An anvil. That’s what “Üllő” means in Hungarian. Üllői út isn’t just Budapest’s longest avenue. It stretches 15.6 km nearly perfectly straight.
Üllői út begins at the edge of the Inner City. It crosses Small Boulevard and Grand Boulevard. The avenue runs to the capital’s boundary in a southeastern direction. It reaches Vecsés and Üllő. The latter provides its name.
Once upon a time, this avenue bore a different name. During the socialist era, it was called Vörös Hadsereg útja. That means Street of the Red Army. This was between Határ út and the present city limit. Greater Budapest saw many changes.
Metro 3 runs beneath Üllői út. It starts at Kálvin tér and goes as far as Határ út. There are 8 stations along the way. A side road leads to Ferihegy Airport. It’s Hungary’s most important international airport. Üllői út also marks a boundary. It separates Ferencváros and Józsefváros.
Ferencváros is also known as District IX. It was named after King Francis I in 1792. He was crowned king of Hungary. Development started in the late 18th century. Floods in 1799 and 1838 damaged many buildings. Later construction used brick and stone. This prevented serious flood damage.
The second half of the 19th century saw industrialization. Ferencváros had five mills. Its slaughterhouse was the largest in Hungary. The Central Market Hall was also built then.
Today, Ferencváros is attractive. It’s popular with young people. This is thanks to housing redevelopment and gentrification. It offers both a vibrant urban scene and quality living. The area has many green spaces.
Üllői út is home to several notable places. Semmelweis University stands proudly. The Museum of Applied Arts is a treasure. Semmelweis University Clinics offer care. Szent István Hospital and Szent László Hospital form a large complex. This is the Üllői Avenue Clinics.
Stadion Albert Flórián was formerly Stadion Üllői Avenue. People’s Park has the central bus station. The Attila József microdistrict was built from 1957–1967. It was Budapest’s first Soviet-style housing estate. Wekerletelep is a historic garden suburb. It was built before and around World War I. Sándor Wekerle gave it its name. Károly Kós planned its central square.
The Ferencváros Football Club calls this district home. It is Hungary’s most successful football club. Founded in 1899, it initially dominated Budapest. Despite facing challenges, the club has had moments of glory. It reached the Champions League final in 1975.
In 2006, the club faced relegation and crippling debts. However, investment and a new stadium revitalized the team. They won the league in 2016. The club is striving to return to Hungary’s former football glory.
So, as you traverse Üllői út, remember its history. It has transformed from a road to Üllő into a vital artery of Budapest. From its socialist past to its modern vibrancy. It is a testament to Budapest’s ever-evolving spirit.