The Budapest Water Reservoir Opens Its Gates To Visitors

Hey there, Budapest dwellers and visitors! Get ready for an exciting event coming up in the heart of the city. The Budapest Waterworks is opening its doors for its annual open house event, and this time, it’s part of the Cultural Heritage Days celebration.

Picture this: you’ll have the chance to descend into the underground water reservoir in Kőbánya, which is usually off-limits to the public. It’s a rare opportunity to see this hidden gem in its drained state. You’ll take a winding staircase that leads to this legendary location, where you’ll be greeted by an unforgettable experience.

If there’s a list of thrilling and hard-to-access places in Budapest, this underground cathedral is definitely on it. It’s a truly unique adventure in an absolutely photogenic setting. The program starts with a guided tour of the reservoir, followed by a comprehensive presentation by the knowledgeable Waterworks staff. They’ll take you through the history of the reservoir and even debunk some myths about the city’s tap water. Afterward, you’ll have the freedom to explore on your own.

This event offers something for everyone, whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply captivated by the exclusivity of the experience. But be warned, spots fill up quickly, so you’ll need to be on your toes to secure your place.

The Kőbánya water reservoir is awe-inspiring, not just because of its size—it’s as tall as a ten-story building and can hold up to 10,800 cubic meters of water when filled to its maximum 8-meter depth. What’s even more stunning is the atmosphere inside. It has the mystical ambiance of a cave, complete with constant water dripping and lights reflecting in small puddles. The symmetry of the stamped bricks evokes a sense of history and the belief that together, we can achieve great things—like overcoming diseases that devastated millions just a century or two ago.

So mark your calendars and get ready to explore this incredible piece of Budapest’s history and infrastructure. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!