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The Black Eagle Inn in Székesfehérvár

The former Black Eagle Inn is a one-storey house in the city center. It is situated close to the city wall, whose remains can still be found in the garden. For centuries, a building has been situated in this place: The Medieval town constable lived there; later, the Pauline Fathers took over the property.

Since the beginning of the 1700s until 1956, an inn can be accounted for here, with only minor disruptions. The building received its current classicistic style in the 1820s. It played a major role in the cultural life of the city, especially in the 19th century. It hosted balls and was used as a theatre on an interim basis. People met in the coffee house; first and foremost the youth assembled there during the ”reform time” not just to drink coffee and eat cake, but gather information and take part in discussions. Most notably is the historic role of the building in it being the location for the events of the 16th March 1848, when the ”12 points” were read and the „national song” was read out.

Larger conversions took place. At the beginning of the 20th century, the inner court was furnished with a roof and thereby established as a restaurant. In 1913, on the part of the property leading to the city wall, the Urania cinema was built. In 1928, the first sound film Éneklő bolond (The Singing Fool) was shown.

In 1952, the former Inn Black Eagle was nationalized. Since 1994, the building has been abandoned and has been waiting – just like the other buildings in its vicinity – for its re-development and re-use as a tourist attraction and newly developed cultural centre.

The Black Eagle Society was registered as an association in 2014. According to its statute, it hosts mentoring progams covering architecture and cultural sciences. It organizes cultural events and researches the history of the building. With these endevours, it contributes towards the listed building to shine in its former glory and to take up its function of conveying culture once again.

A study about the history of the Black Eagle Inn has been presented by Dr. Gergely Anna. Studies about the archaeological and art-historical significance is being prepared by reputable scholars Gyula Siklósi (archaeologist) and György Bartos (art historian). A vision for the possible usage of the building has been prepared by young architect Judit Soltész.

The Black Eagle Society has prepared a utilization concept in collaboration with the city council. Proposed functions consider the history and spirit of the listed building, the conditions and cultural aspirations of the city of Székesfehérvár.