion, the former ­Joseph ­authentic methods. Barracks, and an 18th-century gunpowder magazine­ are located on the plot at 9 Táncsics Mihály Street. The restoration of the South Passage of the Palace of These buildings have not been accessible to the public Buda, and St Stephen’s Hall located within it, started­ for decades. The 16th-century fortifications and its with a survey of the walls. During the course of this The 16th-century Transylvanian Bastion, located at 9 Táncsics Street hidden treasures were found during the archaeological­­ process, experts discovered fragments from the excavations and presented to interested visitors at ­Anjou period, details of the Baroque palace facade, our exhibition titled ’The First Bastion’. The highly and ­traces of the Hauszmann-era flooring, thus the successful exhibition re-opened in 2020. ­reconstruction is being guided by original elements.

The renovation of the South Passage is currently A Hauszmann-era column found during our survey ­ Artifacts displayed as part of the exhibition titled ’The First Bastion’ ­underway of the wall

32 33 Statues of Álmos and Előd by Ferenc Mikula, found in the basement of the former Hungarian Red Cross Headquarters

Sensational findings were discovered during the Furthermore, the experts discovered a remarkable ­earthworks performed at 2 Dísz ­Squa­­re. In the long ­ornamented hand basin made from red limestone, ­since closed­ basement of the former Hungarian Red ­numerous stone carvings, and building fragments ­Cross Headquarters, we found original statues dating under the rubble. The valuable discoveries have been back more than a hundred years, depicting­ ­Chieftains displayed to the public and they will be added to the Álmos and Előd, who used to decorate the northern collection of the Budapest History Museum after tower of the Fisherman’s Bastion. ­cleaning.

A hand basin from the Middle Ages, found in the basement of the former Hungarian Red Cross Headquarters A fragment of a ceramic stove, created in a historicist style and decorated with a brown glaze, also found in the basement of the former Hungarian Red Cross Headquarters

34 35 V. CREATING A MORE LIVEABLE CASTLE: PEDESTRIANISATION, ACCESSIBILITY, PUBLIC SPACE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, REVIVAL OF GREEN AREAS

„ Our goal is to make the Castle District conveniently accessible, on foot or by car, for both residents and An easily accessible Castle ­visitors. Within the walls, we follow the principle District where well-kept of priority for pedestrians, which means, wherever ­possible, we restrict vehicular traffic while parallelly green areas, ­exciting spaces, renovating the pavements and steps to make it easier and varied flavours encourage to access the Castle by foot. ­visitors from Hungary and We work in close cooperation with Budapest’s ­official urban and transport development strategy in abroad to stay and return. ­establishing convenient and environmentally-friendly St George’s Square ­alternative means of public transport (for example, ­accessible lifts and escalators).

­convenient connection between ­Horseherd Court and the Palace.­ All these development projects will ensure that transport in this part of town is less ­burdened by tourist­ coaches, yet visitors will still be able to access the main sights easily and quickly. In ­order to implement our concepts, we will also ­require cooperation from the local government of District I and the Municipality.

In the course of restoring Horseherd Court, we are linking Palota Road, Horseherd Court, and Hu­ nyadi Court. The purpose of this is to ­establish an ­accessible pedestrian connection between the ­terraces on the Tabán side of the Castle. From 2021, it will be possible­ to go from Palota Road to Horseherd­ Court using two giant lifts capable of carrying more than 30 people. By 2021, we will also have built new lifts in the Palace of Buda building which houses the National Széchényi Library; these will make a

Summer crowd on St George’s Square Artist’s rendition

36 37 St George’s Square before renovation The square is closed to motor traffic and it is ­gradually Színház Street before renovation Much fewer cars have resulted in a reduced burden ­ being converted into a green area on the Castle District

­handed this area back to ­pedestrians. Beforehand, far fewer cars than previously on St George’s ­Square, We are determined to make it possible for people to will be all the more special because of its stunning­ this historical­ main square was occupied by cars, but which can clearly be credited to our development walk all the way around the castle walls and the Palace panorama. And once the planned running track in ­today we see locals and ­visitors strolling through concept. This attitude determines all development of Buda. In addition to restoring the so-called wall- the District 1 area is completed, we hope to link the a landscaped­ area. Even though the offices of the projects we initiate, which is also why we are building walk on top of the castle walls, a running circuit is also two. By banning vehicles­ from St George’s Square,­ ­President of the ­Republic and the Prime Minister a new underground garage for several hundred cars on being built in the Buda Castle Palace ­District, which St George’s Street, and Színház­ Street, we have have been relocated to the Castle, there are actually Palota Road.

