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
Subject(s): Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
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.

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