Heroes' Square
A Tribute to Hungary's National Identity

Brief History of the Square
Nearby Attractions
Restaurants near Heroes' Square

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:

• Museum of Fine Arts-both its permanent and temporary exhibitions worth a visit
• Hall of Art (Műcsarnok)-Hungarian and international contemporary 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

Read more about Budapest History on this page.

Where to Eat Near Heroes' Square

Gundel

Have authentic Hungarian dishes in the famous Gundel restaurant. The elegant, turn-of-the-20th-century decoration, the fine cuisine and service make your dinner unforgettable. Because of its fame Gundel is one of the most expensive restaurants in Budapest.

Address: Állatkerti körút 2., XIV. district
Tel: +36 1 321 3550

Bagolyvár (Owl's Castle)

If Gundel is too expensive for you, taste Hungarain home-style cooking in Bagolyvár next door.

Address: Állatkerti körút 3., XIV. district
Tel: + 36 1 468 3110

Robinson

An enchanting restaurant on a small island with Mediterranean cuisine. Robinson's lakeside location and its excellent cuisine make your dinner memorable.

Address: Állatkerti körút, on a small island on the lake
Tel: +36 1 343 3776

See also our page about Best Restaurants in Budapest or our recommendation of Hungarian Resturants in Budapest.

Return from Heroes' Square to Budapest Sightseeing or
Homepage of Budapest Tourist Guide.