Mary Magdalene Tower at Buda Castle Temporarily Closed to the Public
The Mary Magdalene Tower, a historic landmark in the Buda Castle District of Budapest, is facing a temporary closure due to financial issues. The tower is the only surviving remnant of the Church of Mary Magdalene, which was originally built in 1247 after Hungary’s Tatar invasion. The previous operator failed to pay rent for years, accumulating a debt of over 21 million forints, leading to the termination of their contract by the municipal council.
This decision has prompted the council to take over the operation of the tower through one of its companies. As a result, the Mary Magdalene Tower will be closed to visitors for at least six months while the council works on developing a new tourist and cultural concept for the site. The goal is to reopen the tower with a revitalized building and expanded cultural offerings to attract more visitors.
The Mary Magdalene Tower is one of the oldest buildings in the Buda Castle, with a rich history dating back to the Tatar invasion. The late Gothic church, which served both Catholics and Protestants during different periods, was severely damaged during WWII and eventually demolished by Communist authorities, except for the tower.
Despite its tumultuous past, the tower has become a popular tourist attraction since opening to visitors in 2017. The higher level of the tower offers stunning panoramic views of Budapest, while the side chapel hosts monthly temporary art exhibitions.
While the closure of the Mary Magdalene Tower may disappoint visitors in the short term, the planned improvements and developments aim to enhance the overall experience for future visitors. Stay tuned for updates on the reopening of this iconic historic site in Budapest.
