Budapest is full of things to discover, many of which are hidden behind closed doors – such as staircases.
48 Benczúr utca
Imagine the daily delight of residents at 48 Benczúr utca. This building, nestled in the office district, boasts a magnificent staircase adorned with cherry-red Zsolnay tiles and intricate wrought-iron railings. Built in 1908 by Hugó Pick, the villa's opulent design and materials reflect his wealth, with his ‘PH' initials still visible on the wrought-iron gate, a reminder of his legacy.
26 Bertalan Lajos utca
At 26 Bertalan Lajos utca, its inhabitants have lovingly preserved a building over a century old. Entering the gate reveals a stunning display of Zsolnay tiles and stained-glass windows. While the building's overall style leans towards historicism, the vibrant colours and fluid forms hint at Art Nouveau influences. Yellow walls, adorned with purple tiles and red ornate Zsolnay decorations, reach eye level, and keen observers might spot the factory's badge on one floor. Coloured stained-glass windows illuminate each level, and the swinging doors feature stained-glass embellishments.
13 Falk Miksa utca
Moving to 13 Falk Miksa utca, one of the street's most beautiful buildings, the Egyptian-inspired doorway leads into a palace-like interior. Elegant staircases, stained-glass windows, and intricate reliefs welcome visitors. Built in the 1910s for a wealthy brickmaker, a business partner of architect Gyula Fodor, the building features spacious five-room luxury apartments, designed to maximise natural light.
Hungarian National Bank
The recently completed reconstruction of the Hungarian National Bank's headquarters on Szabadság tér has restored its original grandeur. From wallpaper reordered from an Italian factory to acid-etched glass doors and Miksa Róth's glass windows, the building is a testament to meticulous restoration. Ignác Alpár's grand wooden gates open into a generous reception area, where the richly decorated interior and glass surfaces demand attention. Facing the inner courtyard, Miksa Róth's colourful windows bathe the space in a beautiful light. While much of the original acid-etched glass was lost during the Second World War, it has been recreated with remarkable accuracy.
2 Perczel Mór utca
At 2 Perczel Mór utca, colourful ceilings, marble columns, and a Moorish and synagogue-inspired interior await. Built in 1899 during the development of Lipótváros, László Gyalus's turn-of-the-century design incorporates neo-Romanesque details on the facade. Historical accounts reveal the building was equipped with a state-of-the-art lift, and the first floor featured six-bedroom apartments with high wooden panelling and soaring 4.30-metre ceilings.
(Cover photo: The staircase of Perczel Mór utca 2, Bódis Krisztián - Budapest Images)
