Európai műemlékvédelmi tendenciák, különös tekintettel a Kárpát-medencére V–VI., Fehérvárcsurgó, 2022, 2023: Horler Miklós 100
European monument protection trends, with special regard to the Carpathian Basin V–VI., Fehérvárcsurgó, 2022, 2023: Miklós Horler 100
Contributor(s): Endre Raffay (Editor), Anna Tüskés (Editor)
Subject(s): Archaeology, Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, Visual Arts, History of Art
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Keywords: heritage preservation; monument restoration; Carpathian Basin; architectural history; cultural heritage; medieval architecture; restoration theory; Miklós Horler; historic reconstruction; conservation studies
Summary/Abstract: This conference volume presents the proceedings of the fifth and sixth international heritage preservation conferences held in Fehérvárcsurgó in 2022 and 2023. The publication focuses on contemporary European trends in monument preservation, with special emphasis on the cultural heritage of the Carpathian Basin. The studies discuss theoretical and practical aspects of architectural restoration, archaeological conservation, and historical reconstruction. Several contributions analyze medieval castles, churches, cathedrals, and urban monuments, highlighting new restoration methods and research results. The volume also examines the preservation of modern architectural heritage, including the restoration projects of the Hungarian State Opera House and historic urban centers such as Sopron. A major thematic section commemorates the Hungarian monument preservation expert Miklós Horler on the centenary of his birth, evaluating his scholarly and institutional contributions. The book emphasizes interdisciplinary cooperation among architects, art historians, archaeologists, restorers, and engineers in the field of heritage conservation. It also explores the relationship between cultural identity, historical memory, and monument protection in Central Europe. Several papers address international cooperation and the role of heritage preservation in regional cultural development. Overall, the volume demonstrates how contemporary monument preservation combines historical scholarship, modern technology, and cultural responsibility to protect architectural heritage for future generations.
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-963-626-287-7
- Page Count: 2024
- Publication Year: 2024
- Language: Hungarian
Horler Miklós munkássága
Horler Miklós munkássága
(The work of Miklós Horler)
- Author(s):Pál Lővei
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:13-26
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:monument preservation; heritage protection; Horler Miklós; architectural restoration; Budapest monuments; Lapidarium Hungaricum; Venice Charter; conservation theory; Hungarian architecture; interdisciplinary research
- Summary/Abstract:The study presents the life and professional legacy of Horler Miklós, emphasizing his major contributions to Hungarian monument preservation and restoration. It highlights his exceptional ability to think systematically and his commitment to creating coherent institutional and legal frameworks for heritage protection. The article explains his central role in preparing the Hungarian monument protection law drafted in 1989 and discusses how later political changes weakened these efforts. It also examines his pioneering work in monument topography, especially the influential volumes on the monuments of Budapest and the monograph on Szentendre. Horler played a decisive role in modern restoration theory by promoting the integration of modern architecture into historical environments in postwar Budapest. The study describes his leadership in the development of the Lapidarium Hungaricum program, which catalogued medieval architectural stone fragments throughout Hungary. It further explores his support for interdisciplinary research, including geological and scientific analyses of historical building materials and medieval stone carvings. The article underlines his international importance through his participation in drafting the Venice Charter and his long-standing involvement in ICOMOS and UNESCO heritage activities. Horler was also an influential teacher, researcher, editor, and author whose publications shaped generations of architects, art historians, and conservation specialists. Overall, the study portrays him as one of the most significant and intellectually versatile figures of twentieth-century Hungarian monument preservation.
Horler Miklós és a budai műemléki topográfiák
Horler Miklós és a budai műemléki topográfiák
(Miklós Horler and the topographies of Buda monuments)
- Author(s):Péter Farbaky
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:27-38
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:monument topography; Budapest; Horler Miklós; architectural history; urban heritage; monument preservation; Buda Castle; Hungarian art history; restoration theory; cultural heritage documentation
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the decisive role of Horler Miklós in the creation of the Budapest monument topography volumes published in 1955 and 1962. It places these works within the broader history of Hungarian monument documentation and postwar cultural policy. The article describes how the concept of monument topography originated before World War II under the leadership of Gerevich Tibor and was reshaped after the political changes of the late 1940s. Horler’s work is presented as part of a large collaborative effort involving architects, archaeologists, art historians, and urban planners. The study emphasizes his contribution to the systematic cataloguing and analysis of Budapest’s historic buildings and urban structure. It explains that Horler combined architectural precision with historical and stylistic analysis, especially in his studies of Gothic, Baroque, and Classical architecture in Buda. The article also discusses methodological debates surrounding monument topography, including criticism from art historians who questioned the balance between architectural and art historical perspectives. Special attention is given to the innovative urban and conservation approach that allowed modern architecture to coexist with historic environments. The second Budapest volume expanded the research to additional districts of Buda and involved a broader range of specialists, particularly archaeologists working on Roman and medieval remains. The study concludes that although the planned topographical series for Pest remained unfinished, Horler’s work established a lasting foundation for Hungarian architectural and monument research.
