Széchenyi Square (Széchenyi István Tér)

Known today as Széchenyi Square (Széchenyi István Tér), the former Roosevelt Square was originally named after U.S. president Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was renamed in 2011 for the founder of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and developer of the adjacent Chain Bridge. The square is lined with notable buildings such as the art nouveau Gresham Palace, which is now home to the Four Seasons Hotel, one of the top hotels in Europe. It is worth stopping into the lobby to see the exquisite stained glass, mosaics and ironworks.

As you explore the small square, notice the Ministry of Justice building and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, as well as a statue of Hungarian minister Ferenc Deak, who was responsible for negotiating the Compromise of 1867, which resulted in the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary. Another statue on the west side of the square depicts Austrian and Hungarian children holding hands in peace.