Erzsébet Square, Budapest
Erzsébet Square (Erzsébet tér) is one of the most beautiful squares in the historical center of Budapest, in the Lipotváros district. Spacious, with lots of greenery and well-developed infrastructure, it is quite crowded even at the late hour. This square is a place of hanging out and entertainment for the capital's youth.
History of the square
The area around the square began to be built up in the 18th century. Later, by the end of the 19th century, many beautiful buildings, mainly financial institutions and ministries, had grown there. However,with their appearance they could compete with the palaces. Until the 18th century on the site of the square there was a cemetery. But with the growth of the city it was abolished, and the park, which often held fairs was destroyed.
In 1858, the square received its current name, in honor of the Empress, the wife of the ruler of Austria-Hungary, Franz Josef, Elisabeth of Bavaria (also known as Sisi). In the days of socialism, the square bore the name of Stalin (1946-1953), and the name of Engels (1953-1990). In 1990, it was given the original name Erzsébet.
Sights of the square
There is a small playground in the park on the square, as well as a skate park attracting many young people. Above the greenery of the park stands the "Budapest eye", a Ferris wheel, near which there is a souvenir shop. Nearby, on the South-Western end of the square, there is the memorial of the King of Pop – Michael Jackson. In the eastern part of the square there is the underground night club "Akvárium". Its roof is modern fountains with a transparent bottom, which looks quite fresh and original.
But a more respectable by age fountain is located in the center of the park. It is called "Danubius", or "Danube". Designed by the talented architect Miklós Ybl in 1883, he was moved here in 1959. The fountain is crowned by the statue of Neptune with a dolphin at his feet, symbolizing the Danube itself. Below there are three female figures, which are prototypes of affluent of the Danube, the rivers Tisa, Drava and Sava.
How to get there
The Erzsébet Square in Budapest is located in the part of Pest, at the intersection of József Attila ut. and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út. It is very close to the St Stephen’s Basilica, a beautiful Catholic church. You can get to the square on three types of transport:
- Metro, lines M1, M2, M3. Get out at Deák Ferenc Square station.
- Tram, routes 47, 48, 49. Stop Deák Ferenc tér M.
- Bus routes 15, 115 (stop Erzsébet tér), 16, 105 (stop József nádor tér), 9, 100E, 916, 990 (stop Deák Ferenc tér M).
