For decades, debate has raged over the fate of Citadella, one of the most prominent vantage points in the cityscape of Budapest. Any development of the hilltop site was put on hold, the situation now finally resolved by the decision to open a museum here, commemorating the Hungarian struggle for freedom. Now that renovation work has begun, a survey is taking place, including a comprehensive archaeological study which has unearthed a number of exciting finds.
Many relics have come to light thanks to the current archaeological endeavours around Citadella, the former Habsburg fortress set atop Gellért Hill. These include the remnants of a wall constructed here in 1815 for a university observatory. In its day, this was the most modern of its kind in Europe.
World War I finds have also made their way to the surface, including the remains of an anti-aircraft cannon base. And the history doesn’t end there: Celtic pottery, Roman coinage, as well as Turkish coins and pottery fragments have all been discovered. A defensive bunker from World War II is currently sitting in Citadella's inner courtyard, and is gradually being dismantled.
The
first phase of development is expected to be completed by 2022, during which
time the inner courtyard of the fortress will be completely renovated, and the
outer walls and surroundings will be tidied up.
The construction
project comes after years of debate, arguments and proposals. The
government announced earlier in the year that they would be constructing a
museum on the site, which will commemorate Hungary’s struggle for freedom. The
surrounding landscape is also expected to be remodelled, with plans to offer
leisure activities beyond just admiring the wonderful panorama.