Horler Miklós – mesterem a műemlékes hivatásban
Horler Miklós – mesterem a műemlékes hivatásban
(Miklós Horler – my master in the historic preservation profession)
- Author(s):Tamás Fejérdy
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:39-54
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Horler Miklós; monument preservation; heritage ethics; ICOMOS; Venice Charter; architectural restoration; Hungarian conservation; cultural heritage; restoration theory; professional mentorship
- Summary/Abstract:The study is a personal and professional tribute by Fejérdy Tamás to his mentor, Horler Miklós, on the centenary of Horler’s birth. It recounts how the author became involved in monument preservation and how Horler profoundly shaped his professional identity and ethical outlook. The article emphasizes that Horler regarded monument preservation not merely as a profession but as a lifelong vocation grounded in intellectual rigor and moral responsibility. It highlights Horler’s major achievements in restoration practice, monument research, and heritage management, including his leadership of the celebrated postwar Hungarian restoration “golden team.” The study also discusses his important publications and projects, such as the Budapest monument topographies, the Lapidarium Hungaricum program, and restorations at Simontornya and Esztergom. Considerable attention is devoted to Horler’s international reputation, especially his involvement with ICOMOS and the principles of the Venice Charter. The author recalls Horler’s influential 1972 lecture on integrating modern architecture into historic environments, noting that its ideas remain relevant today. The article portrays Horler as an exceptionally cultivated and demanding intellectual whose strict professional standards were balanced by warmth, humor, and generosity toward students and colleagues. It also examines his efforts to defend principled restoration methods during the ideological and institutional tensions of the late socialist period. Overall, the study presents Horler Miklós as a defining figure of twentieth-century Hungarian monument conservation whose ethical and professional legacy continues to guide later generations.
Horler Miklós A Bakócz-kápolna című kötetének jelentősége
Horler Miklós A Bakócz-kápolna című kötetének jelentősége
(The significance of Miklós Horler's book "The Bakócz Chapel")
- Author(s):Mária Prokopp
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:55-65
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:Bakócz Chapel; Horler Miklós; Renaissance architecture; Andrea Ferrucci; monument restoration; Esztergom; architectural history; ICOMOS; Hungarian heritage; art historical research
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the significance of Horler Miklós’s monograph on the Bakócz Chapel in Esztergom and highlights his broader contribution to Hungarian and European monument preservation. It portrays Horler as an exceptionally cultured architect, researcher, teacher, and musician whose artistic sensitivity strongly influenced his architectural and restoration work. The article traces his professional career from postwar restoration projects in Buda to his leadership roles within the Hungarian monument protection institutions and ICOMOS. Particular attention is devoted to Horler’s restoration research on the Bakócz Chapel, one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture in Hungary. The study explains how Horler demonstrated the organic unity of the chapel’s architecture and sculptural decoration through detailed structural and stylistic analysis. It emphasizes his reconstruction drawings and his argument that the chapel and its altar formed a single artistic conception created by the Florentine sculptor and architect Andrea Ferrucci. The article also discusses the historical compromises that prevented the complete realization of Horler’s restoration proposals, especially regarding the original placement of the altar. Prokopp highlights Horler’s international recognition, including his role in the Venice Charter movement and his active participation in ICOMOS from the 1960s onward. The study further explores the artistic and iconographic significance of the chapel’s sculptural program, relating it to Italian Renaissance developments from the Quattrocento to the Cinquecento. Overall, the article presents Horler’s Bakócz Chapel research as a landmark achievement that fundamentally reshaped the understanding of one of Hungary’s most important Renaissance monuments.
Az áthelyezés mint műemlékvédelmi módszer a Bakócz-kápolna példáján
Az áthelyezés mint műemlékvédelmi módszer a Bakócz-kápolna példáján
(Relocation as a method of monument protection based on the example of the Bakócz Chapel)
- Author(s):Béla Zsolt Szakács
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:67-81
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Bakócz Chapel; monument relocation; architectural conservation; Horler Miklós; authenticity; heritage preservation; Esztergom Basilica; restoration history; Venice Charter; sacred architecture
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the relocation of the Bakócz Chapel as a unique example of monument preservation through architectural transfer. The article builds on the research of Horler Miklós, whose work connected the chapel with broader international debates on restoration and authenticity. It compares the Bakócz Chapel with several international examples of relocated monuments, including the Arch of Titus in Rome, the Abu Simbel temples in Egypt, San Pedro de la Nave in Spain, and medieval structures transferred to the United States. The study emphasizes that the relocation of monuments often involves tensions between technical preservation, historical authenticity, and the loss of original context. Special attention is given to the nineteenth-century transfer of the Bakócz Chapel during the construction of the Esztergom Basilica, when the structure was dismantled stone by stone and rebuilt in a new position. The author explains that the chapel’s orientation, lighting, and spatial experience changed significantly after the reconstruction, even though remarkable efforts were made to preserve its original material and structure. The article highlights the extraordinary precision of the reconstruction process, including the numbering and documentation of the marble elements before reassembly. Comparative examples from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Transylvania demonstrate that such careful reconstruction practices were unusual in earlier centuries. The study also argues that the chapel’s role as a Marian pilgrimage site contributed to the exceptional care taken during its relocation, since preserving authenticity was essential for maintaining its sacred status. Overall, the article concludes that the Bakócz Chapel represents a landmark case in the history of monument conservation, illustrating the enduring importance of authenticity in architectural preservation.
Lego-műemlékek: Az esztergomi Bakócz-kápolna és a műemlékvédelem
Lego-műemlékek: Az esztergomi Bakócz-kápolna és a műemlékvédelem
(Lego monuments: The Bakócz Chapel in Esztergom and monument protection)
- Author(s):Endre Raffay, Anna Tüskés
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:83-92
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Bakócz Chapel; monument preservation; architectural relocation; Esztergom Basilica; Renaissance architecture; heritage conservation; authenticity; Packh János; sacred architecture; restoration history
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the relocation of the Bakócz Chapel in Esztergom as an early and remarkable example of monument preservation. The authors describe the 1823 dismantling and reconstruction of the chapel as a kind of architectural “Lego” process in which the building was carefully taken apart and rebuilt from numbered stone elements. The article emphasizes that the intervention belongs to the prehistory of Hungarian monument conservation, predating the institutional development of heritage protection in the nineteenth century. It explains how the chapel, one of the most important surviving monuments of Hungarian Renaissance architecture, was integrated into the newly constructed Esztergom Basilica under the direction of Packh János and Archbishop Rudnay Sándor. The study compares the Bakócz Chapel with other historical examples of architectural relocation, including the Temple of Ares in Athens, the Arch of Titus in Rome, and the Santa Casa tradition of Loreto. The authors argue that the preservation of the chapel was motivated not only by artistic and historical value but also by its religious and symbolic importance as a sacred site. Particular attention is devoted to the technical details of the dismantling process, including the cataloguing of approximately 1600 marble elements and their systematic reuse during reconstruction. The study also analyzes which parts of the original structure survived and which components, such as the foundations, crypt, and exterior walls, were replaced or lost. Through close architectural observation, the authors demonstrate that the red marble elements were not merely decorative coverings but essential structural components of the building. Overall, the article concludes that the Bakócz Chapel illustrates both the possibilities and limitations of historical monument preservation, while also revealing how authenticity, relic culture, and architectural representation shaped early conservation practices.
