Zádor Anna: Neoclassical Pest - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1993)
was consecrated in 1905. It is obvious that during the long process of construction not only Ybl’s and Hild’s original designs were modified, but so were the approaches in architecture. The initial neoclassical designs were further shaped in the spirit of historicism. Historicism is the architectural style of the last three decades of the nineteenth century. Its characteristic feature is the selection of suitable elements from architectural works of previous ages, mainly from their ornaments. This is why it is referred to as the eclectic style, or Eclecticism in many areas. While neoclassicism complied with the principles of harmony and serenity, and at the same time satisfied the needs of the puritan citizen fond of his family and home, historicism provided a model in the field of architecture demanded by developments in industry and trade, and by fast growing big cities. Since every country relies on its own traditions when creating a new style, historicism-usually considered international-was also an important forerunner of the Hungarian endeavour to create a unique national style at the turn of the century and in the years to follow. One of the most characteristic examples of the wide variety of forms in historicism is the Basilica. Its interior is decorated with splendid and carefully executed works of art. All the acclaimed painters and sculptors of the turn of the century are represented here with almost no exception; moreover, works of some of the celebrities of the twentieth century can also be found in the church. After more than five decades of struggle and hard work, the Basilica became the accomplishment it was originally intended to be: the symbol of a self-assured, upwardly mobile and prosperous new district. During World War II some of the buildings in front of the Basilica were destroyed. This, however, also resulted in a significantly larger space opposite the facade, which became suitable for accommodating important religious and national ceremonies (St. Stephen’s Day). PUBLIC BUILDINGS The demand for the construction of public buildings grew more and more urgent as the town became more self-conscious about its size as well as its governmental and cultural duties. 15
