Villa Havas

Villa Havas is a classical residential mansion in Óhegy featuring extended side wings and a distinctive protruding rear section. The structure displays a layered architectural composition that reveals how additions and modifications were incorporated over time.

Construction started in 1856 when József Havas, a lawyer and city official, bought vineyard land and began building. The structure later changed from industrial production to serving as an administrative center for a major enterprise.

The building shows classical design choices that blend several architectural traditions into one structure. Walking through reveals how different spaces reflect the various phases of development and the people who shaped it.

The villa opens once yearly for free guided tours arranged by the local municipality, allowing visitors to see both the building and connected underground spaces. Plan to visit during the organized tour window and wear comfortable shoes, as the site sits on sloping terrain with multiple levels.

The building once housed Hungary's first cognac distillery before becoming the main office of a prominent brewery company. This shift from alcohol production to corporate headquarters reveals how the site adapted to changing industrial needs.