Az Alcsúti Arborétum kertjének műemléki helyreállítása
Historic restoration of the garden of the Alcsút Arboretum

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

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