As a brilliant lawyer and journalist in the early 19th century, Lajos Kossuth rose from a family of lower nobility to become one of Hungary’s most admired patriots, who wasn’t afraid to speak out against the country’s oppressive Habsburg rulers of the era – and for this he spent years in jail after facing a charge of high treason. Undaunted by his incarceration as a political prisoner, Kossuth was released in 1840 as a popular hero of the Hungarian cause, going on to continue his outspoken journalism in support of various reforms for the Magyar people, even going so far as to advocate Hungary’s separation from the Austrian monarchy. When revolution spread across Europe in 1848, a movement that reached Hungary on March 15th of that year, Kossuth demanded a parliamentary government for Hungary, and soon became the leader of Hungary’s 1848 Revolution, with his powerful speeches and writings inspiring many Magyars to rise up and fight nationwide.Although the 1848 Revolution brought about many significant achievements – including the establishment of the independent Hungarian Parliament that now governs the country – and several impressive military victories against Habsburg reprisals, the insurgency eventually failed due to lack of unity among Kossuth’s generals, and the Magyar army was vanquished in the summer of 1849. As a result, Kossuth was forced to flee Hungary, and despite his admirable international attempts to rally support for the Hungarian people, he could never live in his homeland again, dying decades later in exile.
Nonetheless, Kossuth’s selfless efforts earned him a revered role in Hungarian history, and today his name adorns many places and landmarks across the nation and capital, including Budapest’s recently renovated Kossuth Square that encompasses the Parliament House, along with a broad inner-city thoroughfare stretching from Astoria to the Klotild Palace, while his statuesque representations are found from Heroes’ Square to inside the United States Capitol.
Kossuth Square
Located just a short stroll away from the Danube, Kossuth Square is home to Budapest’s architectural masterpiece, the neo-Gothic Parliament House that rises above the recently revamped plaza in downtown Budapest.
As the nation’s primary site for state celebrations and political events, this lively headquarters of Hungarian democracy is especially well maintained, where the century-old architecture perfectly mingles with more recently added contemporary design elements. Lined by a sprawling stretch of emerald lawn, a fascinating waterfall fountain before the main Parliament flagpole, and stone-carved sculptures that portray Hungary’s historical characters – including the representation of Kossuth himself, standing among eight other esteemed politicians of the revolutionary 19th-century government – this public space pays a suitable tribute to the namesake leader.
Other notable buildings encompassing Kossuth Square include the Ministry of Agriculture, the neo-Renaissance-style Palace of Justice (now housing the Museum of Ethnography), or the eclectic Wellisch House that currently serves as the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice.
Kossuth Lajos Street
Starting from Astoria, this broad thoroughfare in downtown Pest stretches toward the Danube until reaching the imposing twin buildings of the Klotild Palace, and ending at the intersection with Budapest’s famous Váci Street shopping lane. Those who walk along this bustling roadway can marvel at the classically-designed Danubius Hotel Astoria, pass by contemporary art shops and galleries like the Mono Art & Design, and see what movies are showing at the Puskin Art Cinema, while the end of the street is encompassed by Ferenciek Square, the city’s popular meeting point that now shines with its old glory after a recent facelift. Here we find the classic Paris Court with its enchanting glass-mosaic dome (currently closed to the public while undergoing extensive renovations), the 18th-century Franciscan Church, and the Buddha-Bar Hotel’s deluxe lodgings.
Other notable sites that honor the reformist ruler include the Kossuth statue at Heroes’ Square, portraying the venerated governor as the most recent Hungary’s historic icons presented here, while a modern building within District XX is home to the Kossuth Lajos High School, a bilingual educational institution.
