Pogány-torony Budapest
Forgotten oddity
Nobody ever really ventures into the sedate neighbourhood of Aranyhegy (Golden Hill) if they don’t live there, which means most of us are missing out on one of Budapest’s strangest buildings. The Pogány-torony (Pagan tower) was built in 1934, on the corner of what are now the Jutas and Pogánytorony streets, close to the hill’s summit. It was the brainchild of the Turanian Society, founded in 1910, with the aim of reconnecting with the ancient, pre-Christian roots of the Hungarians. Legend has it that upon converting his kingdom to Christianity, Saint Stephen unleashed a curse of the ancient Hungarian shamans, whereby Hungarians would always remain divided until the return to their true, pagan faith.
Given the trauma of Hungary’s territorial loss after WWI, the Turanian Society felt the time had arrived, and planned the tower to be the first of many places of worship for the resurrected faith. The statue of a turul bird, the mythical totemic animal of Hungary, was placed on top, but it has sadly been lost. None of the other monuments were ever built, and today the tower is quite derelict and overrun with vegetation, surrounded by an eerie, Gothic folk-tale-meets-Tolkien charm.
The easiest transportation option is the regional train connection from Nyugati station to the Aranyvölgy stop, or alternatively bus 160 from Óbuda to the Kubik utca stop, from the first stop the tower can be reached by a 10-15 minutes’ walk, from the second, the walk lasts about 20-25 minutes.
About this spot
Budapest
HUF
free
Find your way with 172 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Budapest
Ghraoui Chocolate
The sweet empire strikes back
"Ghraoui Chocolate" in Budapest offers tastes you’ve never tasted, yet somehow remember, proof that when we invest time & care, we can save the past...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Móka
A multifunctional little corner
Móka in Budapest immediately drew my attention with its modesty mixed with eclectic coziness. It's the perfect place to meet locals from the neighborhood!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Trafó House
The hub of contemporary art
Trafó House is the place to go if you're interested Budapest's contemporary art of all kinds. Its unique atmosphere keeps bringing me back.
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Alföldi Cipő
Hungarian leather shoes & slippers
"Alföldi Cipő" and their outlet in Budapest do not follow the same big-name trends to be found in regular shoe fashion. They've stuck to quality...
by
Zoltán
Fejes
Ukrán Udvar
Delights from babusya's courtyard
"Ukrán Udvar" in Budapest means 'Ukrainian courtyard' -- come eat some borsch and dumplings with sour cream exactly like at your grandmother's...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Wekerle Estate
A fall fairy in the city
"Wekerle Estate" in Budapest is like a village within the city - inspired my medieval & rural buildings, it has created a beautiful sense of local spirit.
by
Claudia
Leporatti
Lake Naplás
Urban waterworld
Artificial "Lake Naplás" in Budapest is an unexpected delight where few downtowners or tourists ever venture. It's perfect for interesting nature treks...
by
Iulia
Notaros
Massolit Books & Café
Every reader's dream
"Massolit Books & Café" is a coffee shop in an English bookstore. I wrote my 1st novel here, several short stories... I'd miss it the most were I to leave.
by
Claudia
Leporatti
Auróra
Home for the most diverse
Auróra in Budapest is a place to create, attend workshops, concerts, parties, rituals... It's a big survivor in the district and it keeps fighting!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Szabad Bisztró
Vegan dishes and local drinks
Szabad Bisztró in Budapest has delicious vegan dishes and local drinks, but it's also associated with local initiatives, as with the terrace out front!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Szia+
Special souvenirs and gifts of all kinds
If you need something funny/unique or personal for an affordable price in Budapest, Szia+ is hands-down the place to go!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Könyv Szekér
Bookstores on wheels
The concept of Könyv Szekér in Budapest is to save books from being thrown out or destroyed — they are little mobile bookstores on old-school carriages!
by
Eszter
Baracskai
Heading to Budapest?
172 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Budapest?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 172 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Budapest
Get to know our other Spotters from Budapest
As featured on:
