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Art & Architecture
Hungary is perhaps best known for its architecture and cultural heritage which dates back to ancient times. Visitors may find themselves traveling several hundred years back in time standing on a single street corner or visiting one of Hungary's most admired sites.Within the often changing borders of Hungary during its history, fine arts developed in strong interaction with European art, and although they always reflected European tendencies, they retained a strong character of their own.
The first important architectural works following the Hungarian Conquest began at the turn of the 10th and 11th centuries with the construction of the Benedictine Abbey at Pannonhalma, founded in the reign of Prince Géza. The royal basilica also built in this time period in Székesfehérvár, served as a coronation and burial site.
After the Tartar incursions of 1241-2, Béla IV encouraged the construction of stone castles to enhance defense. The architecture of the first half of the 14th century displays the influence of French late classical gothic and Italian Trecento.
Architecture under King Matthias in the second half of the 15th century at first displayed a late Gothic influence, but the influence of the Italian Renaissance can be sensed also at Visegrád and the Buda Castle.
Architecture under King Matthias in the second half of the 15th century at first displayed a late Gothic influence, but the influence of the Italian Renaissance can be sensed also at Visegrád and the Buda Castle.
Constant war meant that the most important buildings of the 16th century were castles. Enormous fortresses mostly based upon Italian designs, was carried out to contain Turkish conquest. Christian churches were modified under the 150 years of Turkish rule, and new mosques constructed.
Traces of 17th and 18th century baroque have remained practically everywhere and buildings from this period make the greatest part of Hungarian standing monuments. Building activity recommenced after the expulsion of the Turks, ecclesiastical architecture gained impetus and there was much palace-building.
In the 19th century the emphasis turned increasingly to secular buildings and homes. At the beginning of the century a variety of classicism more puritan than that of Western Europe became the main style.
Despite the sharp contrast between the twin cities of Buda and Pest, both radiate the aspirations of the era.In Pest, the proud neo-classical unity of the buildings, enlivened at intervals by decorative flecks of art nouveau and extravagant eclecticism.
In Buda the pattern is turned on its head. The winding old-world alleyways are lined with colorful Baroque palaces; shallow-domed steam baths built by the Turks during their long occupation. The Royal Palace boasts a long line of royal residents stretching back into the middle ages.
Among the most impressive Hungarian architectural feats are:
Budapest's oldest built traditional urban district is the Old Jewish Quarter of Pest is embracing a dense network of fractured and curving streets established in the first half of the 18th century. Eclectic apartment houses of the growing metropolis of Pest as well as the secessionist apartment houses of Hungarian-Eastern-modern effect and the spirituality of the Jewish faith are all present simultaneously.
The Neo-Gothic Parliament building is one of the city's most decorative structures, characterized by numerous small spikes and stone lace ornamentation. With its magnificent staircase and exquisite reception rooms, the parliament is one of the largest assemblies in the world.
The richly decorated Neo-Renaissance Opera House is one of the greatest Hungarian architecture of the 19th century.Gresham Palace (today the home of the Four Seasons Hotel) is one of the most remarkable palaces of the 20th century built in Secessionist style.
The replica of the Transylvanian Vajdahunyad Castle was built for the 1896 Millennial Exhibition, today gives home to the Hungarian Agricultural Museum.
The Palace of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences was built in 1865 is one of the finest examples of Neo-Renaissance style. The building's façade is part of the image of the city and the richly decorated harmonious interiors welcome prestigious concerts and conferences.
The Buda Castle's predecessor of the present main Church, the Matthias Church, was named after Our Lady the Virgin Mary and was built between 1250 and 1260. It received its present neo-Gothic form following reconstruction between 1874 and 1896. Due to its imposing acoustics, it is a frequent scene of classical music concerts.
The largest Synagogue in Europe was built between 1854 and 1859. Its characteristic romantic style is mixed with byzantine and Moorish elements adding Eastern qualities to the monumental double-domed building.