St George’s Square before renovation More and more flowers and trees appear on the historic Cars have been replaced by pedestrians on Színház Street as well main square of the country

38 39 As part of all investment projects we implement, we give particular consideration to environmental ­protection and we are constantly enriching this part of the city with new green areas. The principal objective of our landscaping strategy is the revival of the formerly rich and diverse flora, and putting an end to thecurrently ­ neglected condition of the Castle gardens, bringing them back to a state worthy of their world heritage setting.­ By re-planning green areas and establishing new gardens, parks, and promenades, we are bringing back

the centuries-old tradition of Hungarian horticulture and garden architecture to the Castle. Ellyps Promenade before renovations A whole series of historical gardens on Castle Hill are The first restoration stage of Ellyps Promenade with being reborn, including the New World Garden and a unique panorama was completed in 2019, and Rabbit Garden, as well as the Grand Dames Flower much to the delight of locals and visitors, we will Garden and Grand Dames Orchard, which lay beyond finalise the reconstruction of the entire walkway in the Castle walls. 2020. These works are kicking off in 2020 with the Hungarian Reconstruction of the southern side of the wall- Fruit Garden, the Hungarian Grape Garden and the walk means that it is now possible to stroll around a South gardens. previously closed section of the Castle. It is our goal Ellyps Promenade after the renovations to make circumambulation of the entire Palace of Buda via the castle walls available.

The southern wall-walk before renovations The southern wall-walk after renovations Artist’s renditions of the renovated castle gardens

40 41 RESTORATION OF THE CASTLE WALLS

The current form of the castle walls came about during the restoration works following the Second World War. After 1990, short sections were repaired but there was never any attempt at comprehensive reconstruction or integration with local developments. As part of the National Hauszmann Program, we are initially carrying out repairs on the wall segments that are in the worst shape, after which we will progress onto the full reconstruction of the bastions, towers, rotundas, and castle walls encircling the Buda Castle Palace District. Restoration of the castle walls will Transylvanian Bastion at 9 Táncsics Street start in the spring of 2020. On the one hand, the In 2019, our gardeners planted 26 maple trees in ­stone We have established a field of wildflowers next to development resolves the problem of specific sections planters on Színház Street and St George’s Street, the fortifications as part of the exhibition ‘The First that are in a hazardous condition, on the other hand, 14 ornamental apple trees on St George’s Square, and Bastion’ at 9 Táncsics Street. The sight surprises and it opens up closed-off areas that have been out of two maple trees at the Fehérvár Rondella. Tree ­planting ­enchants visitors. bounds for a long time. continues in 2020, with a total of approximately­ Tended gardens suitable for walking and relaxation 50 new trees being ­added in locations such as the were always a part of the Buda Castle scenery and they South and East gardens of Castle Hill and around the RESTORATION OF THE have perhaps been the most diverse creations in the Palace of Buda. history of Hungarian horticulture. Green areas, castle FOUNTAINS gardens, and the associated reception spaces, roads, and panorama promenades on the slopes and within Restoration of the two hallmark fountains in the Buda the Castle District are regaining their former charm Castle Palace District is also set down in the ­National and elegance. The purpose of these development Hauszmann Program. The Castle’s best-known ­projects is not only to preserve natural and cultural fountain is the Matthias Fountain, reconstruction of historical values, but also to allow local residents to which was justified due to problems with drainage and rest and relax by strolling around well-kept gardens, sealing, while the Fountain of the Fishing Children and to make visitors feel at home. Roads, squares, on the Savoy Terrace has been in a poor condition parks, and pathways are being redeveloped according and thus out of operation for years, therefore, its to a schedule spanning 2020 to 2024. We have also restoration is essential. considered children and adults interested in sports: The technical and aesthetic renovation of the Matthias we are creating a playground and outdoor sports park Fountain was completed during the summer of 2020, for them within the Castle walls. while the Fountain of the Fishing Children will once again be equipped to become a popular attraction in

The gardeners of Várkapitányság continuously care 2021. for the plants The Matthias Fountain after the renovations

42 43 VII. ENRICHING THE REPERTOIRE OF PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES OFFERED IN BUDA CASTLE „ Visitors can discover ­world-class programs ­and experiences.

