Hidden amongst the Buda Hills stands Lívía-villa a true gem. This classical villa boasts elegant Doric columns. It’s a sight to behold a testament to Budapest’s rich history.
Lívía-villa wasn’t always a cultural hub. Originally built around 1845 by butcher master János Kraits it served as a summer residence. His monogram and the date 1873 are etched into an old wine press in the garden. A fascinating detail considering Kraits no longer owned the property by then. The villa passed through several hands. Burger Frigyes Dávid his wife and later Antal Rózságyi were owners. Milassin Vilmos purchased it in 1878.
The villa’s name Lívía honors Milassin Vilmos’ daughter Lívía Leopoldina Alivine. The family also built the nearby Mária-villa a stunning structure now sadly dilapidated. Despite their wealth the Milassins often rented out Lívía-villa. One notable tenant was Kálmán Mikszáth a renowned Hungarian writer.
Mikszáth’s friendship with Mór Jókai another literary giant is legendary. Their homes were close. They often visited each other. Their bond is even celebrated in an amusing anecdote. A so-called bird war erupted. Mikszáth received captive birds from a friend. He ate some then sent the rest to Jókai as a peace offering. Jókai responded with more birds. The ‘bird war’ escalated playfully to 256 birds according to some accounts. The press loved the story inflating it. Some even mistook the birds for prisoners.
After Milassin Vilmos’ death in 1906 his family sold Lívía-villa. Zsigmond Nagy added another building to the property. The Ibolya-villa was born. Lívía-villa changed hands again. It eventually became a multi-unit dwelling. Before its renovation it was sadly neglected. In 2011 it came under the ownership of the local government.
Today Lívía-villa is beautifully restored. It serves as a cultural center and visual arts exhibition space. It’s a place where classical tranquility meets contemporary art. The building breathes history. It whispers tales of its past inhabitants. Lívía-villa invites you to step back in time to experience a unique piece of Budapest’s rich heritage.