Zádor Anna: Neoclassical Pest - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1993)

a dominant and impressive sight, in spite of the fact that it has been surrounded by several multi-storey buildings since its construction.

Given the dominance of planes in neoclassicism, the County Hall with the peculiar shape of its facade represents a brand new and almost heretic solution. At the entrance the vestibule, with its three aisles and evenly distanced double column articulation (accessible through a triple gate), was constructed successfully. This vestibule leads into a colonnade surrounding the courtyard, and to the left there is a rectangular staircase. This is a clear and lucid layout complying with the demands of both practicality and representation.

It is understandable that the construction of a town hall exemplary in size and design became more and more urgent. This was provided by Ferenc Kasselik (1795-1884), who had two things in common with Zitterbarth: he also came from a dynasty of well-established architects, and he too, as a result of the changes in the economy, was an architect-entrepreneur. Kasselik applied for and was granted approximately four hundred building commissions in Pest alone.

The Town Hall fell victim to further town development, connected with the construction of Erzsébet Bridge, but it is worth mentioning that the two-storey building was made visible from a distance by its high tower crowned with a peculiar, somewhat out-of-place pinnacle built in a Baroque-like style. József Hild was present as an advisor throughout the construction, which started in 1842. This makes it difficult for us to separate the activities of the two masters. There is no doubt that Hild was the more powerful character, so it is not surprising that when, in 1863, it became necessary to add one more storey he was commissioned to do this as well as other related tasks.

Those who have followed us on this walk among the buildings of the old Pest may have noticed how many large and carefully executed constructions were built in the 1830s. As for its number of residents as well as its economic and social structure, it can hardly be said that Pest had left its past behind. The guild system was still in existence and there was, as ever, complete dependence on Vienna. However, the people of the city were motivated by strong sentiments and were able to em30