Vigadó Square (Vigadó tér)

Vigadó Square (Vigadó tér) is a charming square on the Pest side of the city, on the banks of the Danube. It boasts beautiful architecture and a rich history, not to mention the great pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants in the surrounding area. The park and the statues in the square make it a great place to relax or take selfies, and it becomes even more impressive when you turn around to see the stunning views of the Danube with Buda Castle on the opposite bank. You can also enjoy a boat ride from the MAHART Passnave Vigadó Square boat station — it will be a superb experience! 

Historical significance: 

The square was named after the Pesti Vigadó, which opened in 1865 in Budapest. But it was not always called Vigadó Square. From the 1840s, it was called Duna Square or Dunaparti Promenade at the pontoon bridge, Donau Zeile, Untere Donau Zeile (Lower Danube Row). In the 1870s, it was called Redoutenplatz, from 1873 Vigarda Square, from 1879 Vigadó Square, from 1946 Molotov Square, and from 1957 Vigadó Square again.

This was the site of the Redoute, designed by Mihály Pollack in 1813 in the classicist style, which was destroyed by Hentzi's cannons in 1849. It was replaced by the Pesti Vigadó, built between 1859 and 1865 in the romantic style, based on the designs of Frigyes Feszl.

The Hangli kiosk, a popular meeting place for Budapest residents, also stood on the square until it was demolished at the end of 1932. The decorative fountain is also worth seeing: it was erected in 1896, then in 1945 a monument to Soviet airmen was unveiled in its place, so the fountain was moved to the Dagály Baths. It was returned in 2000 and has been in its original location ever since.

It was not always called Vigadó Square. From the 1840s, it was called Duna Square or Dunaparti Promenade at the pontoon bridge, Donau Zeile, Untere Donau Zeile (Lower Danube Row). In the 1870s, it was called Redoutenplatz, from 1873 Vigarda Square, from 1879 Vigadó Square, from 1946 Molotov Square, and from 1957 Vigadó Square again.

This was the site of the Redoute, designed by Mihály Pollack in 1813 in the classicist style, which was destroyed by Hentzi's cannons in 1849. It was replaced by the Pesti Vigadó, built between 1859 and 1865 in the romantic style, based on the designs of Frigyes Feszl.

The Hangli kiosk, a popular meeting place for Budapest residents, also stood on the square until it was demolished at the end of 1932. The decorative fountain is also worth seeing: it was erected in 1896, then in 1945 a monument to Soviet airmen was unveiled in its place, so the fountain was moved to the Dagály Baths. It was returned in 2000 and has been in its original location ever since.

Accessibility:

It is located a 2-minute walk from Vörösmarty Square, a 4-minute walk from Deák Ferenc Square, and a 6-minute walk from Széchenyi István Square. It is very easy to reach by public transport.

Bus: 107, 112, 133E, 15, 210B, 5, 7, 8E, 9, 100E, 909, 909A, 914, 914A, 178, 216, 16.

Metro: M2, M3, M1.

Tram: 23, 2B.

Nearby attractions:

In front of the Commercial and Credit Bank building stands Ádám Farkas' red marble composition entitled Stone Monument from the Future.

The fountain in the middle of the square, entitled Children's Fountain, is the work of Károly Senyei (1896). On the cast iron railing along the Danube side of the square stands a bronze statue entitled The Little Princess, created by László Marton in 1990. On the Danube side of the square, on the sidewalk, sits Dávid Raffay's life-size bronze statue entitled Girl with Dog on a lamppost pedestal.

The MAHART–PassNave Vigadó Square boat station opens from the square. The scale for the highest water levels on the Danube has probably been visible on its wall since 1834.

Photo credit: Tripadvisor