The Opera House is the most resplendent palace on Andrássy Road. The architectural forms of the Opera are in Italian Neo-Renaissance style. However, the mansard roof, the light-shade contrasts of the elevation, the box-system of the auditorium and the dynamism of the dome fresco are Neo-Baroque features. The statues of two Hungarian composers are sitting on the facade. One of them represents the world-famous Ferenc (Franz) Liszt, the inventor of the genre of the symphonic poem. The other one is Ferenc Erkel, who composed Hungarian historical operas. There are two sphinxes guarding the building in front of the facade. Above, there are statues of Muses and other composers. The architect Miklós Ybl is considered one of the most remarkable architects of Hungary. This palace was his most important creation and simultaneously his swan song (i.e., his last completed work). In Hungary, he was an important initiator of the Revival of the Italian Renaissance style in the 19th century, but he had houses in other styles, too. Altogether, he created more than one hundred classy buildings. On the 27th of September in 1884, the opening ceremony was organized, and an enormous scandal accompanied it. The majority of the inhabitants of Budapest were impatient because they had to wait 9 years for the completion of the marvelous opera palace. So on that evening, several passersby got into the building; they overwhelmed the vestibule, the main staircase, and the corridors to admire the stunning palace. The only problem was that the opening show was performed in the auditorium at the same time. King Francis Joseph, the archdukes, the archduchesses and several other prominent personalities sat inside. Eventually, the police officers succeeded in chasing the uninvited visitors out of the building, but the king was offended, so the police superintendent of Budapest resigned. Before the Second World War, Andrássy Road was the paradise of cafés. However, the situation is favourable on this road and its proximity nowadays too. Művész Café (29 Andrássy Road) has an impressive Neo-Baroque interior. Its cakes are very delicious. Macaron Heaven (4 Jókai Square) focuses on French cakes with, among others, giant macarons. Sugar Design Confectionery (48 Paulay Ede Street) follows mainly modern and international trends.