Reviving Budapest’s Historic Main Square: A Visual Transformation
The National Hauszmann Programme has announced exciting plans for the historic Saint George Square, located at the heart of the Budavár Palace District in Hungary. This iconic square, symbolizing the country’s independent statehood, will undergo a significant transformation in the coming years, thanks to a revitalization project set to begin in early 2025.
The project aims to pay off a longstanding cultural debt by honoring historical traditions while meeting modern standards. One of the central features will be the Freedom Column, designed by Italian architect and sculptor Marco Casagrande in 1848. This grand monument, inspired by the revolution, will be surrounded by a marble basin with lion sculptures, creating a majestic focal point in the square.
The Freedom Column will symbolically replace the Hentzi Monument, representing a shift from Austrian oppression to a celebration of freedom and independence. The square will also include expansive pedestrian areas with barrier-free access, a new reception area featuring the national flag, and the reinstallation of previous statues and artworks in suitable locations.
Enhancements will also include new street furniture, a sunbathing lawn, and over 160 new trees planted to increase the green space in the area. A new park near the Archduke Joseph Palace will further enhance the green ratio, adding to the beauty and functionality of Saint George Square.
This transformation will breathe new life into this historic main square, preserving its heritage while creating a more organized, ornate, and greener space for visitors to enjoy. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project that promises to revitalize one of Hungary’s most iconic public spaces.
