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

1978-09-01 / 9. szám

September, 1978

THE EIGHTH TRIBE

Page 5

Parliament — Parlament

Nomadic tribes. Somehow it is satisfying to their egos, but hardly a fact of history. Hungarians really do not know their exact origin,” she added, still laughing.

It seemed that my truly innocent but interested question had won her complete confidence. To show her trust, she next took us into the inner sanctum —■ her laboratory. Here, skillful historians and technicians were laboring and restoring urns, ancient vessels and statues, hut we were the first outsiders to view these treasures which would not be publicly exhibited for years to come! She even consented to let us protograph the room, and later she brought out a mock-up of a heating unit which was unearthed under the monastery.

Then came the highlight of our visit! She led us down a steep, long staircase into the cellar of the

castle where, under dim lights, the restored tombstones found on the excavation site of the hotel were displayed. They told the history of people long gone who left a magnificent, informative legacy through their monuments.

After our lengthy and fruitful visit to the Castle Hill Museum, we were taken on an extensive tour of the hotel itself. With Mrs. Gyurky to guide us, the building and history of this unique structure almost came alive.

Béla Pintér, one of Hungary’s foremost architects, was responsible for the tremendous task of blending ancient and modern in the design of the hotel, and incorporating it into the Buda skyline in a location where Hungary’s rich past is written on every house, building, arch, gate and statue.