At the corner of Andrássy út and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út stands the “Foncière-palota.” Adolf Feszty, a prominent architect in 19th century Budapest, designed the building in 1882 for the French Foncière Insurance company. Feszty, known for his contributions to the city’s architectural landscape, also designed the Haris-bazár (since demolished) and several mansions along the then-developing Sugár út (now Andrássy út).

The dome of the Foncière-palace dome was destroyed during World War II and not rebuilt. However, the statue of Hermes, once destroyed, was reinstalled in 1990. Today, the building, listed as a monument, houses two hotels, several lawyers’ offices, and apartments. It has undergone renovation, although I find the staircase’s paintwork slightly kitsch.