In the interest of easing the burden on the civilian town and reducing the temporal and spatial concentration of visitors, we are working to implement an Várkert Bazár (Castle Garden Bazaar) serves as the effectively-organised, modern, and efficient visitor location of numerous cultural programs. The Castle management program. Garden Literature and Castle Garden Cinema series, the ‘Once upon a time there was a Youth Park’ concerts, To this end, we are placing particular emphasis on the and the programs linked to holidays and national organisation of pedestrian tourism, and we are setting events are all extremely popular. Each year, we up information points throughout the Castle area. stage nearly 200 self-organised events attracting Buda Castle is an important and popular destination In addition to establishing new tourist attractions, approximately 60,000 visitors. among both domestic and foreign tourists. We are we are striving to ensure that only those catering The exhibition ‘A New World Was Born’, dealing proud of the growing popularity of the Hungarian ­establishments who support the realisation of the with the events of the First World War and the capital among visitors; nevertheless, as part of our ­cultural objectives operate in this area. period thereafter is also hosted in Várkert Bazár. future development projects, we are working to From 2019 onwards, from spring to autumn, visitors The displays, which are set on an area of more than ensure this part of the city doesn’t experience any of to the Castle may come across mounted hussars who 2000 m2, is an ambitious attempt – the greatest not The Museum of Applied Arts, which is currently the negative effects of mass tourism seen in Barcelona, maintain the noble traditions of the hussar patrol. only in Hungary but throughout Europe as well – to ­undergoing renovation, arranges exhibitions in the Venice, and Dubrovnik, among others – all the while The mounted hussar guards are a colourful element of present the tragic series of events that defined the Várkert Bazár. ‘Subjective’­ is the title of an exhibit of keeping in mind the needs of those living in the Castle ­the­ Palace District and are hugely popular with both entire 20th century based on new aspects, instead of some of the 10,000 artworks acquired by the Museum District. Hungarians and foreigners alike. the interpretations pushed by the victors of the war of Applied Arts since the turn of the millennium. It is reasonable to expect that visitors to the Castle and totalitarian dictatorships. In the coming months, we will work to attract an even will find high quality programs and experiences, broader audience, and enhance our range of offers and the integrated urban development of the Buda further through the development of event venues and Castle Palace District also provides an opportunity for the organisation of an increasing number of our own enriching the current repertoire of cultural programs. programs. By reviving the historical district south of Dísz Square and expanding the range of programs and events available in the Castle, the concentration of tourists in prime locations such as Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion will be reduced and a more even distribution of visitors can be achieved. The latest programs can be found at: https://varkertbazar.hu/en/events

44 45 The Carmelite Complex from the direction of St George’s Square Várkapitányság tour guides speaking both Hungarian Long-awaited exhibitions are to open shortly in the century, along with the development projects and English present the history, secrets, and features various parts of the Buda Castle Palace District. currently underway. In addition, we are preparing of Buda Castle as part of regular and seasonal guided These are designed to showcase the almost 800­­ -year history exhibitions to present local memories. tours in the district. In its first two years of the Buda old history of the Castle, the work of architect Castle Walks program, the number of themed tours With the full reconstruction of the Carmelite Complex Alajos Hauszmann, rebuilder of the Palace of Buda almost doubled; increasing the number of people at the end of 2018, the former church hall was also (and many other famous buildings) at the turn of ­joining the programs. reborn, and currently operates as an event venue. A total of more than 4000 people participated in the 224 walks organised in 2019. They had the chance to learn more about the history of Buda Castle and the current development projects aimed at its restoration; the Várkert Bazár, known as the favourite castle gardens of Empress Elizabeth of Austria (’Sisi’); the Mikveh, the oldest Jewish ritual bath in Hungary; and they could even tour the western cellars of the Castle District as part of a guided wine tour. In 2020, we are doubling the repertoire of the Buda Castle Walks program: we are opening the Habsburg Palatine crypt to visitors; we are making the Palace of Buda Dome and an up-until-now off-limits secret network of tunnels accessible; we are holding lectures for school groups on the history of the 1848-49 War of Independence and its connection to the Castle District; and for families with young children, we are launching a fun treasure hunt in Buda Castle.

