The legends and heroes of an entire nation can change form and shape over the course of that nation’s history, and there’s no better example of what this can look like than Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square) in Budapest. Equal parts history and inspiration, the Square and sculptures in it have changed over time to enable it to become one of the most visited sights in Budapest.
A Tribute to the History of Hungary
Heroes’ Square was established in 1896 to mark the thousandth anniversary of the Magyar conquest of Hungary, although it wasn’t completed until 1932. It was part of a larger project that also included the first metro line in Budapest, which is one of the world’s oldest and still stops at the site. Heroes’ Square has numerous parts and pieces, all of which pay tribute to the history of the country.
The Millennium Monument is a triumphal column that rises almost 120 feet and is the most prominent feature of the Square. It’s topped with a statue of Archangel Gabriel, holding the crown of Hungary crown in his right hand. According to legend, the archangel appeared to St. Stephen in a dream and offered him that crown.
The Seven Chieftains of the Magyars (or Hungarians), who brought the Magyar people to the land that is now Hungary and enabled them to settle it around A.D. 896, surround the Millennium Monument at the base. In front of them is the Memorial Stone of Heroes, which is a tribute to Hungary’s nameless heroes of war. It is not the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, as it contains no human remains.
Behind the Millennium Monument are two matched colonnades, each with seven statues representing prominent figures of Hungarian history. Since Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire when Heroes’ Square was constructed, five of these spaces were originally utilized for statues of the ruling Habsburg dynasty. The Habsburg emperors were replaced with Hungarian freedom fighters when the monument was rebuilt after World War II. Below each statue is a relief that portrays an event from their history.
A complete list of the statues depicted throughout Heroes Square are readily available, and being able to see all of them in a single place provides visitors with a sense of walking amongst giants. That inspiration is just part of why Heroes Square has become one of the most visited and photographed sights in Budapest though.
Hungarian Pride and Inspiration
While Heroes’ Square has become a destination in and of itself, the fact that it is surrounded by the Museum of Fine Arts and Kunsthalle (Hall of Art) have added to the cultural and economic impact it has enabled for the city. These establishments have benefitted from the popularity of Heroes’ Square to expose that many more people to the history and culture of the region, the effects of which can be seen in a variety of ways.
That impact can be seen in everything from maps to souvenirs, as the Millennium Monument has a prominent position in countless materials that promote and showcase Budapest. While other monuments in the city highlight the adversities the country has had to combat, Heroes’ Square provides residents with something they can be proud of and visitors with something that can inspire them. Doing so has enabled a positive effect on the economy and culture of the whole region.
As an illustration of this effect, Heroes’ Square has and continues to serve as an important gathering place for events that are both small and large in scope. During the winter, an ice skating ring sits in the shadow of the monument, which provides numerous merchants and vendors with a place to sell their products. Heroes’ Square has also been the location for far more significant events for the city. A crowd of 250,000 people gathered at Heroes’ Square in 1989 for the reburial of Imre Nagy, and there are still countless events and festivals held at the location throughout the year.
This appeal to both residents and tourists helped see Heroes’ Square become part of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites in 2002. By providing the city with a place that can serve as equal parts pride and inspiration, Heroes’ Square has been able to create a legacy for Hungary that is as much about the past as it is the future for the nation.
A Hungarian Legacy
Like other victory columns in Europe, Millennium Monument can be seen from afar, which simply adds to the significance it has been able to create for the city. But by celebrating so many different aspects and eras of Hungarian history, Heroes’ Square has become a symbol for Budapest and Hungary in a way that few other monuments can match. The impact that has had on the culture and economy of Budapest is evident, but even more significant is the legacy it has enabled for Hungary that is set to become even more prominent as time goes on.
