Lost souls rest here in this quiet corner of Budapest. This is the Amerikai katonai temető War memorial. It is a place of reflection. It is a space to remember the sacrifices made.
This Amerikai katonai temető was once a real cemetery. It held the remains of American soldiers who died in Hungary. Historical sources say about 600 American soldiers died in Hungary. 278 of them were buried here in the 11th district.
However their rest was brief. The United States began exhuming the bodies in 1945. This process finished in 1946. The Amerikai katonai temető was only a graveyard for a few months.
Yet the USA maintained the area as a memorial for decades. Memorial services and wreath-laying ceremonies occurred regularly. A monument was erected in the former cemetery. For a long time an American flag relief stood on the fence. The USA coat of arms the white-headed eagle adorned the gates.
Interestingly a statue of Saint Francis Xavier also found its way here. He was a Spanish Jesuit missionary. He is the patron saint of missions. He mainly worked in Asia. Buda once chose him as its patron. Ágoston Balásy Buda’s former city judge erected a statue of him in 1769. Originally it stood in front of Matthias Church.
The limestone statue depicts the saint kneeling in prayer before a cardinal’s hat. It was later moved to 65 Budaörsi Road for many years. It came to the former Amerikai katonai temető in 1965. The city leaders found the kneeling saint on a high pedestal disturbing. They wanted to hide the monument. It was hidden within the impenetrable walled cemetery not easily visited by Hungarians.
In previous years the US Embassy expressed that they did not want to restore the site to its former function. They requested the removal of US symbols. The forged iron eagles were removed from the gate. The American flag relief will likely be removed too.
Újbuda Municipality is the sole owner of the area. It plans to create a resting park. It will be a cultural and historical space. This will integrate the area into the district. For decades it was closed to the public. Now it will be accessible.
The municipality wants to improve the city’s appearance. The crumbling fence needs repair. The memorial is in poor condition. It is a safety hazard. The retaining wall system pedestrian paths stairs and parking area also need renovation. The statue of Saint Francis Xavier is under monument protection. Its renovation has already begun.
Previous decision-makers could not decide the area’s fate for years. The current leadership seeks public involvement. They believe a pleasant place can only be created with residents’ input.
Difficulties exist. Noise levels are high near Budaörsi Road reaching 85 dB. It would not be easy to relax completely. Noise protection measures are possible. However their effectiveness and integration with the environment are questionable.
The municipality’s main goal is to preserve and enhance green spaces. Many valuable shrubs and old trees are already present. Újbuda Municipality consulted with the Hungarian University of Fine Arts. The university welcomed the cooperation.
They would assist in operating the park and organizing programs. The renewed area could host exhibitions. Landscape art and architectural solutions could be incorporated. Consultations also took place with the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences. They discussed collaboration and involving landscape architecture students.
Planners must determine how to integrate a new park into the urban fabric. They must consider its catchment area community and needs. Cultural functions could be enhanced by displaying artwork. Temporary outdoor exhibitions or land art installations are possibilities. Local residents and civil organizations will be involved. Public forums will gather ideas and suggestions. These suggestions could be incorporated into the concept plans. Broad social participation is key.