6 small Budapest signs – PHOTOS

Many people are familiar with the main symbols of Budapest — the Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, beautiful bridges, and other great attractions. However, every city possesses its own small distinctive features with which it is associated. In London, these are the iconic red telephone booths. In Berlin, there is the charming little traffic light sign, a green man known as Ampelmann. In Prague, red address signs stand out. Similarly, Budapest boasts its own unique details that make it memorable. Let’s explore 6 small Budapest signs that leave a lasting impression and complement the city’s appearance.

Author of the article: Grishanova Natalia

Red mailboxes

At the top of this list are the iconic red mailboxes. They are bright and beautiful, capturing the attention of both Budapest residents and visitors. Originally designed for the Hungarian Industrial Exhibition in 1885, these mailboxes were proudly called “letter cabinets.” Remarkably, they have retained their almost unchanged form to this day.

In the early 2000s, there was a proposal to replace these historic mailboxes with more modern versions due to concerns that large envelopes couldn’t fit and signs of deterioration. However, the city residents were disappointed by this news: these sturdy red mailboxes had become integral to the cityscape over their nearly 150-year existence and it is a terrible idea to remove them from the streets. Consequently, a decision was made to preserve them, albeit with minor modifications, ensuring they continue to grace the streets while serving their primary function.

Therefore, whether you’re a postcrossing enthusiast or simply wish to send a heartfelt letter, feel assured dropping it into one of these iconic red mailboxes. The post office will dutifully handle its delivery.

Manhole covers

Budapest’s manhole covers constitute a distinctive form of urban art. Some feature a postal horn, others boast intricately carved patterns, while some are adorned with stripes, inscriptions, and even coats of arms. The variety is huge. One might think that manhole covers are mere trifles, hardly worth noticing. However, in Budapest, they are so exquisitely crafted that one can scarcely pass by them without being captivated. Interestingly, Budapest’s manhole covers are of such remarkable beauty and quality that they find their way into collections dedicated to beautiful manhole covers. They are even featured on T-shirts and as necklaces.

Raven with a ring in its beak

Let’s rewind a few centuries back to when the country was under the rule of King Mátyás Hunyadi, better known as Mátyás Corvin. Mátyás is a typical Hungarian name, while Hunyadi is the surname of a powerful family in Hungary. “Corvin” is a nickname that translates to “raven,” a bird that holds great significance in Hungarian culture.

A raven, clutching a golden ring in its beak, perches atop the gate of the Royal Palace. The same raven embellishes the spire of Mátyás Church. You’ll find the raven depicted on cafe signs and in the form of sculptures adorning the balconies of Budapest residents. But how did Mátyás come by such a nickname? There are numerous legends that attempt to answer this question, with perhaps the following being the most popular version.

Amidst the twists and turns of the Hunyadi family’s conflicts with the Czech king, 14-year-old Mátyás Hunyadi and his elder brother László found themselves imprisoned in Prague. Unfortunately, László met an untimely end — he was beheaded. Yet fate soon took a turn, as the Czech king himself passed away. Legend has it that in order to free her son, Mátyás’s mother, Erzsébet Szilágyi, dispatched a raven bearing a ring in its beak to Prague — the ring bore the coat of arms of the Hunyadi family. The story goes that the raven undertook a non-stop flight from Transylvania to Prague, delivering the ring to László Garai, the palatine who had previously supported the Czech king but agreed to release Mátyás.

According to the legend, it was from that point onward that Mátyás acquired the moniker “Corvin,” and the image of a raven clutching a ring became associated with his coat of arms. However, this is merely a captivating legend. It is known that a raven holding a ring in its beak was a symbol on the family coat of arms of Mátyás’s father, János Hunyadi.

Nevertheless, what is irrefutably true is that during Mátyás Corvinus’s reign, Hungary ascended to the pinnacle of its power. He was not only a triumphant military leader but also a generous patron who aspired to foster a strong, unified nation, erect magnificent palaces, and establish the greatest library in Christendom. These endeavors earned him the reputation of being the foremost king and endeared him to the populace, which explains why the raven remains an esteemed emblem, frequently encountered throughout Budapest.