Published: December 05 2023
Szentkirályszabadja, known as the "Hungarian Chernobyl", is an abandoned Soviet barrack located near Veszprém in Hungary. The city has been empty for the past thirty years, resembling a ghost town. This article will explore the history and current state of Szentkirályszabadja.
The Abandoned Soviet Barrack
Szentkirályszabadja was originally a massive Soviet barrack constructed in the 1960s to house Russian and Ukrainian soldiers. The complex included five-storey panel houses, a theater, cinema, store, pub, post office, kindergarten, and school, providing a complete small town for the soldiers and their families. Trading between locals and soldiers was common, with goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and even colored TVs being exchanged.
Gradual Evacuation and Decay
Unlike Chernobyl, Szentkirályszabadja experienced a gradual and leisurely evacuation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The barracks were almost completely emptied by 1990 and subsequently fell into decay. After being guarded by the Hungarian state until 1996, the property was abandoned and gradually reclaimed by nature. Today, the barracks are often used for airsoft or paintball competitions, but the empty homes still create an eerie atmosphere.
Other Abandoned Places in Hungary
If you're interested in exploring more abandoned places in Hungary, check out this article that highlights additional locations. These ghost towns offer unique and haunting experiences for those curious about forgotten history.
Conclusion
Szentkirályszabadja, once a bustling Soviet barrack, now stands as a deserted ghost town in Hungary. Its history and gradual abandonment provide an intriguing glimpse into the past. If you're looking for an eerie and atmospheric adventure, don't miss the opportunity to explore this fascinating site and discover the stories it holds.
Questions & Answers
Where is the ghost town of Szentkirályszabadja located? The ghost town of Szentkirályszabadja is located near Veszprém in Hungary.
Why is Szentkirályszabadja referred to as the "Hungarian Chernobyl"? Szentkirályszabadja is called the "Hungarian Chernobyl" because, like Chernobyl, it is an abandoned town. However, unlike Chernobyl, there is no radiation present in Szentkirályszabadja.
What was Szentkirályszabadja used for in the past? Szentkirályszabadja used to be a massive Soviet barrack, built for Russian and Ukrainian soldiers in the 1960s. It was a busy military complex that served as a home for around seven thousand soldiers and their families.
What facilities were available in Szentkirályszabadja for the soldiers and their families? Next to the residential buildings, there was a theater, cinema, store, pub, post office, kindergarten, and school. The complex was designed as a complete small town, catering to the needs of the soldiers and their families.
Why did the Soviet soldiers and the locals start trading goods in Szentkirályszabadja? The Soviet soldiers and the locals started trading goods, such as alcohol, tobacco, and even colored TVs, because little to no people were allowed to enter the complex. This resulted in a thriving black market within the barrack.
Why did the evacuation of Szentkirályszabadja happen gradually? The evacuation of Szentkirályszabadja did not happen in a hurry like Chernobyl. Instead, it gradually occurred due to the demobilization and withdrawal of Soviet soldiers. As a result, there was no radioactive blast or official evacuation order.
What happened to the barracks after they were emptied? After the Soviet soldiers left, the barracks were guarded by the Hungarian state until 1996. After that, they were left unattended and gradually fell into decay. Nowadays, they are mostly used for airsoft or paintball competitions.
Are there other ghost towns in Hungary? Yes, there are other ghost towns in Hungary. If you're interested, you can check out other abandoned places in Hungary in this article mentioned here.