The event hall of the Carmelite Complex Buda Castle Chapel

46 47 ALAJOS HAUSZMANN PRINCIPAL REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE (1847–1926) OPERATION OF VÁRKAPITÁNYSÁG

• Act XLIX of 2018 (Budapest Law) • Government Decree 154/2018 (IX. 3.) defining properties belonging to the Buda Palace District • Government Decree 313/2018 (XII. 27.) on nominating investments of outstanding public importance to be implemented in the area of Buda Palace District, and on the assignment of asset management tasks of the properties • Government Decree 1377/2014 (VII. 10.) on the measures necessary for the planning of the National Hauszmann Program (2014–2024)

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PUBLISHER | Várkapitányság Integrált Területfejlesztési Központ Nonprofit Zrt. YEAR OF PUBLICATION | 2020

Selected documents appear in this publication with the kind permission of the following institutions and collectors: The Guardhouse, c. 1905 | Published: Alajos Hauszmann: A magyar királyi vár /The Hungarian Royal Castle/. ­­­­­ Budapest, undated [1912] 11 A leading architect of many important public the Krisztinaváros wing in keeping with the spirit of The Riding Hall | Metropolitan Szabó Ervin Library, Budapest Collection 15 buildings during the Dual Monarchy, as well as the Ybl, in the process creating one of Europe’s most St Stephen’s Hall | Metropolitan Szabó Ervin Library, Budapest Collection 20 designer of numerous private houses and villas in distinguished palace courtyards. However, when it Budapest. In his works, he succeeded in creating a came to the expansion of the Danube wing, he had Royal Palace, 1935 | Fortepan / Tibor Erky-Nagy 22 harmonic balance between architecture, fine arts, and greater freedom to develop his own ideas. By extending Royal Palace, 1945 | Fortepan 22 the applied arts. His style is categorised as historicism the building all the way to St George’s Square, he gave The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in ruins, from the southwest, 1945 | drawing inspiration from Renaissance and Baroque it its current form: with its symmetrical block topped Budapest History Museum Kiscell Museum – Photo Archive 24 elements. Among his best-known works are the New by a dome, it stands like a crown at the southern end The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in ruins, from the southwest, 1945 | York Palace, the Royal Curia (formerly the Ministry of of Castle Hill. Budapest History Museum Kiscell Museum – Photo Archive 25 Justice building on Kossuth Square), and the central In addition to his work as an architect, he also lectured Archduke Joseph’s Palace | building of the Budapest University of Technology. Hungarian Museum of Architecture and Monument Protection Documentation Centre 27 at the Budapest University of Technology for more Designing and overseeing the implementation of the Archduke Joseph’s Palace, 1945 | Fortepan / Archiv für Zeitgeschichte ETH Zürich / Agnes Hirschi 28 than four decades, thereby exercising a significant Royal Palace of Buda marked the highpoint of his influence on future generations of Hungarian Damaged building of the National Defence Headquarters, 1945. | career, which was an assignment he received in 1891 Budapest History Museum Kiscell Museum – Photo Archive 30 architects. He was presented with many prizes and upon the death of Miklós Ybl – following the wishes awards over his ­lifetime, one of them being the Grand Portrait of Alajos Hauszmann, c. 1910 | Hungarian National Museum 48 of the master – and commissioned by Franz Joseph, Prix at the Paris World Expo of 1900. Plan of the former Hungarian Red Cross Headquarters, 1901 | Budapest Municipal Archives 48 King of Hungary and Emperor of Austria. He shaped

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