While we were on our journey, searching for the most hidden passageways of Budapest, we've found out that these buildings aren't only practical, but special too. Even though they no longer function as a marketplace (blame it on the shopping centers and plazas), the historical vibes surrounding them keeps attracting tourists and those self-appointed city archeologists who know that there was a time when these places were the most important scenes of urban life.
It was sad to see that so many abandoned passage houses with empty shops and demolished storefronts. There is an urban myth that even the famous Hungarian poet, Petőfi Sándor drank from the drinking fountain of the passageway between Petőfi Sándor street 3. And the Városház street 6.
Gozsdu Udvar
Entrances: Király street 13. - Dob street 16. - Holló street 12-14. The Gozsdu Udvar is named after a Romanian lawyer, Manó Gozsdu who was famous for investing his fortunes into buying real-estate. The Gozsdu Udvar was designed and built by the famous architect Győző Czigler in 1902, almost 30 years after Gozsdu himself has passed away. The complex consists of 7 building and six inner courts – these places played a very important life of the Jewish community. The first Jewish prayer houses were established here alongside different stores and shops. Gozsdu Udvar is like a hidden passage to the synagogue located on Dohány street.
Saxlehner Palace
The Saxlehner palace was designed and built by Győző Cziegler between 1884-1886. Andras Saxleher was the owner of several mineral water fountains. He lived on the first floor of the palace (in the actual exhibition halls of the Post Museum). The offices were located in the back of the building. The top floors were rented.
The museum located on the first floor of the Saxlehner palace built in 1886 in eclectic style is dedicated to the history of the Hungarian Post Office from the early days to our times. The frescoes in the gateway and stairwell of the building were painted by Károly Lotz. The Saxlehner palace is a World Heritage Site.
Parisian CourtParisian Court have seen better days, but it's still one of the most beautiful passageways of the Hungarian capital.
Parisian Court is the downstairs passage in the building of Brudern House, the only house which was nicely lit up for the royal couple in 1820, and was in fact a passageway with various fashion shops. The three entraces are located at: Ferenciek square 10-11. - Petőfi Sándor street 2. - Haris alley 3.
Unger-house
The Unger-house just opposit to the National Museum is one of the earliest work of
Ybl Miklós
from 1852. The building is named after Unger Benedek, a master blacksmith, and his son, Unger Henrik was the one to name it after his father. As far as style is concerned, Unger-house bears much resemblance to classic Bezantian and Saracen buildings. Unger-house have seen better days, but it still has it's old-fashioned charm.
Central PassageThe Central Passage Budapest was opened in March 2008 with a high standard of modern apartments and a shopping centre. Gödör Club is also located here.
