Tourism Development Achievements over the Last Decade, Part II 

Written by Dr. Anett Tőzsér, Research Institute for National Strategy

After the St. Stephen’s Hall (Szent István-terem) was inaugurated on August 20, 2021, the reconstruction of the Royal Palace of the Buda Castle District continued from the St. George’s Square side (Szent György tér).

The reconstruction restored the southern connecting wing to its original, turn-of-the-century condition, according to the original plans. The north façade facing the Lion Courtyard (Oroszlános udvar) has also been restored and is now in its original form.  In 2021, the Habsburg Gate (Habsburg-kapu), the ornate fence and its staircase were also restored. The Turul bird statue, on the Habsburg Gate fence has also been fully restored. The design of the Ellyps Promenade and its surroundings have been completed as well as the car-free zone and temporary landscaping of the St. George’s Square. The reconstruction of the Royal Palace of the Buda Castle continues from north to south from St. George’s Square.

After the reconstructions, the wing of the building facing St. George’s Square will become the reception building, with an ornate main entrance and ramp. This is also the access point to the line of ceremonial halls running parallel to the Danube River. The ballroom, the buffet gallery, the Habsburg Hall, the Hunyadi Hall and the throne room will also be rebuilt. The new building must meet today’s technical requirements, however, in terms of appearance and quality, the 1905 standard will be restored. In December 2022, a temporary visitor center was opened in the Hunyadi Courtyard of the palace. Here visitors can also view 3D models of the plans for the revival of the Buda Castle’s Royal Palace. In 2023, work also continued on the Dísz Square and St. George’s Square: the reconstruction of the former Red Cross headquarters, the buildings of the Honvéd Hungarian Defense Headquarters and Archduke Joseph’s Palace. The three new buildings will be completed in the next few years. Visitors to the Buda Castle can follow the reconstruction of the Buda Castle district step by step.

Fountains, walkways and green spaces are constantly being renovated, and seating areas with benches and drinking fountains are being created. The iconic fountain of the Castle, the King Matthias Fountain (Mátyás kútja), was completely renovated during the summer of 2020. In 2021, the area’s other ornamental fountain, the Fountain of the Fishing Children (Halászó gyerekek kútja), which has been out of use for many years, and its surroundings were also reconstructed.

Improving the pedestrian accessibility of the district has been a priority in its development, and its importance has been particularly appreciated since the beginning of summer 2022, when tourist buses were restricted from entering the Castle area. To help tourist groups get up to the castle district, buses can stop in one lane of the road below the Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) in order to assist tourist groups in getting on and off the bus. In addition, tourist groups use the two high-capacity elevators approachable from the Tabán neighborhood on Palota Road to get up to the castle area to view the reconstructed Riding Hall (Lovarda) and Csikós Courtyard. In February 2022, after a complete renovation, the Buda Castle cable car or funicular was also operating again. Permanent and temporary information points are also located in the Buda Castle district, where, in addition to general information, interested parties can also buy tickets, publications and souvenirs.

In addition to the other sites, the goal of renovating the Citadella is to make this historic fortress, which has been undeservedly neglected and unmanaged for many decades, an attractive meeting point that attracts many people. The improvements will provide spectacular views, modern public spaces and infrastructure, and it will create new green spaces which will allow visitors to spend a longer and more meaningful time at the top of the capital.

Source: Dr. Tőzsér Anett (2024): A budapesti világörökségi helyszínek fenntartható turisztikai hasznosítása és nemzetstratégiai jelentősége: Kutatási Jelentés. Budapest: Nemzetstratégiai Kutatóintézet, 92 p. Elérés: https://nski.hu/admin/data/file/20240321/budapesti-vilagoroksegek_kutatasi-jelentes_2024.pd