Fővám Square

Fővám Square, located in the heart of Budapest, is a square rich in history and culture, serving as a lively crossroads between the Danube and some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Originally known as “Salt Square” because of the salt warehouse that was located there, the square was renamed after the construction of the main customs office in the 19th century. This office, designed by architect Miklós Ybl between 1871 and 1874 in neorenaissance style, now houses the Corvinus University of Budapest, a prestigious academic institution overlooking the Danube. The focal point of the square is undoubtedly the Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok), the largest covered market in Budapest, opened in 1897. Designed by Samu Petz, the building is an exceptional example of Hungarian historicist architecture with neogothic touches. Its steel and brick structure is topped by a roof covered with colorful Zsolnay tiles, famous for their durability and aesthetic beauty. The market, with its 10,000 square meters, hosts over 180 stalls spread over three floors, where visitors can find a wide range of local products, from groceries to handmade souvenirs. Before the construction of the market, the Fővám Square area was crucial for commercial activities along the Danube. Here stood the main customs office, where duties on goods transported along the river were paid. This proximity to the Danube played a crucial role in the economic development of the area, turning it into a vibrant and dynamic commercial hub. Additionally, an underground channel connected the market to the river, facilitating the delivery of fresh products directly from boats, although today this channel has been converted for waste removal. The Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd), opened in 1896 and originally called Franz Joseph Bridge, connects Fővám Square with Gellért Hill and the Citadel on the opposite bank of the Danube. This bridge, the shortest of those crossing the main branch of the Danube in Budapest, is a masterpiece of engineering of the time, decorated with ornamental details that make it a fascinating and historically significant structure. In addition to the market and the bridge, Fővám Square is close to many other points of cultural and historical interest. The nearby Váci Street, one of Budapest’s main pedestrian and commercial streets, offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Walking along this street, visitors can admire historical buildings of various architectural styles and discover the Serbian Church of Pest, located in a courtyard not easily visible from the main street. Not far from Fővám Square is the Hungarian National Museum, founded in 1802 and housed in a neoclassical building designed by Mihály Pollack. This museum collects and presents Hungary’s historical artifacts, offering visitors a journey through the country’s rich history. During World War II, the Great Market Hall suffered severe damage, but was quickly restored in the following years. In the 1990s, a large renovation project brought the building back to its former glory, and in 1999 the market received the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence award for its exceptional restoration. Today, the market is one of Budapest’s main tourist attractions, frequented by both locals and tourists for its diverse offering of food, crafts, and culture.