Széchenyi Square

You’ve just arrived at Széchenyi Square… though you might have heard it called Roosevelt Square before. Don’t worry—your GPS isn’t confused. In fact, Roosevelt came before Széchenyi. In 1947, the square was renamed in honor of the 32nd president of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was a gesture of appreciation toward one of the key Allied leaders of World War II—a symbol of freedom and support for democratic Europe. And while it was the Red Army that liberated Budapest in 1945, Roosevelt still represented the hope of a more democratic future. In 2011, however, the square was given a more national touch and renamed after Count István Széchenyi. A writer, economist and visionary statesman of the 19th century, Széchenyi is considered one of Hungary’s greatest modernizers. He was the driving force behind the foundation of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, located just next to you. It’s a beautiful neo-Renaissance building, funded in part by Széchenyi himself, who donated a full year’s income to make it happen. And just a few steps away, you’ll see the elegant Gresham Palace, built in 1906 in stunning Art Nouveau style. Over the years, it’s been used as offices, aristocratic housing, even military quarters—and since 2004, it’s been home to one of Europe’s finest luxury hotels, operated by the Four Seasons group.