A Bakócz-kápolna és a Szent Adalbert székesegyház: Igazodás és igazítás
A Bakócz-kápolna és a Szent Adalbert székesegyház: Igazodás és igazítás
(The Bakócz Chapel and the Cathedral of St. Adalbert: Alignment and Adjustment)
- Author(s):Endre Raffay
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:93-126
- No. of Pages:34
- Keywords:Bakócz Chapel; Saint Adalbert Cathedral; Esztergom; Renaissance architecture; Porta Speciosa; red marble; architectural continuity; monument reconstruction; medieval cathedral; Hungarian art history
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the architectural relationship between the Bakócz Chapel and the medieval Cathedral of Saint Adalbert in Esztergom. The author revisits Horler Miklós’s interpretation of the chapel as a carefully integrated Renaissance addition that harmonized with the existing Romanesque cathedral structure. The paper analyzes historical drawings, reconstruction images, and written descriptions to reconstruct the visual and spatial experience of the cathedral before its destruction. Special attention is given to the famous Porta Speciosa and the role of red marble decoration in creating visual continuity between the medieval cathedral and the Renaissance chapel. The study argues that the extensive use of red marble was not merely decorative but carried symbolic and representational meanings connected to continuity, prestige, and ecclesiastical authority. Raffay also investigates the chronology and construction techniques of the chapel, especially the structural role of the marble elements within the building. By comparing Esztergom with examples from Modena, Florence, and Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the article places the chapel within a broader European architectural context. The author discusses how medieval and Renaissance builders adapted existing structures, reused earlier materials, and balanced innovation with respect for inherited sacred spaces. The study further highlights the importance of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century documentation, including drawings by Lux Géza and Packh János, for understanding the lost architectural environment of the cathedral. Overall, the article presents the Bakócz Chapel as a complex monument in which adaptation, continuity, visual harmony, and architectural transformation were deeply interconnected.
Gesztes várának múltja, jelene, és jövője Helyreállítási lehetőségek vizsgálata
Gesztes várának múltja, jelene, és jövője Helyreállítási lehetőségek vizsgálata
(The past, present and future of Gesztes Castle: Examination of restoration options)
- Author(s):Kinga Garaguly
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:127-155
- No. of Pages:29
- Keywords:Gesztes Castle; monument preservation; medieval ruins; Venice Charter; architectural restoration; cultural heritage; historical authenticity; ruin conservation; adaptive reuse; Hungarian architecture
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the historical development, restoration history, and future preservation possibilities of Gesztes Castle in Hungary. It argues that the castle’s value lies not only in its medieval origins but also in its long-standing ruined condition, which reflects the turbulent history of the region. The author discusses how twentieth-century restoration practices, especially those influenced by the Venice Charter, shaped the castle’s current appearance through clearly distinguishable modern additions. Special attention is given to the influential 1960s restoration designed by Ferenc Erdei, which aimed to conserve the ruin while preserving its romantic and educational character. The paper highlights both the architectural achievements and the technical failures of this intervention, including the deterioration caused by inappropriate construction materials such as cement and frost-sensitive bricks. It also analyzes earlier interventions from the 1930s, when tourist associations transformed parts of the ruins into shelters and lookout towers with little scientific documentation. The study emphasizes the importance of authenticity, historical memory, and the emotional connection people develop toward monuments and ruined landscapes. The author argues that future restoration should avoid excessive reconstruction and instead maintain the ruin-like character of the castle while improving structural stability and usability. The article proposes new restoration concepts based on minimal intervention, reversible architectural solutions, and the reinterpretation of interior spaces rather than full physical reconstruction. Overall, the study presents Gesztes Castle as an important example of how historical ruins can balance conservation, tourism, architectural theory, and cultural identity.
A középkori várfalak kialakítása, diagnosztikája és helyreállítása: Vázlat
A középkori várfalak kialakítása, diagnosztikája és helyreállítása: Vázlat
(The construction, diagnostics and restoration of medieval castle walls: Outline)
- Author(s):Csaba Kovács
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:157-166
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:medieval castle walls; multi-leaf masonry; monument restoration; structural diagnostics; heritage conservation; stone masonry; injection grouting; earthquake damage; castle preservation; structural engineering
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the structure, diagnosis, and restoration methods of medieval castle walls built with multi-leaf stone masonry systems. The article explains how these walls were traditionally constructed with outer stone shell walls and an inner rubble-filled core bonded with lime-based mortar. It presents both historical and modern perspectives on masonry construction, including references to Vitruvius and later architectural classifications of stone walls. The study discusses the growing relevance of the topic due to recent Hungarian castle restoration programs involving sites such as Diósgyőr, Füzér, Eger, Sirok, Várgesztes, and Sárospatak. Special attention is devoted to diagnostic methods used in conservation engineering, including visual inspection, hammer testing, Schmidt-hammer analysis, drilling, georadar examination, and 3D laser scanning. The article identifies common structural problems in medieval walls, such as the separation of outer wall layers, deterioration of the inner core, water damage, frost action, vegetation growth, and earthquake effects. The author also describes modern restoration technologies, especially injection grouting and stainless-steel anchoring systems used to reconnect detached wall layers to the masonry core. Several practical case studies are presented, including earthquake damage in Umbria and Albania, which illustrate the vulnerability of multi-layer masonry structures to seismic forces. The study further analyzes structural modelling and finite-element calculations used to evaluate the behavior of historic masonry walls under vertical loads, wind pressure, and earthquakes. Overall, the article demonstrates how historical construction knowledge, modern diagnostics, and careful engineering interventions can together support the long-term preservation of medieval castle structures.
