The present City Hall is the third building in the same place with the same function. The first building of a modest design was raised in 1728. It was followed by the second one with the same area as the present hall, designed by István Vedres at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. After the flood devastating almost the entire city (1879), the square was filled up, so the building became too low and awkward. Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos designed another floor and a slender central spire on the original foundation. The neo-baroque City Hall was inaugurated by Emperor Franz Joseph in 1883, the middle window of the staircase is decorated with his renowned saying: ‘Szeged will be more beautiful than it used to be’. The phoenix in the middle of the pediment symbolizes the revival of Szeged. The Bridge of Sighs, originally built for the Emperor and his escort visiting the reconstructed city, deserves attention, as well. In the court with a unique atmosphere prose and music performances await the audience each summer.
Information
Address: 6720 Szeged, Széchenyi tér 10.
Web: City Hall
From 27 June 2025, one of Szeged’s most beautiful listed buildings, the eclectic, neo-Baroque City Hall, opens its doors to visitors. The building, inaugurated in 1883, is today the administrative center of Szeged.
During the visit, guests can see the impressive ceremonial hall, the Lechner Room, the Tisza Room, and the Bridge of Sighs.
The guaranteed guided tours presenting the building, accompanied by Hungarian speaking guides, last 1 hour, depart from the Tourinform Office (Széchenyi tér 12.) and from 1 April to 31 October run on Fridays at 15:00 and Saturdays at 10:00. From 1 November to 31 March, the tours take place on Saturdays at 10:00.
Participation is subject to a fee: 1,000 HUF for adults, 800 HUF for students and pensioners, and free for children under 6 years of age. Visiting the building requires prior registration.
Registration is possible in person at the Szeged Tourinform Office or via one of the contact details listed below:
Phone: +36-62/488-690, +36-62/488-699
E-mail: szeged@tourinform.hu