A tökéletes kompromisszum: Az esztergomi vár 1930-as évekbeli helyreállítása
The perfect compromise: The 1930s restoration of Esztergom Castle

Author(s): Viola Pleskovics
Subject(s): Architecture
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Summary/Abstract: The study examines the reconstruction of Esztergom Castle between 1934 and 1938 as one of the most influential achievements of Hungarian monument preservation. It argues that the restoration marked a turning point between nineteenth-century historicist reconstruction and modern conservation principles. The project was directed by Tibor Gerevich, who introduced contemporary Italian restoration theories to Hungary through his collaboration with architects Kálmán and Géza Lux. The reconstruction combined three different approaches: conservation, anastylosis, and modern architectural additions. One of the most remarkable achievements was the reconstruction of the castle chapel using original medieval fragments reinforced with hidden concrete structures. The study emphasizes that the Esztergom restoration represented a sophisticated compromise between authenticity and contemporary architectural expression. Italian theories developed by Camillo Boito and Gustavo Giovannoni strongly influenced the project, especially the principle that modern additions should remain distinguishable yet harmonious. At the same time, the architects experimented with historical forms and occasionally proposed stylistic reconstructions before Gerevich rejected them. The completed castle complex created a new type of archaeological museum where medieval remains and contemporary architecture coexisted within a carefully designed visitor environment. The author concludes that the Esztergom reconstruction was not a perfect restoration, but rather a “perfect compromise” whose lessons remain highly relevant for present-day castle reconstruction projects in Hungary.

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