Did you know?! – 5 interesting facts about Budapest’s iconic spot, the Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square is one of the largest and most iconic squares of Budapest, famous for the Memorial Stone of Heroes representing the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other Hungarian emperors. Besides being an important tourist attraction, the spectacular statue complex has become a landmark of the Hungarian capital. Come along and check out five interesting facts about the most heroic square of Budapest. 😉

The beginnings

Construction of the square began during the 1895 millennium celebrations but was completed only 10 years later, in 1906.

At the place of the monument, we can discover the so-called Gloriett fountain designed by Miklós Ybl, from which the same spring water erupted as in the Széchenyi Spa.

This fountain is still under the square; however, the ornate work itself has been moved to Széchenyi Hill.

World Heritage Site

Few may know that Budapest’s iconic square is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as part of the Andrássy Avenue, one of the most outstanding tourist attractions of the Hungarian capital.

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Millennium Memorial

On the occasion of the 1,000th anniversary of the Hungarian state, numerous developments were completed in 1896, including the construction of Heroes’ Square, the erection of the Liberty Bridge, and the construction of the Capital Zoo. Budapest’s iconic square was designed by Albert Schickedanz, and the sculptures were made by György Zala.

Originally, the monument comprised 14 statues of Hungarian emperors. In the middle of the statue complex, you can find a 36-meter version of Archangel Gabriel.

According to the legend, Angel Gabriel asked King Stephen in his dream to crown himself and adopt Christianity.

Heroic Fate

As Hungarian news portal Magyarországom reports, Heroes’ Square had an adventurous past until it reached its form in 1945. The first major transformation was during the construction of the underground when the former grassland was covered with stone. After the First World War, the statues of the 5 Habsburg emperors were taken off and brought to rural museums. On 1 May 1919, the whole complex was covered with red drapery, the statue of Archangel Gabriel was converted into an obelisk, and in front of it, a figure of Marx was erected at a height of 7 metres.

More heroes’ squares in Budapest

Did you know that Budapest has more than just one heroes’ square? In total, the Hungarian capital has four heroes’ squares: one in Rákosszentmihály (District 16), one in the centre of Soroksár (District 23), one in Rákosliget (District 17), and, of course, the most famous one at Városliget.

Read alsoDid you know?! – 5 interesting facts about Budapest’s iconic spot, the Heroes’ Square

Source: magyarorszagom.hu