Budapest Guide
Várhegy and central Buda
The National Széchenyi Library
Opening time: Tues– Sat 10am–8pm, closed mid-July to late Aug
Address: Buda Palace, Wing F
The National Széchenyi Library (Országos Széchenyi Könyvtár) occupies the nineteenth-century Ybl block, whose full size is only apparent from the far side of the hill, where it looms over Dózsa tér like a mountain. The library was founded in 1802 on the initiative of Count Ferenc Széchenyi. A repository for publications in Hungarian and material relating to the country from around the world, by law it receives a copy of every book, newspaper and magazine that is published in Hungary. You can only visit the reading room on guided tours (200Ft; call 
1/487-8657) or with a reader's pass (6000Ft; passport required to apply). During library hours, a passenger lift (100Ft) in the adjacent building by the Lion Gateway – open to all – provides direct access to and from Dózsa tér, at the foot of Várhegy.