városháza

Városháza is the Hungarian term for the building that houses the government and administrative offices of a city or town. The name combines város, meaning city, with ház, meaning house. In Hungary, each municipality typically has a városháza that serves as the seat of the mayor and the city council, and houses key civil services and offices for residents.

Beyond administration, városházák often function as ceremonial centers. They commonly include the council chamber where legislative sessions are held, offices of municipal departments (such as urban planning and civil registry), and facilities for public events, information desks, and archival or archival research rooms. Some are tourist attractions in their own right, reflecting the town's history and identity.

Historically, városházák were built in various architectural styles, from Baroque and Neoclassical to Eclectic and Art Nouveau, depending on the era and region. Many are protected cultural monuments and urban landmarks, contributing to city skylines and streetscapes. While the basic role remains municipal governance, the buildings symbolize local identity and civic participation.

The term is used across Hungary and can denote similar structures in Hungarian-speaking communities abroad.