To be frank, the area was not among the most attractive parts of the city. Of course Józsefváros still isn't among the most popular districts but we can finally see signs of development. The most visible element of this renewal is the area behind the Corvin Cinema - and this huge infrastructure project has won a number of prizes for architecture. In this article we introduce the area, but as with the other instalments in our "rising districts" series, after having a read, go and take a stroll and discover the place for yourself.

As part of the 'rising districts' series, we have previously looked at Bartók Béla Road and its quality cafés and galleries, then we mapped Lövőház Street which has recently become a pedestrian street, and finally we visited Kolosy Square which has many varied dining opportunities. Now, to quote a bad real estate agent, we will explore 'one of the most dynamically developing areas of the Pest side' - the new promenade where Üllői Road and the Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút) meet.

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The history of the Corvin Quarter

1082 Budapest, Corvin köz 1.
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Corvin köz, is a historically important site because it was the scene of viscous fighting during the 1956 Hungarian revolution against Soviet occupation. Young men led by László Iván Kovács, then Gergely Pongrátz went into action against the tanks of the most powerful military force of the time. A memorial for these 'boys of Pest' that can be found in front of the Corvin Cinema is still covered by wreaths and candles.

The entrance to the Quarter is marked by a 20 tonne rusty steel 'gate', which is visible from the Grand Boulevard. Behind it is the legendary semi-circle shaped Corvin Cinema, which has images of King Matthias Corvinus and his ravens on its façade. The rooms of the multiplex cinema, rebuilt in 1996 to restore it to its original beauty, take their names from famous Hungarians such as Katalin Karády, Pál Jávor, Géza Radványi, and the Kabos and Korda brothers. The latter, of course, aren't related to György Korda, the Hungarian poker commentator. The decorative main hall of the cinema can host up to almost five hundred visitors.

Going around the outside of the cinema, we can visit Corvinpont, known for its confectionery, before arriving to the Corvin plaza and Corvin Promenade, which was created as a part of one of the greatest downtown development programs. The redevelopment has won a number of prizes, the last of which was in October 2014.

Replacing the mostly old and low quality buildings, gigantic 8 - 10 storey buildings were built in their place over just a few years. There's also an open-air promenade where restaurants and shops have opened recently. Aside from sunbathing on the terrace, it's also used as a functional space where you can go for services like a Bubbles laundry.

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Public places and hidden treasures

1083 Budapest, Bókay János utca 34.
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Walking ahead on the Promenade you can find Grund 1.0 and 2.0, and Leonardo Garden - great examples of how we can use open spaces as temporary public gardens - a concept that's gaining popularity in Budapest.

In Bókay János Street you can find Gólya Presszó, working on a co-operative basis in the building of a pub built in 1906. The institution was created by combining a pub with a public house, and it is not primarily for making money. The owners want to attract those who live in the area, so they organise educational events, film clubs, and workshops.

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Grund

Another centre for learning and entertainment is the Grund, where you can find ruin pub materials, a dance area, foosball tables, and a hostel. Here there's also the study room of a worldwide enterprise: the future Google AdWords-gurus are educated in the rooms of Google Ground.

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Shoemaker shop of István Holba

Of course the brand new Corvin Promenade does not have shops that have a long history, but the surrounding streets are packed with the workshops of artisans. At 29 Práter Street you can find the shoemaker shop of István Holba. The master studied the profession almost fifty years ago in a neighbouring school, and his little - but really atmospheric - shop has been open since 1987. He says public safety in the area is getting better, and apart from the regulars, more and more new customers are also visiting his shop. One thing is for sure: shoes are repaired at his shop with greater expertise and care and at a more reasonable price than at the generic shops found in big shopping plazas.

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Vintage Shop

A Vintage Shop can also be found at 9 Práter Street. Ibolya Cserhákné Blázsev has been working with clothes and accessories for almost 20 years. Looking at the wide selection and acceptable prices it is not surprising that this shop is also highly popular among theatre people.

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Cserpes

1082 Budapest, Corvin köz
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Budapest has fewer good breakfast places, than taxi drivers who use the indicator. But the 'milkman' of Kapuvár opened a milk bar first at Deák Square, then at Allee, and then in front of the Corvin Cinema, which has become very popular with locals. This is not surprising: the rye bread roll (HUF 160) and the sandwich with Hungarian paprika spread (HUF 200) are both perfect for breakfast or a snack. The sandwich with mangalica ham (HUF 680) or the tuna salad (HUF 780) are enough to quell a more serious hunger. To accompany all this, you can drink cocoa with whipped cream or an Illy coffee, but the famous Cserpes yoghurts are also a good match for any meal. Decorated with an atmospheric timber interior, Cserpes tejivó is the best alternative to unhealthy fast food.