The Eighth Tribe, 1978 (5. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1978-09-01 / 9. szám

Page 6

THE EICHTH TRIBE

September, 1978

Castle of Vajdahunyad and Lake of Városliget Vajdahunyad vára a Városligeti tóval

The Budapest Hilton opened its doors January 1, 1977. Built into the perfectly modern lobby is the atrium of the ancient abbey, enclosed by a wall of glass. A Roman column of white marble towers in lonely magnificence in the corner of the lobby. This column was discovered under the monastery’s 500- foot-deep cellar. The corridors of the monastery link the two wings of the hotel.

Without destroying the fluid lines of the decor, the architect incorporated pieces of ancient arches, rosettes and gates into the ceilings, walls and archways. The two modern wings of the building are fused with the ancient church, as well as with the remnants

of a college which later stood on the site. The interiors are so cleverly constructed that it is difficult to tell where the ancient ends and the modern begins. The decor is crisp and reflects a high level of sophistication.

History is so much a part of this hotel that it takes days to discover all the art treasures and monuments which have been effectively placed throughout the building.

On the sixth floor, in the loft of the tower of the original St. Nicholas Church, is the aptly named Tower Restaurant. Here, huge iron chandeliers cast