In communist Hungary, many places had their names changed with the change in government; others - like the Basilica - were just left to crumble.
St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István Bazilika)
The basilica was almost totally neglected before 1989. No tourist ever went to visit the black, crumbling edifice - except possibly to park their cars in the square in front of the main entrance.
Alexandra Bookshop and Café (Párizsi Nagyáruház)
Before 1989, this building was called the Divatcsarnok (the fashion department store). The floors were stone, there were only steps to take you to the upper floors, and the now-famous Lodz terem café was not accessible.
Before 1989, this building was called the Divatcsarnok (the fashion department store). The floors were stone, there were only steps to take you to the upper floors, and the now-famous Lodz terem café was not accessible.
The Luxus department store
The Luxus department store in Vörösmarty tér was the most expensive shop in Budapest in the 70s and 80s.
Gerbeaud
Gerbeaud coffee house and patisserie in Vörösmarty tér continued to attract both a certain class of Hungarian as well as visitors from Vienna and elsewhere.
Gerbeaud coffee house and patisserie in Vörösmarty tér continued to attract both a certain class of Hungarian as well as visitors from Vienna and elsewhere.
Vörösmarty tér
Vörösmarty tér was, even in communist times, the most elegant area with its up-market shops and cafés. It has undergone a radical transformation since the 80s - opinions are divided as to whether all these are for the better...
Vörösmarty tér was, even in communist times, the most elegant area with its up-market shops and cafés. It has undergone a radical transformation since the 80s - opinions are divided as to whether all these are for the better...
Váci utca
This pedestrianised street was the home of elegant shops in the city centre, then as now.
This pedestrianised street was the home of elegant shops in the city centre, then as now.
Here is a short film clip of Budapest in the 70s - many places are still instantly recognisable. |
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