The renovation of the Ybl retaining wall has been one of the most significant historic preservation projects at Buda Castle in recent years. The retaining wall was originally built in the mid-19th century based on designs by Miklós Ybl to stabilize the slope of the castle hill and protect the buildings above it. Over time, it suffered serious structural damage, making its restoration an urgent necessity. The goal of the project was to preserve the original historicist appearance while ensuring that the entire structure meets today’s safety and technical standards.
During the project, we first conducted a detailed condition assessment using laser scanning and 3D modeling to accurately map the damage. We treated the retaining wall’s significant cracks and structural weaknesses with specialized injection technologies, which allowed us to reinforce the structure without damaging the historical layers. The constant pressure of groundwater and adverse weather conditions posed a particular challenge: due to these factors, we had to adjust the construction schedule on multiple occasions. Our restorers carefully cleaned the original stones found on site, and we replaced the missing elements using period techniques and traditional craftsmanship.
We completely redesigned and rebuilt the drainage system behind the retaining wall to prevent further structural damage in the future. During the renovation, we paid special attention to historic preservation regulations and consulted with the relevant authorities before every intervention. We restored the original stone surfaces using a special, gentle cleaning method, so the retaining wall has now regained its original color and texture. During the restoration, we also installed state-of-the-art monitoring systems that continuously track the structure’s movement and the soil’s moisture content.
Access to the site posed a major challenge: due to the narrow streets and the steep slope of the castle hill, transporting equipment by machine was difficult, so many phases of the work had to be carried out by hand. The weather also frequently hindered the work, especially during the winter months, when work had to be partially halted due to freezing temperatures. Throughout the project, we placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, the durability of the materials used, and the application of environmentally friendly technologies.
The renovation of the retaining wall was essential: on the one hand, for the stability of Castle Hill, and on the other, for the safety of the buildings above. The project culminated in the rebirth of a retaining wall of historic value that fittingly preserves the legacy of Miklós Ybl, while ensuring the continued protection of Buda Castle through modern technical solutions. The completed retaining wall recreates the 19th-century Buda atmosphere not only in its function but also in its appearance, while meeting the expectations of the modern era. The experience gained during the project will be put to good use in future historic building reconstructions, setting an example of how tradition and innovation can be harmonized in contemporary architecture.
