Ezerarcú középkori romok
Medieval ruins with a thousand faces

Author(s): Bálint Zoltán Kelemen
Subject(s): Archaeology, Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Keywords: medieval ruins; monument preservation; ruin conservation; heritage architecture; reconstruction; Szádvár; Aszófő-Kövesd; Varjaskér; Csákányospuszta; ruin characterology
Summary/Abstract: The study explores the conservation and restoration of medieval ruins in Hungary, with special attention to the concept of “ruin characterology.” It argues that conservation and reconstruction are complementary approaches within monument preservation, and that each site requires a unique intervention strategy. The author presents several recent restoration projects carried out within the National Castle Programme and the ROM Vándor initiative. The restoration of Szádvár focused on preserving the natural landscape, wildlife, and the dramatic ruined appearance of the medieval fortress. Archaeological excavations, 3D laser scanning, and structural investigations played a major role in understanding the castle’s history and planning its stabilization. At the Aszófő-Kövesd church ruin, the project emphasized the spiritual symbolism of light, especially the sunlight entering the sanctuary during the equinoxes. The restoration also highlighted the harmony between the ruin and its natural environment through subtle contemporary additions and landscape design. At the Tatabánya-Csákányospuszta church ruin, the design commemorated the former inhabitants by symbolically marking 144 excavated graves with lights and installations. The Somogyszentpál-Varjaskér project introduced a contemporary corten-steel gateway that stabilizes the remaining wall while marking the sacred entrance axis of the former church. Overall, the study demonstrates how historical research, archaeology, architecture, and sensitive contemporary interventions can together preserve and reinterpret medieval ruins for present-day visitors.

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