Shooting Locations
The Architecture of Budapest
The Evolution of Styles Over the Centuries
Last updated on January 17th, 2025
Last updated on January 17th, 2025
Budapest’s architecture is a captivating blend of style, diversity, and character. The city’s rich history is divided into four distinct periods, each showcasing a multitude of architectural styles. This remarkable variety gives Budapest its unique charm, making it a favorite among filmmakers. Many of Budapest's monumental sights and hidden corners have the unique ability to convincingly portray cities and towns from a wide range of historical periods. Over the years, Hungary’s capital has convincingly stood in for Paris, Moscow, Berlin, Rome, and even Buenos Aires! In this article, we delve into the fascinating history of how Budapest evolved into the stunning city it is today.
Budapest’s architecture is a captivating blend of style, diversity, and character. The city’s rich history is divided into four distinct periods, each showcasing a multitude of architectural styles. This remarkable variety gives Budapest its unique charm, making it a favorite among filmmakers. Many of Budapest's monumental sights and hidden corners have the unique ability to convincingly portray cities and towns from a wide range of historical periods. Over the years, Hungary’s capital has convincingly stood in for Paris, Moscow, Berlin, Rome, and even Buenos Aires! In this article, we delve into the fascinating history of how Budapest evolved into the stunning city it is today.
The Historical Budapest
Hungarians have inhabited the areas we now call Budapest since the end of the 9th century AD, when the Hungarian tribes settled in the Carpathian Basin. However, even before their arrival, Romans and other ethnic groups lived here, with a settlement established as early as the 1st century BC. This makes Budapest a truly historical city, filled with reminders of its rich past—from ancient ruins and medieval structures to architectural gems predating the 19th century. Many of these can be found around Buda Castle and along the vibrant, picturesque streets leading down to the Danube.
Photo: Progressive Productions
While most people know that Budapest became a large city through the unification of Buda and Pest in 1872, fewer are aware that there was a third component: Óbuda, meaning "Old Buda." This area retains a handful of baroque houses nestled along charming, winding cobblestone streets—a legacy partly diminished by the bombings of World War II. Óbuda exudes the quaint atmosphere of a historic German village. The city also boasts numerous baroque churches, characterized by their yellow facades, twin towers, and intricate stone statues.
The Buda Castle
The foundations of Buda Castle were laid in 1243. As a central symbol of Hungarian rulers, it became the focal point of numerous battles over the centuries, often leaving it partially destroyed—whether by foreign invaders or Hungarians themselves. During World War II, bombings devastated the royal treasures and the opulent interiors of the castle. Today, the building features a Soviet-style interior, with its most distinctive element being the red marble paneling. The castle now serves as home to Hungary’s National Gallery and National Library.
The Golden Age of Budapest
The golden age of Budapest began with the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, which marked the end of Hungary’s subjugation by the Austrian Empire. Hungarian politicians were finally able to develop the country more freely, ushering in a period of rapid industrial growth and investment. This era sparked an infrastructural and urban boom, resulting in an impressive array of building projects in the capital. Many of these structures remain the most dominant and iconic in Budapest today, celebrated for their generous scale, wide streets, and monumental squares. This transformation was made possible by Hungary’s integration into the powerful Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, which lasted until the end of World War I in 1918.
During this time, Hungarians grew increasingly self-confident, striving to surpass Vienna by making Budapest a sophisticated and culturally vibrant city. This ambition led to such rapid progress that Budapest became the second most dynamic and fastest-developing city in the world after Chicago. For instance, it was the third city in the world to establish a telephone exchange. The city’s population tripled during this period, fueled by large-scale urban planning inspired by Paris. The iconic Andrássy Avenue was designed to connect the city center with Városliget, a sprawling urban park, while two parallel circuit boulevards were built to encircle the city’s heart.
Western Europe served as an inspiration, and Hungary hired the finest architects of the era. For example, the iconic Chain Bridge was designed by the British engineer Adam Clark, while the steel-and-glass Nyugati Railway Station was created by Gustave Eiffel’s renowned company. Wealthy industrialists reinvested their profits into building cutting-edge factories and public structures with unmatched attention to detail. One striking example is the Art Deco-style Kelenföld Power Plant, whose geometric, futuristic design remains a marvel. Similarly, Keleti Railway Station showcases an extraordinary blend of Renaissance and Classical elements, adorned with gold details and wall paintings, exemplifying the grandeur of the era. The golden age also left its mark on Budapest’s residential buildings. Many tenement houses feature foyers made of marble, and wrought iron decorations became a defining characteristic of the cityscape. The high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship of this period gave Budapest much of its enduring charm, shaping its unique architectural character that remains prominent to this day.
