Hungarian Academy of Sciences Headquarters - Pecs, Hungary

thingiverse

The majestic Vasváry Villa sits atop the slopes of Mecsek Mountain, currently home to the territorial committee of Hungary's prestigious Academy of Sciences. György Vasváry, a Pécs businessman and one of its richest merchants, commissioned the villa's construction in 1884 as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The stunning edifice is an amalgamation of North Italian Renaissance styles seamlessly blended with traditional Hungarian Baroque and Classicist architectural elements. Antal Szánthó, a master builder from Pécs, spearheaded the project and took responsibility for both the building's design and its execution, overseeing the skilled craftsmen who worked on the masonry and carpentry. Visually striking are the pyrogranite ceramics adorning the exterior of the villa, created at the renowned Zsolnay Porcelain Factory. The south façade is a vibrant feast for the eyes, featuring majolica enamels that have been expertly applied to produce an awe-inspiring display of colour and artistic expression. Prominently displayed on the upper corner of this striking facade are portraits of György Vasváry and his wife Mária Vasváry-Rüffl, while at its center, four rectangular reliefs evoke a sense of serenity as they seemingly capture the essence of each season. As one enters the villa, 1,296 colourful ceramics on the inner walls create a visually stunning experience that dates back to an inventory compiled in the 19th century. Meanwhile, the grounds offer an oasis of tranquility with fountains and sphinxes crafted by artisans from the Zsolnay Factory adding an air of mystique. One notable statue designed by Ignác Alpár mimics a well located in Herkulesfürdő (present-day Băile Herculane) - this was painstakingly made using glazed ceramics, paying homage to the region's rich heritage. Vasváry Villa narrowly escaped destruction due to nationalization in 1952 when it became part of the Hungarian state's inventory; soon, a considerable portion of its interior was left to decline. Fortunately for future generations, management passed to the Pécs Committee of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences starting from 1969 which allowed saving the villa along with its surroundings from utter destruction. Conservation and revitalization efforts ensued in both 1980 as well as throughout the following decade - further ensuring Vasváry Villa's place within Pécs' architectural landscape will remain an enduring testament to regional culture and the lasting legacy left behind by its original architect.