The stone lions of the iconic Budapest Chain Bridge are being renovated! – PHOTOS
Renovation of the lions of the Chain Bridge
Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
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The restoration of one of the most iconic bridges of Budapest has started back in the middle of June this year, and it is expected to be finished by 2023.
The Chain Bridge is one of the most iconic and well-known bridges in Hungary, in no small part thanks to its gigantic bridgeheads guarding the bridge against evildoers.
According to Hellómagyar, these massive stone beasts are having a make-over, and restorers have been working on the ornate lions for months now. According to the plans, the lions will reconquer their royal spots in December 2022.
Renovating the iconic lions – which even hide an urban legend – is taking so long because of how carefully and meticulously the restorers are working on them. They have to assess their condition, clean their surface, fix the damage and discolourations, disinfect them, and try to find previously fixed spots.
To find where restorers might have put in filling materials before, the experts have to use hammers and listen to the sound of the material. They will then produce a detailed map of the imperfections.
Renovation of the lions of the Chain Bridge
Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
Renovation of the lions of the Chain Bridge
Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
Renovation of the lions of the Chain Bridge
Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
Renovation of the lions of the Chain Bridge
Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
Before the lions can be taken into a workshop to fix the cracks and broken-off parts, they have to be cleaned outdoors. For broken-off parts, the restorers might make carbon fibre joints, for example, in the case of their teeth.
The restorers can only add elements to the statues that can be proven to have existed before, and they also need to preserve some of the marks of time. They cannot just make the statues anew.
Renovation of the lions of the Chain Bridge
Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
Renovation of the lions of the Chain Bridge
Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
The lions from the Pest side are already in a workshop, but the other half are still waiting to be cleaned. Because of the cold weather, they need to wait until spring to be cleaned. Until then, they will spend the winter outdoors.
Interestingly, the lions each weigh over 12 tonnes. They are made up of three blocks of limestone that weigh 2.8, 5.5, and 4.3 tonnes respectively.
Renovation of the lions of the Chain Bridge
Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
Renovation of the lions of the Chain Bridge
Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
Experts are continuously working on the renovation of the Chain Bridge, Centre for Budapest Transport says. According to plans, the modernisation of this iconic piece will be finished by 2023.
The renovation is currently at the following stages:
The chains’ protection against rust and the installation of new steel plates is ongoing.
The old, reinforced concrete is being demolished.
Between the pillars, new steel structures are being built under the sidewalks.
The new structure of the underpass is getting filled with concrete.
Great article – you should do a story where little care has been taken to areas of the city keeping with this beautiful city especially the little things that make a difference. The historical lights at street level at the stairs at the end of the Elizabeth bridge going to Saint Gellert the glass has been replaced with a white plastic that destroys the integrity- same goes to the bare aluminum motorway light poles- the whole road should be a parkway to at-least to Sanc Utca with historic lights- the park area on both sides is shredded like it a speedway goin through it.
Cars have very hi -tech lites the lighting should address pedestrians. I counted over 50 light globes on the motorway light poles
TM – valid comments.
Replacements – use of plastic Vile.
The retainment of history and traditions – to substitude with false and plastic materials – Vile.
Budapest, Hungary – never should we on historical buildings, landmarks, park lights – the list is endless – witness seeing the “quick” and cheap – fix it.
History is deserving of Respect and Dignity – not a do on the run quick fix- that years on, does lead to mass problems of restoration or replacement of iconic sights and “other” – which from a replacement costing factor – never gets cheaper.
Budapest,Hungary – we must retain tradition – as it is part of our History.
Great article – you should do a story where little care has been taken to areas of the city keeping with this beautiful city especially the little things that make a difference. The historical lights at street level at the stairs at the end of the Elizabeth bridge going to Saint Gellert the glass has been replaced with a white plastic that destroys the integrity- same goes to the bare aluminum motorway light poles- the whole road should be a parkway to at-least to Sanc Utca with historic lights- the park area on both sides is shredded like it a speedway goin through it.
Cars have very hi -tech lites the lighting should address pedestrians. I counted over 50 light globes on the motorway light poles
TM – valid comments.
Replacements – use of plastic Vile.
The retainment of history and traditions – to substitude with false and plastic materials – Vile.
Budapest, Hungary – never should we on historical buildings, landmarks, park lights – the list is endless – witness seeing the “quick” and cheap – fix it.
History is deserving of Respect and Dignity – not a do on the run quick fix- that years on, does lead to mass problems of restoration or replacement of iconic sights and “other” – which from a replacement costing factor – never gets cheaper.
Budapest,Hungary – we must retain tradition – as it is part of our History.