Ministry of Agriculture

"The Ministry of Agriculture Building, situated in Kossuth Lajos Square directly opposite Budapest’s Parliament, bears silent witness to one of Hungary’s most tragic moments: the 1956 Revolution against Soviet control. This historic structure became a grim backdrop to the events of October 25, now remembered as Bloody Thursday. On that day, Soviet troops and the state secret police fired on peaceful protesters gathered at the Parliament, leading to chaos and bloodshed. Fleeing demonstrators sought refuge behind the building’s colonnade, but the pursuit continued. Gunfire scarred the building’s exterior, leaving behind bullet holes that would later be marked by dozens of bronze spheres, slightly smaller than tennis balls, embedded in the wall as a poignant memorial to the violence. The massacre's death toll remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from 22 to as many as 1,000. Despite the courage of the protesters, the revolution was ultimately crushed by Soviet reinforcements in November 1956. The bullet-marked arcade has long been accessible to visitors, offering a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom. However, as of June 2024, ongoing renovations have temporarily restricted access to the site. Although the bronze markers have been removed during this process, the building remains a powerful symbol of Hungary's fight for autonomy and the enduring impact of its revolutionary spirit."