Batthyány Square

Batthyány Square, or Batthyány tér in Hungarian, is one of the most fascinating places in Budapest, located on the right bank of the Danube, directly in front of the majestic building of the Hungarian Parliament. Named after Lajos Batthyány, the first Prime Minister of Hungary, the square is a crossroads of history, architecture, and culture, offering a deep insight into various periods of Hungarian history. The square is named after Lajos Batthyány, a central figure in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 against Austrian rule. Batthyány was a committed reformer and sought greater autonomy for Hungary through the April Laws. Unfortunately, after the failure of the uprising, he was arrested and executed in 1849. In his honor, a statue was erected in 2008, created by sculptor Géza Stremeny. The statue depicts Batthyány presenting the April Laws, a symbol of his commitment to Hungarian freedom. One of the architectural gems of Batthyány Square is the Church of St. Anne (Szent Anna templom), one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Budapest. Built by the Jesuits between 1740 and 1761, the church features a sumptuously decorated interior, with a main altar adorned with marble sculptures, frescoes on the ceiling, and a pulpit with golden reliefs. The church, although only open during services, represents an extraordinary example of Baroque art in Hungary. Another important structure is the covered market of Batthyány Square, also known as Market Hall VI. Built between 1900 and 1901 according to the design of Pál Klunzinger, the market is a typical example of functional architecture from the Austro-Hungarian monarchy period. The building, characterized by an iron structure made by the Schlick factory, originally housed up to 690 vendors. In the 1970s, part of the market gallery was transformed into a large flower market, and in 2003 the building was completely renovated. The square also houses the convent of St. Elizabeth, on the north side, with its church dedicated to St. Francis, characterized by a richly decorated Baroque interior. In front of the convent is the statue of Ferenc Kölcsey, a Hungarian poet and author of the national anthem. Another point of interest is the White Cross Inn (Fehér Kereszt fogadó), a Rococo-style building dating back to the late 18th century. This historic hotel has hosted illustrious figures such as Emperor Joseph II and the legendary seducer Giacomo Casanova, who, according to legend, stayed here to recover from his exertions in the nearby Rác baths. The square is a crucial transportation hub, served by Budapest’s M2 metro line and the HÉV suburban line, which connects Batthyány Square with Szentendre. This connectivity makes the square an ideal access point for exploring other parts of the city.