Sándor Palace

Its appearance, name, and location suggest that this is one of Budapest’s most significant landmarks – so let’s give this place the recognition it deserves. Sándor Palace was built between 1803 and 1806 as the private residence of a wealthy aristocratic family. They used their fortune to fill the palace with every luxury imaginable: a Hall of Mirrors, lavish Baroque salons, marble stables… and more. After being owned by several other wealthy individuals, the palace was eventually sold to the state. From 1867, it became the official residence of Hungary’s Prime Ministers. Over the years, nineteen of them lived and worked within these walls. During the Second World War, Sándor Palace was bombed and left in ruins by the Allied forces. Restoration only began after the fall of Communism in 1989. The building was finally back to its former glory and purpose. Since 2003, it has been the Hungarian President’s official residence and office. This is why you can see the national coat of arms, the Hungarian and EU flag on the main façade. The building is guarded, and a subtle changing of the guard takes place every hour, from 9am to 5pm. Visits inside the palace are only available on weekends of the summer months.