A rom élete: A töttöskáli templom megélt múltja és remélt jövője
A rom élete: A töttöskáli templom megélt múltja és remélt jövője
(The life of the ruin: The lived past and hoped-for future of the Töttöskála church)
- Author(s):Gábor Nagy
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:167-174
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Töttöskála church; medieval ruins; monument conservation; Venice Charter; architectural restoration; ruin aesthetics; cultural heritage; Káli Basin; historical authenticity; adaptive interpretation
- Summary/Abstract:The study explores the historical life, present condition, and possible future restoration of the ruined medieval church of Töttöskál in the Káli Basin. The article traces the history of the settlement from its first mention in 1296 through its destruction during the Ottoman period and its eventual decline into ruin by the nineteenth century. The author describes the church as a simple Árpád-era structure whose architectural remains have survived in a fragile but evocative ruined state. Special attention is given to the dangerous structural condition of the western entrance wall, which was temporarily stabilized in 2015 following monument conservation principles inspired by the Venice Charter. The study proposes realistic conservation strategies focused on minimal intervention, structural stabilization, and subtle architectural additions that preserve the romantic and authentic character of the ruin. Several alternative restoration concepts are discussed, including possible stone, brick, or timber reinforcements for the damaged entrance. The article also reflects critically on broader debates in monument preservation between strict ruin conservation and full architectural reconstruction. Nagy compares different Hungarian restoration examples, including Zsámbék, Visegrád, and Vértesszentkereszt, to illustrate tensions between historical authenticity, architectural interpretation, and public expectations. A more imaginative proposal envisions a lightweight metal “cloud-roof” structure that would suggest the original volume of the church without eliminating the poetic atmosphere of the ruin. Overall, the study argues that historical ruins should not only preserve the past but also inspire meaningful contemporary interpretations that respect memory, landscape, and cultural identity.
A székesfehérvári romkert és mauzóleum a Gerevich-korszakban
A székesfehérvári romkert és mauzóleum a Gerevich-korszakban
(The Székesfehérvár ruin garden and mausoleum in the Gerevich era)
- Author(s):Viola Pleskovics
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:175-190
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Székesfehérvár ruin garden; Gerevich Tibor; monument preservation; Hungarian heritage; Lux Kálmán; Lux Géza; Saint Stephen; Italian influence; cultural memory; architectural restoration
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the creation of the Székesfehérvár ruin garden and mausoleum during the leadership of Gerevich Tibor in the 1930s. The article places the project within the broader cultural and political context of post-Trianon Hungary, where monument restoration became closely linked to questions of national identity and cultural representation. It explains how the excavations and presentation of medieval royal centers such as Visegrád, Esztergom, and Székesfehérvár were intended to symbolically reinforce Hungarian historical continuity. The study highlights the strong influence of Italian monument preservation theory and Fascist-era cultural policy on Hungarian restoration practice, especially through Gerevich’s Italian connections and study trips. Special attention is devoted to the architectural concepts developed by Lux Kálmán and Lux Géza, who designed a hybrid complex combining modern architectural language with abstracted Romanesque and Lombard stylistic references. The article analyzes how the ruin garden balanced scientific monument presentation with symbolic and emotional functions connected to Saint Stephen and Hungarian statehood. It also discusses the creation of the mausoleum built around the so-called Sarcophagus of Saint Stephen, which transformed archaeological remains into a national cult site enriched by the artworks of Aba-Novák Vilmos and Sztehlo Lili. The study emphasizes that the complex reflected both modern conservation principles and ideological ambitions, while also drawing inspiration from Italian lapidariums and archaeological gardens. Considerable attention is given to the later deterioration and transformation of the site, including the practical difficulties caused by Hungary’s climate and changing museum requirements. Overall, the article argues that the Székesfehérvár ruin garden remains an important but insufficiently understood example of twentieth-century Hungarian monument preservation, urban planning, and cultural memory politics.
Észrevételek a marosvásárhelyi középkori eredetű református templom legutóbbi helyreállításáról
Észrevételek a marosvásárhelyi középkori eredetű református templom legutóbbi helyreállításáról
(Observations on the recent restoration of the medieval Reformed church in Târgu Mureș)
- Author(s):József Sebestyén
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:191-208
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:Marosvásárhely; Reformed Church; monument restoration; medieval architecture; heritage conservation; dendrochronology; Gothic church; exposed brickwork; wall paintings; architectural preservation
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the recent restoration of the medieval-origin Reformed Church in the fortress of Marosvásárhely (Târgu Mureș) and evaluates the project from both conservation-theoretical and practical perspectives. The article presents the historical development of the former Franciscan church and monastery complex from the late fourteenth and fifteenth centuries through later destructions, reconstructions, and Baroque transformations. Particular attention is given to the severe damage caused during the 1601 attack associated with Giorgio Basta’s troops and to the subsequent rebuilding campaigns that reshaped the church interior. The author discusses the eighteenth-century Baroque interventions, including the replacement of earlier ceilings and the creation of decorative stucco architecture inside the nave, while emphasizing that the medieval external massing largely remained unchanged. The paper also summarizes the extensive research preceding the latest restoration, including dendrochronological investigations, archaeological studies, structural surveys, and wall-paint conservation. Important discoveries included the identification of late medieval roof structures and the uncovering of fragments of the Saint Ladislaus legend mural cycle on the north wall of the nave. Sebestyén critically analyzes several restoration decisions, especially the choice to leave the sanctuary and adjacent monastery walls as exposed brick surfaces without protective plastering or sufficient weather-resistant treatment. He argues that this solution is historically questionable and technically problematic because medieval ecclesiastical buildings in the region were generally plastered and protected against moisture. The study repeatedly stresses that long-term sustainability, maintenance, and material compatibility are just as important in monument preservation as historical authenticity and scholarly reconstruction. Overall, the article presents the Marosvásárhely church as an instructive case study demonstrating both the achievements and the unresolved methodological tensions of contemporary architectural heritage restoration in Central Europe.
