Amidst the bustling heart of Budapest, the Peterffy Palace stands as a testament to time. The Peterffy Palace, also known as the Krist House, whispers tales of centuries past. Built in 1755 for János Péterffy, this baroque masterpiece has witnessed the ebb and flow of Budapest’s vibrant history. The Peterffy Palace is one of the few remaining original baroque secular buildings in Pest. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era.
The Peterffy Palace’s location, near Március 15. tér, places it at the center of historical events. Designed by András Mayerhoffer, the palace replaced the home of Jakab Proberger, a prominent brewer. The palace’s design echoes other baroque palaces of the time, including the similar Grassalkovich Palace, also a Mayerhoffer creation. Many such palaces once graced Pest, but most were demolished during the city’s 19th-century modernization. This makes the Peterffy Palace a rare survivor and a valuable piece of Budapest’s architectural heritage.
The Peterffy Palace sits slightly below street level, a characteristic of its time. A grand baroque wooden gate marks the entrance, flanked by iron-barred windows. Stone atlases support the ornate, railed balcony above. The upper floor features a central section with three semicircular arched windows. Two rectangular windows on either side add to the palace’s balanced façade. Hermas and floral decorations adorn the window frames, showcasing the attention to detail typical of the baroque style. A double coat of arms, topped by two putti and a herma, graces the tympanum above the central section. A high-water mark from the 1838 flood serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s past.
The Peterffy Palace has a rich history of hospitality. An inn operated within its walls as early as the 18th century. In 1831, the Hasslinger Inn opened its doors, later becoming the Fehér Hajó (White Ship) under the Kris family’s ownership. The inn eventually took on the Kris family name, then returned to the Buda Városához name in 1923. In 1931, the inn was renamed the Százéves Étterem (Hundred Year Old Restaurant), which it remains today. The restaurant boasts a stunning interior, featuring a carved wooden counter, a Transylvanian stove, a music box, and walls adorned with paintings and antique kitchen tools. The Peterffy Palace and its restaurant offer a unique dining experience steeped in history and tradition.