Drawn to the Buda Castle, tourists often miss this imposing structure. It is the Nagy Rondella kaputornya. This large gate tower stands as a reconstructed part of Buda Castle’s former defense system.
The Nagy Rondella kaputornya is connected to the adjacent Buzogány Tower. Together, they have become iconic features of Budapest. Its medieval walls were excavated and preserved in the 1950s.
But what exactly is a rondella? Round bastions like the Nagy Rondella predate polygonal ones. They became popular as cannons became widespread. The thick walls of the rondella better resisted cannon fire than medieval towers.
The exact construction date of the Nagy Rondella is unknown. Historians suspect it was built during the reign of King Matthias between 1458 and 1490. Others believe it was built later, before 1541. A drawing of the castle from around 1467 does not show the rondella. However, it appears on a print from 1541.
Historically, the Nagy Rondella kaputornya had several names. It was once called Baluardo d’Italia or Italian Bastion. The Turks called it Büjük frengi kuleszi, meaning “bastion built in the foreign style.” Later names included Great, Southern Great, and Palatine Rondella.
Its gate tower was initially known as Torre d’Italia or Italian Gate. The Turks called it Szoluk kapu or “Panting Gate.” They found the road leading to it very steep. Later, it was named Zsigmond Gate.
During the recapture of Buda in 1686, the Nagy Rondella suffered damage. The besiegers breached its walls. From there, they launched further attacks on the Turkish defenders. The Habsburgs likely restored the damaged rondella later.
Before 1945, the medieval walls of the Nagy Rondella were barely visible. A slope covered almost the entire structure. The interior was also largely filled in. The remains of the gate tower were incorporated into neo-Baroque garden buildings.
During the siege of Budapest, the area was heavily damaged. Archaeological research preceded the restoration. Excavations revealed the rondella’s walls and the foundations of the 13th-century Kelenföld Gate.
The gate tower may have been built shortly after the rondella. Its square layout and windows are visible in prints from the 1686 siege. The foundations and parts of the side walls are original. The pedestrian gate opening is fully preserved. Only the upper part of the horse gate opening has been reconstructed. The tower was restored in the 1960s based on recovered data. Missing parts were added at that time.
The Nagy Rondella’s gate tower has a wider opening for horsemen and a smaller one for pedestrians. A drawbridge once provided or blocked access over the ditch in front of the gates. A gate in the rear wall provides access to the bastion from the palace.
Today, the Nagy Rondella kaputornya stands as a testament to Budapest’s rich history. It shows resilience and architectural evolution. Take a closer look at the Nagy Rondella. Imagine the soldiers who once defended this vital part of Buda Castle.