A szepesbélai középkori templom és újonnan felfedezett falképei
A szepesbélai középkori templom és újonnan felfedezett falképei
(The medieval church of Spišská Belá and its newly discovered murals)
- Author(s):Béla Zsolt Szakács
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, Visual Arts, History of Art
- Page Range:209-225
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:Spišská Belá; medieval church; wall paintings; Gothic architecture; monument conservation; Early Gothic; High Gothic; Spiš region; medieval frescoes; architectural heritage
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the medieval parish church of Spišská Belá (Szepesbéla) and the significance of its newly discovered wall paintings uncovered in 2020 behind the side altars. The article argues that the church is one of the most important medieval monuments in the Spiš region because it preserves architectural elements from several crucial stylistic phases of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The author reviews the restoration history of the church, including nineteenth-century Neo-Gothic interventions and the later twentieth-century “de-restoration” process that removed historicist additions in pursuit of modern conservation principles. Particular attention is devoted to the earliest phase of the church, characterized by a square sanctuary, rib vaults, and sculpted capitals reflecting the transition from late Romanesque to Early Gothic architecture. The study analyzes the stylistic development of the western portal and compares its decorative carving with churches in Ľubica, Vrbov, Batizovce, and other Spiš settlements to establish regional artistic connections after the Mongol invasion of 1241–42. The author emphasizes that Spišská Belá occupies a key transitional position between the earlier Early Gothic traditions of Spišská Kapitula and the emergence of a distinctive regional High Gothic style. The newly uncovered frescoes are interpreted not as part of the original thirteenth-century building phase, but more probably as products of a fourteenth-century expansion that included the enlargement of the sanctuary and the addition of the northern aisle. The article proposes that the paintings formed part of a rare medieval altar arrangement combining painted side figures with a central sculptural image placed before the wall surface. Szakács also discusses the conservation dilemma created by the discovery, since preserving and displaying the frescoes may conflict with maintaining the nineteenth-century Neo-Gothic altar ensemble that has become historically significant in its own right. Overall, the study demonstrates how architectural analysis, stylistic comparison, mural research, and conservation theory together contribute to a deeper understanding of the medieval artistic heritage of the Spiš region.
Az esztergomi Szent Adalbert székesegyház késő gótikus boltozata
Az esztergomi Szent Adalbert székesegyház késő gótikus boltozata
(The late Gothic vault of the St. Adalbert Cathedral in Esztergom)
- Author(s):Balázs Szőke
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:227-242
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:late Gothic; net vault; Saint Adalbert Cathedral; Esztergom; rib vaulting; architectural reconstruction; medieval architecture; digital modeling; Central European Gothic; Bakócz Tamás
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the late Gothic vaulting system of the former Saint Adalbert Cathedral in Esztergom through the analysis of surviving rib fragments and vault nodes preserved in local museum collections. The author argues that earlier reconstructions identifying the structure as a star vault are incorrect because the measured 42-degree rib elevation corresponds instead to a complex net vault system. Detailed geometric measurements of the rib junctions reveal a distorted rectangular ground plan adapted to the proportions of the cathedral choir. The paper reconstructs the probable spatial arrangement of the vaults using architectural drawings, manual surveys, and digital modeling techniques. The analysis demonstrates that the reconstructed vault likely covered the eastern choir sections of the cathedral and may also have extended into the nave. The author compares the Esztergom vault with numerous Central European late Gothic examples, including structures in Maulbronn, Gyulafehérvár, Eger, Siklós, Debrecen, and Krems. These analogies show that the Esztergom vault belonged to a widespread late Gothic vaulting tradition derived from South German architectural practice. The study also highlights the importance of digital photogrammetry and CAD-based reconstruction methods in verifying medieval vault geometry and construction principles. According to the author, the vault was probably built during the archbishopric of Tamás Bakócz around the same period as the famous Bakócz Chapel. Overall, the article contributes to the understanding of Hungarian late Gothic architecture by reconstructing a lost monumental vaulting system and placing it within a broader Central European artistic network.
A székesfehérvári Szűz Mária Prépostság egykori boltozatai
A székesfehérvári Szűz Mária Prépostság egykori boltozatai
(The former vaults of the Virgin Mary Provostship in Székesfehérvár)
- Author(s):Balázs Szőke
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:243-265
- No. of Pages:23
- Keywords:Gothic architecture; net vault; Székesfehérvár; medieval church; rib vaulting; architectural reconstruction; Matthias Corvinus; Angevin architecture; digital modeling; Hungarian Gothic architecture
- Summary/Abstract:The study analyzes the former Gothic vaulting systems of the Virgin Mary Provostry Church in Székesfehérvár, the coronation church of medieval Hungary. The author reconstructs the lost vaults primarily through surviving carved stone fragments, excavation records, and digital architectural models. Special attention is given to the Gothic vaults of the side aisles, which can be reconstructed with relative accuracy based on preserved ribs, wall-pillars, and vault springers. The paper argues that the originally planned Angevin-period nave vault may never have been completed because of the enormous structural challenges posed by its wide span. Later rebuilding phases introduced a massive internal buttress system that significantly altered the spatial proportions of the nave. The study also examines the late Gothic vault constructed during the reign of King Matthias Corvinus, proposing several possible reconstruction variants based on surviving rib junctions and vault geometry. According to the analysis, the Matthias-period vault most likely used a complex net-vault system with alternating support structures similar to those found in Pécs and other Central European churches. The author compares the Székesfehérvár vaults with important analogies from France, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, and Hungary, including Albi Cathedral, Tarvisio, Pécs, Selmecbánya, and Nuremberg. Digital scanning, CAD reconstruction, and geometric analysis played a crucial role in identifying the structural logic and visual appearance of the destroyed vaults. Overall, the article demonstrates how interdisciplinary reconstruction methods can reveal the architectural significance of one of medieval Hungary’s most important ecclesiastical buildings.
