Main Building (Building I) – Former Palace of Royal Justice

A főépület
  • Address: 6 Kossuth Square, Berehove, 90202
  • Owner: Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University (UR)
  • Total Area: 7885.3 m2
  • Number of Floors: 3 floors + basement + attic
  • Number of Rooms: 227

Historical Background

The building was constructed between 1908 and 1909 during the premiership of Sándor Wekerle, based on the designs of Ferenc Jablonszky. Originally built as a palace of justice for Bereg and Ugocsa counties, the facade featured the inscription “Palace of Justice of the Kingdom of Hungary” under the royal coat of arms, which was later destroyed under Soviet rule. Following the Treaty of Trianon, it served as a district court. After World War II, the building was utilized as Soviet barracks and subsequently housed a precision mechanics factory for the military-industrial complex. This industrial use, including the installation of heavy machinery and large-scale ventilation systems, led to significant structural deterioration, further exacerbated by the lack of heating and maintenance following the factory’s bankruptcy after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Legal Status and Ownership

On January 23, 2002, the Berehove City Council voted unanimously to transfer ownership of the building to the institute. Despite a legal challenge in 2003 by a newly elected council attempting to reclaim the property, the Transcarpathian Regional Court of Appeal upheld the original decision on January 19, 2005. Ownership remains with the university.

Reconstruction and the “Adopt a Classroom” Campaign

Interior renovations took place between 2003 and 2008. Lacking centralized funding, the institution launched a global appeal titled “Adopt a Classroom.”

  • Participants: 75 cities and local governments, 8 regional councils, 14 private individuals, and various foundations and associations contributed.
  • Funding: A total of 301,598,120 HUF was raised.
  • Main Donors: The Apáczai Public Foundation (56% of total costs) and the Illyés Foundation (20%).
  • Unique Naming: Instead of traditional numbering (No. 1, 2, 3, etc.), classrooms are named after the donors—such as the Esztergom, Nyíregyháza, or Vas County rooms—with commemorative plaques placed at the entrances.

The “Buy a Roof Tile” Campaign and the Atrium

The most critical structural issue was the 5,600 m2 roof, which was over a hundred years old and leaking. Damage was worsened by storms and minor earthquakes in 2007–2008. The university launched the “Buy a Roof Tile” campaign, where donors received honorary certificates for their contributions toward the cost of new tiles, structural timber, and associated works. The restoration of the facade and roof was eventually completed through a partnership agreement with the Prime Minister’s Office of Hungary. Additionally, by covering the inner courtyard with a glass roof, a 450 m2 Atrium was created.