II. János Pál pápa tér (Pope John Paul II Square)

II. János Pál pápa tér (Pope John Paul II Square) Review

Following a massive city make-over campaign and attempt to wipe out all the remaining markers of Communism on everyday Budapest life, the mayor has decided to rename a variety of streets and squares (including creating a Elvis Presley Square and renaming the airport, which is now called Franz Liszt International Airport). Hence, what was once known as Köztársaság tér (Square of the Republic) is now II. János Pál pápa tér, in honor of Pope John Paul II and his contribution to ending the Cold War.

Surrounded by an extraordinary mix of faceless concrete monstrosities and lovely old buildings, the vast square has a serene, somewhat shaded park at its center. Its 20th-century historical significance stems from the fact that it was where the Communist Party of Budapest had its headquarters (today the Socialist Party offices), and saw heavy fighting in 1956. Here also is the city's second opera house, and Budapest's largest, the Erkel Ferenc színház (Ferenc Erkel Theater).