The Sziklai Steps run from beside the restaurant at the western corner of Óváros Square up towards the valley. After taking a few steps and turning left, a long flight of stairs begins descending: these are known as the Márkus Stairs. The people of Veszprém have been using these for nearly 200 years now, as it was built in 1824. It was named after József Márkus, a local regimental captain of noble origins, whose family had a military background, serving in the Castle of Veszprém. When Napoleon’s army invaded Transdanubia in 1809, József Márkus led a group of noblemen who fought against the French army.
He dedicated his entire life to soldiering and defending his country, so he could never have a family of his own. The prevailing customs of the time also played a part in this, as military officers were obliged to offer a significant amount of money to the family of their potential spouse if they wished to marry. This was due to the danger inherent in their profession, since their survival until retirement age was far from assured.
Like many other military officers, József Márkus could not afford the dowry of 10,000 pengős, yet he did not want to die without a successor to carry on his name. That is why, in his old age, he made an offer to the city: he would build a flight of stairs at his own expense, which would bear his name.
This is how the Márkus Steps were built, making everyday life easier for the people of Veszprém. They run from Óváros Square, slowly descending to Ranolder Square. The bottom of the stairs also marks the starting point of Jókai Street, which used to be an important commercial street in 19th century Veszprém. Since the construction of the Márkus Steps, it takes less than two minutes to get from here to Óváros Square in the city centre, thanks to the former captain who came up with such a selfless and ingenious solution for ensuring his legacy.
