In the Hungarian countryside, the pointed towers of Hajmáskér’s tallest building resemble a grand palace from a distance. However, up close, its crumbling walls reveal its past as one of Eastern Europe’s largest barracks.
The military settlement in Hajmáskér was established in the late 19th century by Emperor Franz Joseph I. Designed as a home for artillery units stationed near Hungary’s largest artillery range, the stately barracks also became a self-sustaining camp during World War I, complete with a POW prison and even its own currency.
During World War II, the barracks changed hands, first becoming a base for Nazi troops and later occupied by the Soviet army after the war. The Soviets stayed until the fall of the USSR in 1990, after which the building was abandoned. Local legends say the departing troops stripped the site of valuables before leaving.
Over the years, the structure has weathered the elements, with parts still standing strong while others have succumbed to decay. Located in the village of Hajmáskér, the barracks exude an eerie atmosphere, drawing curious visitors. The ruins are dangerous to explore, but the area remains a reminder of the military and political forces that shaped its history.