The Many Faces of Budapest
The architectural boom in Budapest resulted in a variety of styles being built simultaneously, creating the impression of a city with a deep and diverse architectural history. In reality, however, Hungarian architects excelled at crafting authentic neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance, and neo-Classical buildings.
The Many Nostalgic Styles of the Turn of the Century
With the end of Romanticism, the era of unified, dominant styles came to a close. What followed was a period of fragmentation, during which numerous smaller artistic movements emerged. Rather than a single style defining the century, architects either sought inspiration from the unknown future or looked back to the past. This gave rise to various styles that evolved simultaneously and often merged.
Neo-Gothic architecture drew from medieval art between the 12th and 15th centuries. These buildings were typically characterized by their striking verticality, which was further emphasized by intricate decorative elements. This upward focus was meant to symbolize the sublimity of God. The Neo-Gothic movement began in England as a way to showcase the culture and wealth of ancient nations. A prime example is the English Parliament, which served as inspiration for Hungary’s own Parliament building.
Neo-Renaissance architecture, which emerged in the 19th century, took inspiration from the humanist, geometric, and harmonious styles of 16th- and 17th-century Italy. Unlike the original Renaissance style, however, 19th-century architects incorporated Mannerist and Baroque elements to express the elegance and opulence demanded by their era.
Photo: Progressive Productions
Neo-Classicism, on the other hand, embraced the rationality and balance of the Enlightenment. This style was rooted in the architecture of ancient Greek and Roman temples, emphasizing proportion, symmetry, and timeless simplicity.
The city’s most important buildings were designed by top architects of the era. Andrássy Avenue, for example, is lined with eclectic neo-Renaissance palaces, inhabited by citizens who were exceptionally wealthy, even by global standards. Among these grand structures, the Hungarian State Opera House stands out as a cultural and architectural jewel. The building is lavishly decorated with countless statues, frescoes, and wrought iron details. Its auditorium is crowned by a breathtaking two-ton chandelier. Surrounding the Opera House, pedestrian-friendly streets exude a quintessentially European, almost Parisian atmosphere, with charming designer shops, quaint cafés, and cobbled roads that continue to draw visitors.
Photo: Progressive Productions
In addition to their revival of historical styles, Hungarians contributed to the development of modern Art Nouveau architecture. The Museum of Applied Arts, for instance, exemplifies this innovative spirit. Its architect created a unique style that fused Hindu and Far Eastern motifs, producing an Orientalist aesthetic. The museum’s frottage wall decorations, intricate and lace-like, are balanced by a tasteful all-white interior that reflects the natural light streaming through its glass-roofed inner courtyard. Meanwhile, the building’s exterior is adorned with ochre yellow, dark green, and white ceramic tiles, forming elegant organic shapes. Another remarkable example of Art Nouveau architecture is the Párizsi Nagyáruház. Its façade is defined by a characteristic Art Nouveau arch, while the top floor houses a café with live piano music and ceilings adorned with stunning gold decorations.
To Celebrate a Thousand Years of Hungary
The rapid urban development of Budapest was largely driven by preparations for the 1896 celebration of Hungary’s millennial anniversary. Significant investments were made during this time, including the construction of the M1 underground line, the first subway on the European continent. Remarkably, its interior design has been preserved (albeit renovated) to this day, featuring elegant white and dark green tiles and ochre-yellow wrought-iron signs.
Photo: Progressive Productions
his period also saw the creation of Heroes’ Square, a grand and iconic landmark. At its center stands a monumental column topped by Archangel Gabriel, with statues of the seven founding tribe leaders on horseback at its base. Surrounding this are columns adorned with statues of Hungary’s most prominent leaders and kings. Flanking the square are two majestic neo-Classical museums, each with stunning tympanums and massive columns, also constructed during this era. Behind this square lies Városliget Park, a lush green space that includes a lake. In winter, the lake transforms into an ice-skating rink, framed by picturesque, turn-of-the-century buildings that serve as changing rooms. Nearby, a reconstructed castle with a Gothic, fairytale-like aesthetic adds to the area’s charm. This entire district is exceptional for its historical integrity, as modern developments have been kept at bay, preserving its timeless, harmonious blend of history and nature.
Soviet Budapest
Photo: Progressive Productions
The Soviet era in Hungary began in 1945, following the end of the Second World War. During this period, political objectives dictated a need to present the country as at least as modern as the West. To visually separate this era from the preceding imperial and capitalist period, architects abandoned the materials and ornamentation of the past. Instead, to make construction more financially feasible—especially in the poverty-stricken aftermath of the war—they used modern and cheaper materials like concrete, plastic, and iron. Architecturally, the forms became more abstract, geometric, and overtly repetitive. Despite their efforts to isolate themselves from the West, Soviet architects were still influenced by its trends, particularly Pop Art, which can be seen in much of the era’s designs. Apart from constructing new buildings, they also redecorated the interiors of older ones. For instance, the waiting room of Nyugati Railway Station was outfitted with colorful, well-designed fiberglass yellow chairs. This period also saw a shift to bold, primary colors, evident in the striking palette of the M3 underground line.
