Postal Savings Bank

On Hold utca in Budapest’s District V, the former Postal Savings Bank is a landmark of Hungarian Art Nouveau by architect Ödön Lechner. Its facade combines colorful Zsolnay ceramics with folk-art motifs, including small bees and hives linked to the building’s original savings-bank purpose. You can admire the exterior from the street, though access inside is limited and the roof is difficult to see from ground level. For a clearer look at its tiled roof, head to the rooftop bar at Hotel President across the road.

A Hungarian Art Nouveau landmark

The former Postal Savings Bank stands on Hold utca, east of Liberty Square, in Budapest’s District V. Ödön Lechner designed the building, completed in 1901. His work combines Art Nouveau curves and natural forms with motifs drawn from Hungarian folk art.

Colorful Zsolnay ceramics cover parts of the exterior. Look for the small yellow bees and their hives, details tied to the building’s original role as a savings bank. The design also uses modern materials such as iron and reinforced concrete alongside the decorative ceramics.

Seeing the facade and roof

The building now houses the state treasury, and visitors may find that access is limited to the front lobby. The interior is noted for its intricate design, but areas beyond the lobby are not generally open to visitors. Arrange special permission or a tour if you hope to see more inside.

From Hold utca, you can study the facade, though nearby buildings make the roof hard to appreciate from street level. The rooftop bar at Hotel President, across the road, provides a better vantage point for the green and yellow Zsolnay-tiled roof.