Architecture, Budapest

The Sandór Palace is the official residence of the president of Hungary and so isn't open to the public. However, it is surprising just how close you can get considering it's function. There are no gates or fences blocking it off from the crowds passing by so you can really get to appreciate the exterior of this neo-classical mansion which was built in the early nineteenth century. The reliefs on the front of the building are interesting although I couldn't quite work out what they were meant to be showing.

I have spent a five magical days in Budapest, and I could write you for five days about this city. But to make it short I will write about my favourite sights. Yes, of course my number one would be the Royal palace, without any second thoughts. If you want to show how much money you have, how rich and powerful you are, build a palace like this. Everything, I mean everything speaks about the wealth, power and luxury; main gate, the eagle who keeps the key at the main gate, the back yard, the palace self. I mean everything. The look at the other side of the river takes your breath away, especially at night when all the lights turn on and the chain bridge and the Parliament building are coming main actress in the show. You can spend a whole day in the old Buda part. My second favourite is the Heroes Square which reminded me to some scenery of the Lord of rings. And my third favourite would be the Royal bath building.
Although it is very large city, you can easily find all of the monuments if you take a metro, but there are also a tours by a bus.

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The other amazing building of the Andrássy avenue is the Postmuseum projected by Győző Czigler and built between 1882 and 1886. Like ost of the buildings of the Avenue also this one was built in Neorenassaince style.
You can visit the staircase free of charge wich I highly recomend to do because it`s breathtaking!
In this first tip I show you 5 pics of the lower parts of the staircase (from the entrance to the 1st floor)

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The construction of the Palace of Arts started in 2001 and finished in 2005. This enormous building, unlike the Nathional theatre wich followed the traditions, was constructed in a post-modern, very progressive style. Maybe this is why I don`t like it too much the externals, but surely the internals are impressive. It hosts the the Ludwig contemporary Museum, wich moved from the Buda castle, the very interesting National Concert Hall, wich is the biggest in central Europe, and has perfect accustics and the Festival Theatre.
Clicking on the link below, you can see a virtual tour of the Palace of Arts.

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The Alaxander Palce was constructed in 1806, according to the plans of Mihály Pollack, one of the most important architects of the hungarian classicism. The palace recieved it`s name from the rich Sándor family (counts). Before the second world war it was the residence of the prime minister. In the war, the palace suffered very havy damages(see on the photo in my "Phoenix bird city" tip, on the right side). It remained in ruins for 20 years, when finally at least it`s externals were restored. After the fall of the communism, in 2002 it became the residence of the President of the Republic, when all the Palace, included the breathtaking internals (SEE LINK BELOW), were reconstructed. Unfortunately it can be visited only twice a year, but you can still admire the lovely exteriors.

There are many art-nouveau buildings in Budapest, mostly modeled after the English and the French. But one building really stands out for its truly Hungarian influence. Date of Building is 1902. This building is the former Postal Savings Bank (now the National Bank). The ornaments were made by the famous Zsolnay porcelain factory. It is ORNATE from the foundataion to the Roof. Odon Lechner was the designer. Right Across from the 5th District Central Market (behind the American Embassy). What is suprising to me is how few guides of Budapest include this building. And yet, at least to me, this building should be right there with the Parliament Building, top of the list; and a short walk from the Parliament Building.

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If you are walking from Deak Ferenc Ter to the Central Market Hall, you will pass by or near the Parizsi Udvar at the junction of Kigyo Utca and Petofi Sandor Utca. This arcade is beautifully decorated in glass and iron from the Art Nouveau peiod. It is adjacent to the Ferenciek Tere Metro station. Several other members have some good photos of this building too, and it is certainly worth a visit by those interested in this period of architecture. For others, it is just a rather ornate but quite spectacular place. Be sure to look up at the ceiling.

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There are already lots of tips on VT about specific buildings, so I won't add more.

But do try to walk around the city as much as you can, and keep your eyes open. There is a wealth of beautiful architectural detail to be seen, even if much is still covered in grime and/or scarred by bulletholes. Remember to look up!