Az esztergomi palota a 14. században, Telegdi Csanád tevékenysége
Az esztergomi palota a 14. században, Telegdi Csanád tevékenysége
(The Esztergom Palace in the 14th century, the activities of Csanád Telegdi)
- Author(s):Konstantin Vukov
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Archaeology, Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:267-295
- No. of Pages:29
- Keywords:Esztergom; archiepiscopal palace; Gothic architecture; Csanád Telegdi; medieval Hungary; palace reconstruction; chapel architecture; wall research; Avignon influence; archaeological analysis
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the architectural history of the medieval archiepiscopal palace of Esztergom during the 14th century, with special emphasis on the building activities of Archbishop Csanád Telegdi. The author analyzes archaeological evidence, wall research, and historical documents to reconstruct the different construction phases of the palace complex. According to the study, the palace suffered severe destruction during the political conflicts and sieges following the extinction of the Árpád dynasty in the early 14th century. Archbishop Boleszló initiated the first restoration works, mainly aiming to make the damaged palace usable again after repeated military attacks. Later, Archbishop Telegdi Csanád carried out a much more ambitious reconstruction program that transformed the palace into a prestigious Gothic residence. The article describes major architectural modifications, including new vaulted halls, partition walls, rebuilt cellar spaces, and additional rooms constructed toward the Danube slope. Special attention is devoted to the interpretation of two palace chapels mentioned in the Acephalus Codex, one of which may have been the predecessor of the later Sibyl Chapel. The author also investigates the functional organization of the palace, proposing the existence of service rooms, kitchens, terraces, and water supply systems connected to the new extensions. Comparative analysis suggests that the palace design may have been influenced by architectural ideas from Avignon and other contemporary European ecclesiastical centers. Overall, the study demonstrates how interdisciplinary architectural research can reconstruct the political, artistic, and functional development of one of medieval Hungary’s most important ecclesiastical residences.
A Hiemer-Font-Caraffa épületegyüttes építészettörténeti jelentősége és műemléki helyreállítása
A Hiemer-Font-Caraffa épületegyüttes építészettörténeti jelentősége és műemléki helyreállítása
(The architectural and historical significance of the Hiemer-Font-Caraffa building complex and its restoration as a monument)
- Author(s):Antal Igari
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Archaeology, Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:297-321
- No. of Pages:25
- Keywords:Székesfehérvár; monument restoration; Baroque architecture; Gothic heritage; Hiemer-Font-Caraffa complex; architectural history; fresco restoration; urban heritage; archaeological research; historic preservation
- Summary/Abstract:The study presents the architectural history and monument restoration of the Hiemer-Font-Caraffa building complex in the historic center of Székesfehérvár. The author explains how the complex became one of the city’s most important Baroque urban landmarks despite preserving earlier medieval structural elements. The article traces the ownership history of the buildings from the late seventeenth century through the Hiemer, Font, and Caraffa families, emphasizing their social and political importance in the city. Archaeological and architectural research revealed that the complex contains medieval walls, Gothic structures, Baroque additions, and nineteenth-century decorative elements. Extensive restoration work began in the 1990s after valuable wall paintings, stuccoes, and architectural details were discovered beneath later layers of plaster and paint. The restoration project was carried out in three major phases with support from Hungarian and European funding programs. Special attention was given to preserving and reconstructing Gothic and Baroque elements, including frescoes, vaulted halls, arcades, medieval stone structures, and decorative interiors. The study also highlights the integration of modern architectural solutions, such as glass floors and contemporary connecting wings, into the historic environment. The restored building complex now serves cultural and public functions, including exhibition spaces, ceremonial halls, hospitality facilities, and community events. Overall, the article demonstrates how careful interdisciplinary conservation work can successfully combine historical authenticity, urban identity, and modern usability in a major heritage site.
A Magyar Állami Operaház (MAO) auditóriuma feletti szerkezetek vizsgálata és megerősítése
A Magyar Állami Operaház (MAO) auditóriuma feletti szerkezetek vizsgálata és megerősítése
(Examination and reinforcement of the structures above the auditorium of the Hungarian State Opera House (MAO))
- Author(s):Péter Rabb
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Music, Architecture, Visual Arts
- Page Range:323-331
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Hungarian State Opera House; structural engineering; Lotz fresco; roof reinforcement; historic preservation; steel framework; timber roof structure; Feketeházy János; monument restoration; structural diagnostics
- Summary/Abstract:The study investigates the structural problems and reinforcement of the roof structures above the auditorium of the Hungarian State Opera House during its recent restoration. The research focused on the cracking of Károly Lotz’s famous ceiling fresco, The Apotheosis of Music, and aimed to identify the structural causes behind the damage. The author demonstrates that the cracks correspond directly to the underlying nineteenth-century steel and timber support system designed by Feketeházy János. Detailed measurements and structural analysis revealed that the wooden roof structure had gradually deformed over nearly 140 years, transferring unexpected loads onto the steel framework supporting the fresco. The study explains how the auditorium roof functions as an integrated system composed of a radial steel structure, timber roof trusses, and a large smoke-extraction cylinder connected to the historic chandelier. Non-destructive material testing showed that the timber had significantly weakened over time, partly due to fungal decay and long-term structural fatigue. Structural calculations confirmed that the accumulated deformations caused additional stresses in the steel framework, reopening cracks that may originally have formed during the 1911 Kecskemét earthquake. The engineers classified the structure as dangerous according to modern safety standards and developed a reinforcement strategy that minimized movement in order to protect the fresco during restoration. The reinforcement combined steel support elements and innovative structural techniques inspired by the “vector decomposition” principle associated with Santiago Calatrava. Overall, the article demonstrates how interdisciplinary cooperation between engineers, architects, conservators, and restoration specialists successfully stabilized the historic structure and preserved one of Hungary’s most important monumental artworks.
