Imagine stepping back in time to the 19th century. We are about to explore Jókai-kert. It is a place where a famous Hungarian novelist once found solace and inspiration.
Jókai-kert is a protected natural area in Budapest. It is located on Svábhegy. This garden offers a glimpse into the life and world of Mór Jókai. He was a celebrated writer.
In 1853, Jókai purchased this land. He was only 28 years old. He used the royalties from his novels. The novels were Egy magyar nábob and Kárpáthy Zoltán. The land was a former quarry. It cost him 2200 forints. From here, he enjoyed stunning views. He could see Gellért Hill. He could see the Danube and the city.
Jókai transformed the quarry into a beautiful garden. He planted trees to block the northern winds. These included lindens maples and chestnut trees. He created terraces and filled them with fertile soil. He planted fruit trees and grape vines. He also cultivated a kitchen garden. Jókai even bred roses. This became his retreat. He could escape the city noise. He could write in a peaceful rural setting.
After Jókai’s death the garden was neglected. His villa fell into disrepair. It was eventually demolished. However the press house survived. Since 1975, the area has been a protected natural site. It gained status as a protected historical garden in 2007.
Today, the buildings in Jókai-kert house important institutions. These include offices of the Danube-Ipoly National Park Directorate. Also located here is the Keve András Ornithological and Nature Conservation Library. You can also find the Hungarian Ornithological Society offices here.
The press house contains the Jókai Memorial Room. It is managed by the Petőfi Literary Museum. Here, you can see Jókai’s personal belongings. The fieldstone wall of the memorial room was built with stones from the original villa.
From 1968, the memorial room was on the ground floor of the directorate building. Later it was moved to the renovated press house.
In the park stands József Róna’s statue of Anacreon. The face of Anacreon is modeled after Jókai. Next to it is a stone bench with lions. It resembles the writer’s favorite bench.
Many bird species can be observed here. One of the paths features a geological exhibit. Several trees planted by Jókai still stand in the park. They preserve his memory.
Jókai’s favorite spot was his lion bench. From there he had an unparalleled view. Although the view has changed the lion bench remains. Near the bench is the statue of Anacreon. Remember that the artist modeled it after Jókai himself.
Visiting Jókai-kert is like stepping into the world of a great writer. It is a place where nature and literature intertwine. The terraced garden is a testament to Jókai’s vision. The Jókai-kert offers a unique experience.