Did you know that Rákosliget is known to locals simply as Liget? It is a part of Budapest’s 17th district since 1950. Let’s dive into the story of this unique area.
Rákosliget’s history has an interesting twist. In 1896 the Workmen’s Insurance Society planned to build homes for workmen. The location was an unpopulated area of Rákoskeresztúr. Unfortunately they could not fund the construction. Middle-class families bought the homes. These families were mainly merchants, civil servants and craftsmen.
The growing settlement became independent from Rákoskeresztúr in 1907. By 1930, Rákosliget had 3112 inhabitants. Over 100 of them were craftsmen. The main street is Ferihegyi street. It comes from Rákoskeresztúr. This street divides Rákosliget. The streets on the left have Roman odd numbers. Think I III V utca. The streets on the right have even numbers like II IV utca. Locals joke that these streets are like New York avenues. V utca is their Fifth Avenue.
Rákosliget officially became part of Budapest on January 1 1950. It joined as part of the 17th district.
Rákosliget boasts its own theatre. It is named after Gyula Gózon a famous Hungarian actor. He lived in Rákosliget. The community also has a community center. It is called Csekovszky Árpád Művelődési Ház.
Many famous people have called Rákosliget home. Gyula Gózon was a great Hungarian actor. Csekovszky Árpád was a renowned ceramist. József Gregor was a well-known Hungarian bass opera singer.
Now, let’s talk about the Erdős Renée House. It is located in the 17th district of Rákosmente in a quiet green area. It functions primarily as a local history museum since the early 90s. The house and garden create a unique atmosphere.
To get there from Örs vezér tere take bus 67. Get off at Szürkebegy utca. From there it is just a short walk. Alternatively take the S60 train from Keleti station to Sülysáp. Get off at Rákoshegy station for an even shorter walk. By bus it takes more than half an hour from Örs. The train from Keleti takes barely 25 minutes.
During the millennium the area was a holiday resort. That was the original function of the house. It was a holiday home not a residential building. The eclectic house was built in 1895. The name of the builder and designer are unknown. A relief above the entrance commemorates this. The three-story villa stands in a lush garden. Tall trees and bushes surround it. Statues from the near and distant past adorn the area. A few old tombstones from a demolished local cemetery can also be found. Even from the outside the place seems magical. Stepping inside only intensifies this feeling. Crossing the threshold is like stepping into the past.
The museum consists of five parts. Besides the local history section, there is a collection from the former Ethnographic Memorial House. There is also an exhibition. It presents the flora and fauna of the Merzse Marsh. A gallery showcases local artists with temporary exhibitions. Finally there is an exhibition about the years Renée Erdős spent here.
Erdős Renée bought the house in 1927. She moved in with her family. Her second creative period is associated with this house. She switched from writing poems to novels.
Rákosliget is a place where history, culture and nature intertwine. It creates a unique and charming district in Budapest. I hope you enjoyed discovering Rákosliget with me today.