It was during this time that the traditional European tenement house model of the turn of the century was abandoned in favor of large concrete-panel housing blocks. These buildings could accommodate significantly more people at a fraction of the cost, maximizing space but altering the character of the neighborhoods where they were built. Designers stripped away unnecessary ornamentation, embracing Hungarian functionalism in pursuit of a utopian, futuristic vision. Unfortunately, time has worn down many of these structures, leaving them far from the representational ideals they once embodied. However, there are exceptions, such as Dunaújváros’s Green Hospital.
Photo: Progressive Productions
A lasting reminder of this period can be found in the reliefs adorning buildings across the city. These typically depict workers, their wives, and children. Small-scale reliefs often appear above entrances to social housing, while larger ones are featured on building facades. Additionally, numerous socialist-realist statues remain scattered throughout parks and gardens. Once tools of state propaganda, these figures now stand as abandoned relics of a bygone era. Squares across Hungary that were once dominated by statues of Soviet leaders saw these symbols removed during the political changes of 1989–1991.
One notable square, which once hosted a colossal statue of Stalin, now features a contemporary monument commemorating the victims of the 1956 revolution. This striking piece consists of a steel form that disintegrates into rusting pillars, creating a forest-like space. It serves as a poignant transition to the fourth period of modern Hungarian architecture.
Contemporary Budapest
Photo: Progressive Productions
Hungary’s capital is home to numerous gems of contemporary architecture, a term that encompasses a wide range of styles. Among the most notable examples are futuristic, deconstructionist, and organic glass structures. The Bálna exemplifies this, blending modern design with a historical, ornate brick building—a combination that makes it truly unique and site-specific; a perfect symbol of Budapest’s architectural diversity. Also, it is fascinating to analyze Budapest’s evolving relationship with its architectural heritage. Some buildings have undergone dramatic renovations, which in some cases involve the complete reconstruction of destroyed buildings—or even the realization of plans for structures that were never actually built. Yet, in sharp contrast, many buildings remain in a state of significant disrepair, some reduced to near ruins. What is particularly captivating about these structures is the bullet holes visible on their walls, remnants of the Second World War and the 1956 Revolution, keeping history ever-present within the city’s landscape.
Cultural Center By The River
By the Danube lies a Cultural Center comprising the National Theatre and Müpa (The Palace of Arts), which also houses the Ludwig Contemporary Art Museum. The National Theatre’s building is a striking example of the elaborate, ornate, and eclectic branch of Postmodern architecture. In front of the theatre stands a dramatic monument featuring a Classical facade sinking into a pool. Next to it, Müpa presents a more monumental and reserved aesthetic. While its exterior appears minimalist during the day, the building transforms at night with a spectacular light show, featuring integrated facade lighting and projected visuals. Inside, visitors are greeted by vast glass walls, elegant red carpets, and dynamic, asymmetrical postmodern spaces, including a bar designed to resemble a grand piano. At the heart of Müpa is an enormous, state-of-the-art concert hall, featuring sleek wood paneling and impeccable acoustics.
The Diverse Budapest of Today
In the heart of Budapest, near the historic Nyugati Railway Station and a cutting-edge glass design building, lies a minimalist modern park, featuring playful terraces divided by stylish, rusty panels. Across the city, innovative companies have built experimental and colorful offices that showcase a variety of creative combinations of metal and glass.
The city also hides numerous architectural treasures, such as the entrance to the Vision Tower Office, where an elegant, white, lace-like geometric structure hovers gracefully above visitors. Equally noteworthy is a monumental, minimalist football stadium with an organic shape, distinguished by its rib-like metallic structure.
Ruin pub, typically located in old tenement buildings are popular places of the nightlife of BudapestDespite the presence of modern architecture, Budapest’s skyline remains remarkably unchanged, as there are no towering skyscrapers to disrupt its historic rooftops. This allows the cityscape to retain the charm of a century ago, a rarity among global capitals. At the same time, Budapest boasts a thriving street subculture, particularly in the VII. district, which is known for its vibrant street art, graffiti, and its own unique innovation: ruin pubs.
As you can see, architecture in Hungary today is as diverse and dynamic as ever. Progressive Productions has spent years collecting, documenting, and systematizing the best locations for filming in Budapest. Our Location Database provides a simple and efficient way to navigate the extensive array of buildings and landmarks this city has to offer.
