Didn’t orchards once thrive where we now stand in Gazdagrét? Gazdagrét is a neighbourhood in Budapest. It is located in the western part of the 11th district. This residential area is known for its prefabricated buildings.
Let’s delve into Gazdagrét’s story. Construction of Gazdagrét started in 1983. It ended in 1989. This was during the final construction boom of the Communist era. The area was named for its rich harvests. “Gazdagrét” literally means “rich meadow”.
Imagine this area covered in orchards. Rainfalls from Western Hungary made the harvest plentiful. Even now, Gazdagrét’s climate is colder and wetter than the Inner City.
During archaeological digs prehistoric vessels were found here. A Roman-era cemetery was also unearthed. This area once belonged to the Roman province of Pannonia. Later it was part of Pannonia Inferior. A rectangular pit-house from the Middle Ages was discovered. The area then belonged to the Pécsvárad Abbey.
After the Mongol invasion, Gazdagrét became part of Nevegy. Documents from that time mention this village. Charles Robert tried unsuccessfully to reclaim it for the abbey. For centuries orchards thrived. Vineyards were also present until the 19th century. The phylloxera epidemic destroyed them.
Until 1847 the area had the German name Reiche Ried. Then German geographical names were replaced with Hungarian ones. Gazdagrét is a translation of Reiche Ried. It reflects the rich harvests from the orchards.
Gazdagrét Road got its name in 1930. By then some houses lined the road. Plans for the housing estate began in the 1970s. Prefabricated panels came from factories in Győr and Budapest.
The first buildings rose in the lower part of the hill. The 200,000th apartment with central heating was ready in March 1984. Public transport began on May 1 1984. Bus line 153 started then. It still runs today. In 1987 the bus terminus moved to Gazdagrét Square. A new bus line 139 also started.
Törökugrató Street primary school opened in 1984. Another primary school opened in 1985 on Csíkihegyek Street. A nursery school opened in 1985. A grocery store followed in 1986. In 1987 a doctor’s office and a small library opened. A high school opened in 1990.
Between 1987 and 1999 the TV series “Szomszédok” was filmed in Gazdagrét. This made the neighbourhood famous throughout Hungary. The show “Szomszédok” was shot on location here.
Gazdagrét offers many amenities. There are supermarkets and a small shopping mall. You can find nursery schools and primary schools here. A secondary school a post office and a community building are also present.
Originally no churches were planned because Gazdagrét was built in the Communist era. But after 1990 a Roman Catholic church and a Reformed church were built. Parking is a problem here. Garages were not part of the original plans. Instead shops and cafés occupy the ground floors.
Gazdagrét is known for its public safety. It is clean and attractive compared to other similar neighbourhoods. In 2010 a survey asked Budapest residents to name a panel neighbourhood they would choose to live in. Gazdagrét was the top choice.
Gazdagrét has several sights. The Holy Trinity statue dates back to 1761. The Mother and Child with Dove of Peace statue is from 1988. The Basalt stone sculpture was created in 1988. “Mechatronics” is a chrome statue from 1990. The Power of Earth fountain was made in 1991. Two Roman columns commemorate the area’s history since 1996. The Bacchus statue dates back to 1999. The Holy Angels Church was built in 2003. A Reformed church was erected in 2004. The Zsigmond Móricz statue is a bronze work from 2007. The Elephant fountain was installed in 2008. It was stolen in 2011 but returned in 2012.
Gazdagrét is well-connected by transport. Gazdagrét Square is the terminus for five bus lines. It is also an important stop for Bus 8E. Bus 8E connects the neighbourhood to the Inner City and Kelenföld railway station. Metro 4 also terminates here. Bus 139 links Gazdagrét to Déli Railway Station and Moszkva Square. Buses 153 153A and 154 serve other parts of the district. At night bus line 908 serves Gazdagrét.
Gazdagrét stands as a testament to changing times. Its rich history continues to unfold.