Kárpát-medencei műemlékes együttműködések és a kétoldalú kulturális kapcsolatok: Visszatekintés 1990–2010
Kárpát-medencei műemlékes együttműködések és a kétoldalú kulturális kapcsolatok: Visszatekintés 1990–2010
(Carpathian Basin Monument Cooperation and Bilateral Cultural Relations: A Look Back 1990–2010)
- Author(s):József Sebestyén
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:333-360
- No. of Pages:28
- Keywords:Carpathian Basin; monument preservation; cultural heritage; cross-border cooperation; restoration projects; architectural heritage; Transylvania; heritage policy; historic monuments; international collaboration
- Summary/Abstract:The study reviews the development of cross-border monument preservation cooperation in the Carpathian Basin between 1990 and 2010. The article explains how political changes after the collapse of communist regimes created new opportunities for collaboration among Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak, Ukrainian, Serbian, and other heritage professionals. The author recalls that the first major international attention to endangered cultural heritage in the region emerged during protests against the Romanian village destruction program in 1988–1989. Early professional relationships were strengthened through conferences, field visits, exhibitions, training programs, and bilateral agreements between state heritage institutions and civil organizations. The study emphasizes the important role of the Hungarian National Monument Inspectorate and later heritage institutions in supporting documentation, research, restoration, and educational projects across the region. Particular attention is devoted to the preservation of medieval churches, mural paintings, vernacular architecture, and endangered rural heritage sites in Transylvania, Slovakia, and other neighboring regions. The article also discusses collaborative projects involving universities, museums, restoration centers, and international organizations such as ICOMOS and the Council of Europe. A major turning point came with the Hungarian government’s National Heritage Program launched in 1998, which provided financial and professional support for restoration projects beyond Hungary’s borders. The study describes both the achievements and later decline of these programs after administrative and political restructuring reduced institutional support after 2005–2007. Overall, the article argues that long-term personal relationships, professional solidarity, and shared cultural responsibility played a decisive role in preserving the architectural heritage of the Carpathian Basin despite political and financial difficulties.
A Magyar Állami Operaház díszítéseinek 1984. évi helyreállítása, valamint a 2022. évi felújítást megelőző állapota
A Magyar Állami Operaház díszítéseinek 1984. évi helyreállítása, valamint a 2022. évi felújítást megelőző állapota
(The 1984 restoration of the decorations of the Hungarian State Opera House and their condition prior to the 2022 renovation)
- Author(s):Nándor Szebeni
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Music, Architecture, Visual Arts
- Page Range:361-390
- No. of Pages:30
- Keywords:Hungarian State Opera House; restoration; wall paintings; gilding; decorative arts; conservation; historic interiors; stucco; mural painting; architectural heritage
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the restoration history and current condition of the decorative interiors of the Hungarian State Opera House between the major reconstruction of 1982–1984 and the period before the 2022 renovation. The author presents detailed descriptions of wall paintings, sgraffito decorations, gilded surfaces, stucco elements, and imitation marble finishes throughout the building. The article documents how earlier restorations often reconstructed damaged decorations entirely because pollution, moisture, and structural problems had severely deteriorated the original surfaces. Special attention is given to works by important Hungarian artists such as Lotz Károly, Than Mór, Székely Bertalan, and Feszty Árpád. The study explains the techniques and materials used during nineteenth-century decoration campaigns as well as later conservation interventions during the twentieth century. Many rooms, staircases, foyers, and corridors are analyzed individually with observations about cracks, discoloration, water damage, dust accumulation, and unsuitable previous repairs. The author emphasizes that moisture infiltration and improper maintenance caused repeated deterioration in several richly decorated areas of the Opera House. The paper also highlights the importance of restoration research in identifying original colors, ornamental patterns, and historic painting techniques before any new intervention is undertaken. According to the study, some decorative surfaces remained in relatively good condition, while others required urgent conservation and professional restoration. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive conservation history of the Opera House decorations and underlines the necessity of careful, historically accurate restoration practices for preserving Hungary’s architectural heritage.
Sopron történelmi belvárosának helyreállítása az elmúlt hatvan évben
Sopron történelmi belvárosának helyreállítása az elmúlt hatvan évben
(The restoration of Sopron's historic city center over the past sixty years)
- Author(s):Sándor Tárkányi
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:391-414
- No. of Pages:24
- Keywords:Sopron; historic preservation; monument restoration; urban heritage; medieval architecture; conservation; architectural history; facade renovation; cultural heritage; restoration research
- Summary/Abstract:The study presents the history of the restoration and preservation of the historic center of Sopron over the past sixty years. It explains how Sopron became one of Hungary’s most important heritage cities, with more than four hundred protected historic buildings. The article reviews the early history of monument protection in the city from the sixteenth century to the nineteenth century, including the restoration activities of Storno Ferenc. It describes the systematic documentation and scientific investigation of Sopron’s monuments during the twentieth century, especially between 1953 and 1963. The author highlights the role of the National Inspectorate of Historic Monuments in organizing large-scale restoration projects and urban reconstruction programs after World War II. Special attention is given to the internationally recognized restoration work that earned Sopron the European Monument Protection Gold Medal in 1975. The study also analyzes the restoration of the building at Kolostor Street 13, which revealed important medieval architectural remains, including a late Romanesque residential tower. The paper explains how archaeological research, architectural planning, and restoration practice were combined to preserve the historical authenticity of the buildings. Furthermore, the article discusses the recent facade renovation projects carried out within the Modern Cities Program between 2017 and 2022. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of scientifically grounded restoration methods, interdisciplinary cooperation, and long-term urban heritage protection in preserving the cultural identity of Sopron.
