Villanyrendőr

Additional information

"Villanyrendőr" is a name that resonates with every resident of Miskolc, though it often leaves tourists puzzled. This intersection became iconic in 1949 when the first traffic lights outside of Budapest were installed here, marking it as the first regulated intersection in rural Hungary. Located at the meeting point of Széchenyi, Szemere, and Kazinczy streets, this area quickly became Miskolc’s busiest meeting spot and remains so to this day. Although it’s not a square but an intersection, it’s considered one of the busiest hubs in all of Borsod County. The name "Villanyrendőr" (Electric Policeman) originates from the traffic light that was initially controlled manually by a policeman on a raised platform who managed the lights and directed the traffic. This system earned the intersection its enduring nickname, which quickly became part of local lore. The Villanyrendőr is significant not only for traffic control but also as a popular social gathering point where people arrange to meet. Over the past few decades, the area has seen many changes: Széchenyi Street was transformed into a pedestrian zone, and surrounding buildings have been modernized. In 2024, the city installed an exact replica of the original traffic light as a monument, no longer regulating traffic but paying homage to the city's history. Today, the Villanyrendőr remains one of Miskolc’s most recognizable symbols, bridging the city’s past and present.