Gems of Budapest - Chain Bridge, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Updated: Sep 15
Step back in time and discover the fascinating history behind Budapest's iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge (in Hungarian: Lánchíd), and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (in Hungarian: Magyar Tudományos Akadémia).
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2024
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest
Completed in 1849, this suspension bridge was a groundbreaking feat. Based on the design of English engineer William Tierney Clark, it was built by Scottish engineer Adam Clark (the two Clarks were not related). It is a larger-scale version of Tierney Clark's earlier Marlow Bridge, across the River Thames in Marlow, England, and was designed in sections and shipped from the United Kingdom to Hungary for final construction.
The stone lions at each of the abutments were carved by the sculptor János Marschalkó and installed in 1852. They are similar in design to the bronze lions of Trafalgar Square. The most well-known legend attached to the bridge concerns the giant lion statues found at the two abutments. For a long time, the rumour was that the sculptor forgot to carve tongues for the beasts and when made aware of the fact, took his own life in his embarrassment. The good news is that it is just a legend: the lions do indeed have tongues, and you can even see them if you take a peek inside the mouths of the stone predators.
One of the 4 stone lions on the Széchenyi Chain Brigde, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2024
Named after Count István Széchenyi, a driving force behind its construction, the bridge connected the Buda and Pest sides of the city for the first time, uniting the once separate entities. The construction of the bridge also owes much to Széchenyi’s personal experience: on hearing news of his father’s death in December 1820, the Count rushed from Debrecen to Vienna, but had to delay his crossing over the Danube by several days on account of the horrible weather, which made crossing the icy Danube by boat impossible. The bridge was built between 1839 and 1849. The bridge was named after him in 1898, but in fact, he never actually got to cross the bridge.
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge in 1900, source: Fortepan, fromt the photos of György Klösz
As the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Budapest, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge not only facilitated transportation but also became a symbol of unity and national pride. Unfortunately, the bridge suffered damage during World War II and was rebuilt in 1949 to commemorate its centennial. Illuminated by night, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is more than a crossing point; it's a majestic link between history, architectural brilliance, and the enduring spirit of Budapest.
The Hungarian Academy of Sciences
The Hungarian Academy of Sciences, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2024
The history of the academy began in 1825 when Count István Széchenyi offered one year's income of his estate for the purposes of a Learned Society, and his example was followed by other delegates. Its task was specified as the development of the Hungarian language and the study and propagation of the sciences and the arts in Hungarian. It received its current name in 1845. Its central building was inaugurated in 1865, in Renaissance Revival architecture style. The architect was Friedrich August Stüler.
The Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 1900, source: Fortepan, from the photos of György Klösz
Read more about the history of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences:
The Gresham Palace
Nestled along the picturesque Danube River, the Gresham Palace stands as a true gem in Budapest's skyline, a testament to the city's rich history and architectural grandeur.
The London-based Gresham Life Assurance Company bought the property in the late 1800s, when it was illegal for insurance companies in Great Britain to invest money in stocks, but rental income was an acceptable and legal investment. The company later decided to build its foreign headquarters on the site, and decided that they needed a grander setting for them. They commissioned local architects Zsigmond Quittner and József Vágó to design the new structure, and in 1904, they began construction of the Gresham Palace, which was completed in 1906 and opened in 1907. It was named after the 16th-century English financier Sir Thomas Gresham, the founder of the Royal Exchange in London.
Portrait of Sir Thomas Gresham, the founder of the Royal Exchange in London on the façade of the Gresham palace in Budapest
The time of completion occurred during Hungary’s Golden Age and some of the most famous artists and craftsmen of the time worked to make the Gresham Palace one of the most glamorous buildings in Pest, and one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. The artist Géza Maróti created many original sculptures for the building. Sculptor Ede Telcs created the relief of Thomas Gresham looking a bit like a jaunty sea captain at the top of the facade (shown in the picture above), staring out at a slight angle to the Danube and across the Chain Bridge towards Buda. Every bathroom and kitchen was fitted with ceramic tiles from the Pécs Zsolnay porcelain factory and Miksa Róth was commissioned to make the gorgeous stained glass windows on every landing. The wrought iron peacock gates came from the prestigious Gyula Jungfer workshop and furniture maker Endre Thek was commissioned to fill the rooms with his elegant creations.
The Gresham Palace was one of the first buildings in Budapest to have its Art Nouveau exterior illuminated at night and no expense was spared on the decor and the embellishments inside either.
The Gresham building also featured state-of-the-art technology, full electrical wiring, central heating, two-meter-thick cellar walls to prevent flooding and something known as a ‘central vacuum system’ which was a kind of communal vacuum cleaner which wound its way around the building.
This stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece now serves as a luxurious Four Seasons hotel (the only Forbes Five-star hotel in Hungary), blending historic charm with modern elegance. Its intricate façade adorned with more than two million mosaic tiles, soaring arches, and ornate details captivates visitors from afar.
The 'Peacock' gate - ironwork by Gyula Jungfer
Today the Gresham Palace offers not just accommodation but an experience steeped in luxury and sophistication, perfectly complemented by breathtaking views of the Danube River and Budapest's iconic landmarks, such as the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or simply indulging in the city's rich history, a visit to the Gresham Palace promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of Budapest.
The Gresham Palace, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2024
Count István Széchenyi - 'the Greatest Hungarian'
Count István Széchenyi (in English: Stephen Széchenyi; 21 September 1791 – 8 April 1860) was a Hungarian politician, political theorist, and writer. Widely considered as one of the greatest statesmen in history, he is still known to many as 'the Greatest Hungarian'. The Széchenyis were an old and influential noble family of Hungary. During his military service, he participated in the Napoleonic Wars. He left the service as a captain in 1826.
From September 1815 to 1821, Széchenyi traveled extensively in Europe, visiting France, England among others. The rapid modernization of Britain fascinated him the most. He was also impressed with the Canal du Midi in France, and began to envision ways to improve navigation on the lower Danube and Tisza (the two longest rivers in Hungary). Realizing the need to modernize, the Count became a determined reformer and promoted development.
Recognizing the significance of transportation, Széchenyi promoted steam navigation on the Danube River. In 1820, he organized the first steamship company, facilitating faster and more efficient travel and trade.
The 'Josef Karl' steam boat in Budapest with the Chain Bridge in 1925, source: Fortepan
Széchenyi advocated for economic progress, emphasizing the need for industrialization and modernization. His work "Credit" (1830) proposed financial reforms to stimulate economic growth, including the establishment of a national bank. Since 1990, Széchenyi's portrait has been featured on the 5000 Hungarian forint banknote.
Széchenyi introduced horse racing to Hungary as a means of promoting agriculture, breeding, and sportsmanship. The famous "Nemzeti Vágta" (National Gallop) tradition in Hungary traces its roots back to his initiative.
Horse Racing in Budapest in 1912, source: Fortepan
The 'Kincsem Park' racecourse in Budapest today is a 86-hectare green island, which has been the home for Hungarian horse racing since 1925. The track facilitates gallop, trotter and greyhound races. The spectacular grandstand can seat 3.500 visitors.
For further information, please check the below link:
Ways to get to Kincsem Park
Address: 1101 Budapest, Albertirsai út 2-4. (next to Hungexpo).
On route of Metro 2-line (Pillangó utca stop), or by number 100 bus. Free parking for visitors arriving by car.
Opening hours
Kincsem Park is open for the public on Saturdays all year round from 13.00 until nightfall, on Sundays from early April to late November one hour before the first race to one hour after the last race.
