Published: 2023-05-14
Budapest's architecture is renowned for its Baroque-style buildings. However, there are also several unique and bizarre structures that one can explore. This article provides a listing of the top five most unusual buildings in the city.
All Saints’ Church, Farkasrét
All Saints’ Church in Farkasréti might be mistaken for a set of a horror film from which zombies might emerge at any moment, or gates in a Tolkien novel. Designed by István Szabó, the first sacral building in Budapest was completed in the late 1970s and features a striking and unusual architectural style that instils fear in passers-by.
Geometria Office Building
Budapest’s age-old Víziváros beneath Castle Hill is home to the Geometria Office Building. Despite being surrounded by cute Baroque and historical houses, this building, with its strange shape and dotted decoration, is a full high-tech masterpiece that makes it appear as if it is constantly in motion.
Lehel Market Hall
László Rajk, a radical architect, designed Lehel Market Hall, the most bizarre structure in Budapest. It is an example of Hungarian postmodern architecture, and its incongruous mix of colour, shapes, and materials makes it messy kitsch. It is a beautiful building in terms of design, although most locals see it differently. It was built in the early 2000s in honour of its predecessor, featuring a steel frame and several sycamore trees.
Museum Of Ethnography
The newly opened Museum of Ethnography, located on Dózsa György út, resembles a giant skateboard park rather than a museum or entrance to City Park, mainly because skateboarders use it frequently. It has a beautiful building design and includes a metal lattice façade and a wonderful roof garden.
Pekáry House
Pekáry House, which dates back to the mid-1800s, is located on the corner of Király and Csányi utca. The building's Gothic style would have been an unusual sight even in the Eclecticism and Historicism era, making it among the most exciting examples. It stood taller than any other building in the neighbourhood and was visually striking. It was named after the Deputy Captain of Pest, Imre Pekáry who was responsible for law and order back then.
Questions & Answers
What are some unique buildings to see in Budapest? Some unique buildings to see in Budapest include All Saints’ Church in Farkasrét, Geometria Office Building, Lehel Market Hall, Museum Of Ethnography, and Pekáry House.
When was All Saints’ Church in Farkasrét built? All Saints’ Church in Farkasrét was completed in the late 1970s.
Who designed All Saints’ Church in Farkasrét? All Saints’ Church in Farkasrét was designed by István Szabó.
What is the Geometria Office Building and where is it located? Geometria Office Building is an office block with a unique shape and dotted decoration of the windows. It is located at 1027 Budapest, Medve utca 17.
Who designed the Lehel Market Hall in Budapest and when was it built? The Lehel Market Hall in Budapest was designed by László Rajk and was built in the early 2000s.
What is the nickname of the Lehel Market Hall and why? The Lehel Market Hall's nickname is "Kofahajó," which means "a vessel full of shouty peasant women." The Hungarian term "kofa" refers to an old peasant woman who would bark to everyone within earshot about the quality and affordability of her wares.
What is the Museum of Ethnography and who designed it? The Museum of Ethnography is a newly opened museum with a metal lattice façade that resembles a giant skateboard park. It was designed by Marcel Ferencz.
What can visitors see at the Ceramics Space exhibition in the Museum of Ethnography? Visitors to the Ceramics Space exhibition in the Museum of Ethnography can see an exhibition of ceramics for free.
What is the historical significance of Pekáry House in Budapest? Pekáry House is historically significant for its Gothic appearance and height, towering above other buildings nearby. The Deputy Captain of Pest, Imre Pekáry, responsible for law and order back then, lived here. Gyula Krúdy, a great Budapest novelist, and his wife Arabella Spiegler also lived in this house, which was included in several of his stories. During World War II, nearly a hundred Polish and Czech Jewish refugees were hidden and provided with counterfeit papers at the house.