Freedom Square

Known as Szabadság tér to the Hungarians, Freedom Square sits on the site of what was once an old barracks. In 1848 and 1849, many Hungarian freedom fighters were executed at this location. The barracks was demolished just prior to the turn-of-the-20th-century.

In the very center of Freedom Square, visitors will find one of the city’s few remaining monuments to the Soviets. Most have been moved outside of the city to the Statue Park. However, this rather large monument with a star on the top remains as a reminder of the Red Army troops who liberated Budapest in 1944-45. Many modern-day Hungarians are not terribly fond of this monument and would prefer to see it removed.

Budapest residents, however, are much more enamored of the wonderful buildings that surround the square. Directly behind the Soviet monument stands the magnificent U.S. Embassy Building, completed in 1900 and housing U.S. diplomats since 1935. Designed by architects Aladár Kármán and Gyula Ullman, this building was first the home of the Hungarian Hall of Commerce. The Swiss flag flew over this Viennese-style building during World War II and it is said that its lower floors were occupied by Jewish refugees in hiding.

Two buildings at the Freedom Square were designed by renowned Hungarian architect, Ignác Alpár.
Both immense buildings, which stand opposite one another, were completed in 1905. More kudos are usually given to the National Bank building - built in the late Classical style at the east side of the Freedom Square. The structure includes elegant limestone reliefs by sculptor Károly Sennyei on the first level, depicting various aspects of money, commerce and trade in the years of the early 20th century.

Ignác Alpár's other building, located at the square's western side is the former Stock Exchange building. Now the headquarters for Hungarian National TV, the building is clearly influenced by the Secessionist style. This is particularly noticeable at the building's impressive entrance.

The former Post Office Savings Bank Building, built in Art Nouveau style, was designed by a favorite architect of that period, Ödön Lechner. The façade is decorated with flower and bee motifs, symbolizing the bank's activity. The building's cornice is stunning as is the majolica (earthenware with a white tin glaze) roof ornamentation.