Heroe's Square in Budapest

Heroes' Square A Tribute to Hungary's National Identity Walking down on Andrássy Avenue from Oktogon towards City Park the spacious Heroes' Square and the nearly 40 m high column with a statue on the top catch the eye. Location: at the end of Andrássy út, next to City Park in the VI. district Getting to Heroes' Square: M1 (yellow) metro line, Hősök tere station Brief History and Architecture of Heroes' Square The monument was built for the 1896 Millennium celebrations, that's why it is called Millennium Monument. Hungary celebrated the 1000th anniversary that its ancestors found a place to settle down in the Carpathian Basin. Every part of the monument plays tribute to determining parts of Hungary's history. The memorial won the first prize at the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris. The monument was completely finished in 1929 and the square received its name than too. Since 2002 the Millennium Monument together with Andrásy Avenue is part of UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage sites. The 36 m high Corinthian column dominates the square with Archangel Gabriel on its top holding St Stephen's Crown. According to the story Gabriel appeared to St Stephen in his dream and offered him the crown of Hungary. Pope Sylvester II indeed sent a crown to him acknowledging Hungary and King Stephen as a defender of Christendom. Today you can view the Holy Crown in Budapest Parliament.  The equestrian statues of the seven Magyar (Hungarian) tribes' chieftains encircle the column. The seven tribes lead by Árpád arrived first in the Carpathian Basin around 896 AD to find out whether the area was suitable for settling down. A semicircled colonnade encompasses the column with statues of Hungarian kings and heroes. From left to right you can see: King St Stephen- Hungary's first king, founder of the Hungarian state King St László- a noble and strict king, several miracles are attributed to him King Kálmán Könyves King Coloman de Beaiclerc-annexed Croatia and Dalmatia to Hungary King András II- participated in the Crusades King Béla IV- rebuilt the country after the Mongol invade in the 13th century King Charles Robert - created a strong and wealthy Hungary in the first half of the 14th century King I Nagy Lajos (Luis the Great)-son of Charles Robert, during his reign Hungary reached the greatest expansion of its territory King Matthias-a Renaissance King who made Buda Europe's cultural centre in the 15th century István Bocskai- as a result of his fight against the Habsburg reign Transylvania became independent in 1606 Gábor Bethlen - prince of Transylvania in the 17th century, leader of an anti-Habsburg uprising Imre Thököly - leader of Hungarian Protestants against the Habsburg rule Ferenc Rákóczi-leader of the War of Independence against the Habsburgs in the 18th century Lajos Kossuth-great patriot and statesman, leader of the 1848/49 War of Indepedence Symbolic figures reside on top of the corner pillars:   War Peace Work and Welfare Knowledge and Glory The Hungarian War Memorial stands in front of the column and commemorates heroes how had died for the independence of Hungary. A popular spot for wreath-laying ceremonies on national holidays. The square has witnessed several 20th century key events of Hungary's history. During the Communist era the place saw coreographed demonstrations on holidays. The reburial ceremony of Imre Nagy, leader of the 1956 revolution took place here in 1989. Today you'll find many skatboarding teenagers on Heroes' Square maneuvring among tourists. Attractions Near Heroes' Square Two great museums flank both side of Heroes' Square: Goya, oil on canvas. Fine Arts Museum, Budapest, Hungary Museum of Fine Arts-both its permanent and temporary exhibitions worth a visit  Hall of Art (Műcsarnok) - Hungarian and international contemporary art exhibitions  Budapest's most popular park the City Park (Városliget) stretches behind Heroes' Square. You can see the parks most spectacular architecture, Vajdahunyad Castle from the square. The City Park abandons in attractions especially for kids: Budapest Zoo and Botanical Gardens Széchenyi Baths Amusement Park  Copyleft photos, courtesy of Josele, Feb 6th 2009 ( That day was my birthday, in Budapest ) Magyar Fine Arts