Recently revealed plans for the renewal of József Nádor tér in Budapest’s focal District V include a pair of elaborately embellished fountains built by Hungary’s most prominent porcelain manufacturers. These delicate decorations are being built by globally renowned brands Herendi and Zsolnay and they are set to enhance a formerly neglected square that has been under renovation for some time. Other features there will include an underground parking garage behind the famed Gerbeaud Confectionery.
A new outdoor hangout is in the making in central Budapest. Until now, József Nádor tér has not been considered a popular downtown destination, but according to plans unveiled not long ago, this formerly underused square can become a go-to location for relaxing in the city. The projected design shows a pair of ornate fountains enhancing the locality. These distinct amenities are being built by renowned porcelain manufacturers Herendi and Zsolnay.
The jet by Zsolnay is designed in the same way as the company’s distinct Hercules Fountains that are also found elsewhere in the region, including at the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter in Pécs or at Herkulesfürdő (Băile Herculane), over the border in Romania. The four-meter-high Budapest lookalike will be boosted with special light effects.
Meanwhile, the Herendi artwork, called the “Tree of Life”, features more futuristic elements. The curved plant-like formations mounted on the end of the tree’s branches will shimmer from inside, while special frothy nozzles will be installed in the pool area encircling the fountain to create a playful moving motion of the water. By setting up these aesthetic attractions in a public space, Budapest will be adding a new landmark to its cityscape, promoting traditional Hungarian craftsmanship.
The currently ongoing renovations of the area started in 2016, when all of the square’s 24 trees were cut down, two of them later replanted during the construction of a new underground garage. Building of this new facility to provide parking space for 525 cars was set to be concluded in 2017. Only when the construction project comes to an end, can District V start restoring the area, including re-establishing a park there with 51 new saplings. According to current projections, the park will begin welcoming visitors again this autumn.
