Hidden behind the facade of 62 József utca is one of Budapest’s most beautiful courtyards. Stepping through the grand entrance, the staircases and architectural details feel like they could have been lifted straight out of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This building, built in 1894, was designed by Samu Petz, a renowned Hungarian architect who left his mark on Budapest’s cityscape with iconic landmarks like the Great Market Hall and the Hungarian National Archives.

While researching the building’s history, I came across an article in the Budapesti Napló from 1903 titled “Death by Fire in the Midst of Flowers” (Tűzhalál a virágok között). The article described how a flower shop on the ground floor of 62 József utca was filled with artificial flowers that were being used to make funeral arrangements for All Souls’ Day. Suddenly, a loud explosion was heard throughout the building, caused by a fuel can that had been knocked over. The material used to make the artificial flowers caught fire. Unfortunately, the shop owner had blocked the exit to the courtyard with a net, which prevented the women working inside from escaping easily. They could only escape through the windows. Three women, Margit Bedekovich, Etel Abst, and Ilona Farkas, were killed in the fire.

Dávid Schneider was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to six months in prison in 1905. He asked Emperor Franz Joseph for a pardon, and the emperor granted it.