Gresham Palace

Todays blip is the Gresham Palace or Gresham-palota, located on the Pest side just in front of the chain bridge. Its a great example of Art Nouveau architecture in Budapest. Built during the early 1900s, its now managed by Four Seasons Hotels

The site was once occupied by Nákó House, a neo-classical palace built during 1827. During 1880, the London-based Gresham Life Assurance Company bought the property, at a time when it was illegal to invest money in stocks, but rental income was a wise investment. The company later decided to build its foreign headquarters on the site, and decided that they needed a grander setting for them. They commissioned local architect Zsigmond Quittner to design the new structure, and during 1904, they began construction of the Gresham Palace, which was completed during 1906.
Originally, the palace served as an office building as well as a home for wealthy British aristocrats associated with the Gresham company. During the occupation after World War II, Soviet soldiers resided in the extravagant palace. Eventually, it became decrepit and was used as an apartment building during the People's Republic of Hungary. When democracy was restored, the national government presented the palace to the city of Budapest. During 2001, it was bought by the Four Seasons hotel company, and was activated soon after as a luxurious hotel. Original details of the restoration include a large staircase, stained glass, mosaics, ironwork and winter gardens.

Gresham Palace is a good example of Art Nouveau architecture, it cost the 4seasons $110 million to renovate and 5 years. This shot was taken from the Buda side, I'll see if I can get closer tomorrow and get one from the Pest side

Thanks for all the lovely comments on my emergency blip yesterday, you lot are wonderful.