What secrets lie beneath our feet here at Kis-Gellért-hegy? This unassuming hill, only 168 meters high, holds a fascinating military history. Until recently much of that history was top secret.
Kis-Gellért-hegy or Little Gellért Hill is the western edge of the more famous Gellért Hill. For much of the 20th century this quiet area was nearly uninhabited. That changed during World War II.
The area became a central command for air defense artillery. It also directed fighter planes. Kis-Gellért-hegy was ideal for military command. It was far from the city and industrial areas, reducing the risk of detection. The 150-meter-high rock also protected the center from bombings.
Construction of the command center started in 1938. However, the actual work began after the war started. The geological features and existing wine cellars were used to create Hungary’s largest shelter during the war.
After the war, the Rock Center became home to the National Air Defense Center in 1948. From here they directed homeland air defense. The Rock Center also coordinated ground-based anti-aircraft artillery. It directed air raid defense activities. The military used it until 1957.
From 1965 to 1999, the Rock Center also hosted Hungary’s air traffic Area Control Center. This was due to an agreement between the Hungarian People’s Army and the state airline MALÉV. Initially, controllers used paper-based systems. Radar control was introduced in 1981.
For a time Magyar Telekom’s fax center was also located in the tunnels. The complex consists of a multi-level underground bunker system called the Rock Center. There is also a four-story building on the surface known as RISZ. The main entrance is on Schweidel Street.
The underground bunker system lies within a former quarry surrounded by dolomite. The entrance is sealed by a 30 cm thick blast door. Rumors suggest the bunker system connects to other bunkers. These bunkers are located on nearby Gellért Hill and Eagle Hill.
The RISZ building originally had three stories. MALÉV added a fourth floor. The meaning of RISZ is not publicly known.
Some parts of the complex were abandoned as early as 1944. This occurred during Allied bombings. Other areas were sealed off during reconstruction. The original size of the complex remains unknown.
Today the Rock Center is under the authority of Hungary’s military intelligence agency. Although declassified it is not open to the public.
As we stand here at Kis-Gellért-hegy it is a silent witness to Budapest’s turbulent past. Its history remains largely untold. It is a fascinating aspect of this city.