Építészet és örökség kapcsolata egykor és napjaink ban Sopronban
The relationship between architecture and heritage in Sopron, past and present

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

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