King Charles and his wife inaugurated the Royal Hungarian University of Debrecen on 23 October 1918. In commemoration of this event, the ceremonial hall located in the Presidential Office of the Clinical Centre’s administrative building at the University of Debrecen bears the monarch’s name since 27 April 2026.
At the ceremony, the President of the University’s Clinical Centre welcomed representatives of the institution, the city, and the Reformed Church. Zoltán Szabó recalled the October day 108 years ago when the entire city gathered to greet the royal couple. In his address, he quoted Charles IV’s response to the greetings of local dignitaries: “It is our heartfelt wish that, with God’s help, the peaceful times we trust are now approaching may allow for the swift completion of the university buildings, so that the new institution, founded upon the centuries-old traditions of the Debrecen College, may fulfil its great mission to the utmost, serving not only as a centre for the advancement of Hungarian national culture, but also as a driving force in the further flourishing of the city of Debrecen.”
This was followed by remarks from Rector Zoltán Szilvássy. As head of Hungary’s largest university in terms of student numbers, he emphasised the enduring importance of the Reformed traditions that have shaped the educational and cultural life of Debrecen – often referred to as the “Calvinist Rome” – for centuries. Chancellor Zoltán Bács addressed the audience in a similar spirit.
Representing the Habsburg family, Archduchess Eilika von Habsburg, wife of Georg von Habsburg, Hungary’s Ambassador to Madrid, also delivered an address. She noted that it is symbolic that, as a sovereign ruler, Charles IV’s final public appearance in Hungary was the inauguration of a university – an institution that embodies the idea of the universitas as a centre of comprehensive knowledge, rational thought, and peaceful development. She also shared personal reflections, recalling that after moving to Hungary, she spent several weeks in Debrecen immersing herself in the Hungarian language.
In her speech, Renate Seib, Deputy Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum, highlighted the exemplary ties between Hungary and Austria, rooted in a shared history spanning several centuries.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a relief depicting Blessed Emperor and King Charles, created by sculptor Richárd Juha. The artwork was inaugurated by the university’s leadership together with Archduchess Eilika, and – reflecting the city’s Protestant character – was blessed by Calvinist pastor Pál Ferenczi.
On this occasion, the Otto von Habsburg Foundation donated a large framed photograph of Charles IV to adorn the newly named hall. In addition, visitors had the opportunity to view our exhibition “Life and Memory”, presenting the life and legacy of the monarch. We were pleased to contribute to an event that not only recalled the past but also brought it meaningfully into the present.
A short film on King Charles IV’s visit to Debrecen:
Video of the event:
Photos and videos by the University of Debrecen
