Mohács – The construction site at Széchenyi Square has been handed over, marking the start of one of the largest downtown development projects in the history of this Baranya County town. At the same time, work has begun on the renovation of the National Memorial Site, which will be expanded with new exhibitions and commemorative features in time for next year’s 2026—the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács in 1526—with new exhibitions and commemorative features.
Downtown: The city center is being renovated across 31,000 square meters
As part of a municipal project supported by government funding, Széchenyi Square will be completely renovated, including the arcade of the Votive Church and its surroundings. The section of Szabadság Street between Rákóczi Street and Széchenyi Square, as well as the pedestrian zone, will be modernized; new street furniture and modern public lighting will be installed, and parking and traffic regulations will be optimized.
The renovation covers nearly 31,000 m², and the downtown project is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2027.
Accessibility and events: The downtown area will remain accessible during construction, and the Busójárás festival will continue to be held at Széchenyi Square.
National Memorial Site: A New Exhibition Space and a Worthy Final Resting Place
The National Memorial Site is undergoing a complete renovation as part of a project funded by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation. A new exhibition space depicting the battle is being built, the Korona building is being renovated, and a memorial education center is being developed.
The Hades Gate is being reconstructed; a new chapel is being built with glazed ceramic roof tiles and a three-part wooden gate, and the “Wall of Heroes” is being created, which lists the names of the identified deceased.
The new chapel and crypt provide a dignified and accessible resting place for the remains of nearly 500 unidentified victims—striking a balance between respect and scientific inquiry.
Cost and timeline: The project will be carried out with a net budget of 5.3 billion forints. The goal is for the memorial site to be fully open to visitors by the 2026 peak tourist season.
