Horler Miklós és a budai műemléki topográfiák
Miklós Horler and the topographies of Buda monuments

Author(s): Péter Farbaky
Subject(s): Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
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.

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