alapköve

Alapköve is a foundation stone used in the construction of buildings to mark the start of a project. In Hungarian architectural and ceremonial language, alapköve refers both to the physical stone embedded in the building’s foundation and to the symbolic act of laying it, the alapkövetétel or alapkőletétel. The stone is usually placed in a visible corner of the foundation and may be accompanied by an inscription.

Typical elements: the material (stone, brick, or metal plaque), inscriptions with date, project name, and names of donors or officials; sometimes a metal capsule with documents or coins is sealed inside; the ceremony is often attended by public officials, architects, donors, or religious leaders; speeches and a ribbon-cutting may occur; the event is used to publicize the project and commemorate.

Function and symbolism: the alapköve symbolizes permanence, growth, and communal investment in the future; historically, it served to legitimize a project and to honor sponsors or political leaders. The exact rituals differ by country, culture, and era; in many places foundation stones are placed at notable entrances or in the main hall.

Contemporary practice: in modern construction, some projects omit a physical stone or conduct a symbolic ceremony with a plaque; in other cases a ceremonial cornerstone is still laid for ceremonial and commemorative purposes; the term alapköve remains common in Hungarian to describe both the stone and the ceremony.