Építészet és örökség kapcsolata egykor és napjaink ban Sopronban
Építészet és örökség kapcsolata egykor és napjaink ban Sopronban
(The relationship between architecture and heritage in Sopron, past and present)
- Author(s):Sándor Tárkányi
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:415-431
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:heritage preservation; monument restoration; Sopron; historic architecture; urban heritage; adaptive reuse; architectural conservation; baroque architecture; medieval heritage; restoration theory
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the relationship between architecture and heritage preservation in the historic city of Sopron from the postwar period to the present day. It discusses how the destruction caused by World War II created opportunities for archaeological discoveries and new approaches to monument restoration. The article explains the emergence of modern Hungarian heritage protection policies during the 1950s and 1960s, especially the concept of protecting entire historic urban areas rather than isolated buildings. Special attention is given to the restoration philosophy developed by experts such as Gerő László and Sedlmayr János. The paper presents several examples of infill architecture and monument restorations in both the Buda Castle District and Sopron’s historic center. It highlights how architects successfully combined modern architectural forms with preserved medieval and baroque elements. The study also describes the scientific background of restoration work in Sopron, including archaeological research, wall investigations, and archival studies carried out by interdisciplinary teams. Furthermore, the article analyzes contemporary restoration projects such as the renovation of the Templom Street 17 building and the former Voss orphanage on Halász Street. These projects demonstrate how historic buildings can be adaptively reused while preserving their architectural authenticity and cultural significance. Overall, the study argues that successful heritage conservation depends on the harmonious cooperation of architects, restorers, historians, engineers, and public institutions.
A budapesti Deák téri Evangélikus Gimnázium Márványtermének műemléki helyreállítása Schall József (1915–1989) tervei szerint 1985-ben: Egy gyakorló műemlékes-építész gondolatai a romantikus műemlékekről és azok helyreállítási módjáról
A budapesti Deák téri Evangélikus Gimnázium Márványtermének műemléki helyreállítása Schall József (1915–1989) tervei szerint 1985-ben: Egy gyakorló műemlékes-építész gondolatai a romantikus műemlékekről és azok helyreállítási módjáról
(The restoration of the Marble Hall of the Evangelical High School on Deák Square in Budapest according to the plans of József Schall (1915–1989) in 1985: Thoughts of a practicing monument architect on romantic monuments and their restoration methods)
- Author(s):László Vízy
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, Visual Arts
- Page Range:433-437
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Marble Hall; Deák Square Lutheran Gymnasium; monument restoration; Schall József; Pesti Vigadó; heritage conservation; Romantic architecture; Gerő László; ICOMOS; Budapest heritage
- Summary/Abstract:The study reflects on the restoration of the Marble Hall of the Deák Square Lutheran Gymnasium in Budapest, completed between 1983 and 1986 based on the plans of Schall József. The author combines personal memories with professional observations about monument restoration, especially regarding Romantic historic architecture and the principles of the Venice Charter. The article also recalls the restoration of the Pesti Vigadó, emphasizing the role of Gerő László in preserving the damaged nineteenth-century building after World War II. Particular attention is devoted to the institutional background of Budapest monument protection, including the activities of the Budapest Monument Inspectorate and interdisciplinary restoration practices involving architects, historians, and restorers. The study concludes that the restoration of the Marble Hall became a model example of heritage preservation, combining historical authenticity, functional renewal, and high-quality craftsmanship, later receiving recognition from ICOMOS.
Az Alcsúti Arborétum kertjének műemléki helyreállítása
Az Alcsúti Arborétum kertjének műemléki helyreállítása
(Historic restoration of the garden of the Alcsút Arboretum)
- Author(s):Krisztina Wallner, Krisztina Neruda
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:439-452
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Alcsút Arboretum; historic garden; landscape restoration; heritage conservation; Pollack Mihály; Ybl Miklós; garden archaeology; Habsburg heritage; landscape architecture; cultural landscape
- Summary/Abstract:The study presents the monument restoration of the historic garden of the Alcsút Arboretum between 2013 and 2015. The article explains how the former Habsburg castle garden, originally created for József nádor and designed partly by Pollack Mihály and later Ybl Miklós, evolved into one of Hungary’s most important historic landscape gardens. The study reviews the destruction of the castle after World War II and the survival of the park structure, including the iconic portico that remained after demolition. Particular attention is devoted to the historical reconstruction of the garden layout through archival maps, photographs, garden archaeology, dendrochronology, and modern landscape analysis. The restoration project included the renewal of pathways, bridges, fountains, decorative pools, historical sightlines, plant collections, and the area around the Babaház pavilion. The authors emphasize the importance of preserving both the historical atmosphere and the ecological value of the arboretum while adapting the site to modern visitor needs. The article also discusses technical challenges such as restoring the Coronation Bridge, reconstructing water features, stabilizing historic stone structures, and conserving mature trees through non-destructive diagnostic methods. A remarkable archaeological discovery was the recovery of a long-lost terracotta Virgin Mary statue in the Alpinetum, which was reconstructed and returned to its historical setting. The study highlights how interdisciplinary cooperation between landscape architects, historians, archaeologists, engineers, and heritage authorities shaped the final restoration strategy. Overall, the article concludes that the project successfully restored the romantic historical character of the Alcsút Arboretum while ensuring its long-term cultural, ecological, and touristic sustainability.
