Heroes' Square, the Entrance to City Park
Updated: Feb 6
Heroes' Square (in Hungarian: Hősök tere) in Budapest is a captivating destination, being part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. This large historic square, situated at the end of Andrássy Avenue next to City Park (Városliget), boasts the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art (Műcsarnok) on either side.
The Millennium Monument at Heroes' Square © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
Location: 1146 Budapest, Hősök tere, located at the end of Andrássy út, next to City Park
How to get there:
Metro line M1 (yellow): get off at Hősök tere station.
Trolley bus: 75, 79
Bus: 20, 30, 105
How to access: you can enter the square for free, by crossing the pedestrian walkways from one of the two museums located on the sides of the square (please play special attention when crossing, as there is always heavy traffic on the main roads bordering the square).
When to visit: as Heroes' Square is one of the main tourist attractions in Budapest, it is usually quite crowded, particularly on weekends. As it is open-air, it is best visit when there is good weather, which allows strolling through the sites of the square, and also the nearby City Park.
Other tourist attractions nearby: Museum of Fine Arts, Palace of Art (Műcsarnok), Vajdahunyad Castle, Budapest Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Welcome to Heroes' Square
Constructed from 1896 to 1900, the Millennium Monument commemorates Hungary's thousandth anniversary, showcasing key historic Hungarian figures and allegoric bronze sculptures, added in 1906.
The front of the monument features the Memorial Stone of Heroes, dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for freedom (contrary to common belief, it is not an actual tomb). The cenotaph, surrounded by an ornamental iron chain, sits above an artesian well drilled in 1878, providing water for nearby thermal baths.
At the bottom of the main column, you can see the statues of the Seven Chieftains of the original Magyar (Hungarian) tribes on horsebacks, led by Árpád, who has conquered the Carpathian Basin and is considered to be the founder of the Hungarian nation.
The Seven Chieftains of the original Magyar (Hungarian) tribes at Heroes' Square © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
On top of the 36 meters (118 feet) tall central column, Archangel Gabriel is holding the Holy Crown of St. Stephen I, and the apostolic double cross, both of which have been featured on the Hungarian coat of arms and flags through different periods of Hungarian history.
Coat of arms of Hungary flanked by angels, used from 12 January 1896 to 6 November 1915. Source: Wikipedia
Archangel Gabriel holding the Holy Crown of Hungary and the apostolic double cross © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
The back of the monument showcases two colonnades with statues representing key figures in Hungarian history.
Historic figures shown on the left colonnade, in order (with the dates of their rule):
King Saint Stephen I (975– 1038) - Established the Christian Kingdom of Hungary and laid the foundations for its medieval statehood
King Ladislaus I (1077 - 1095) - Strengthened royal authority and expanded Hungary's territorial influence during his reign
King Coloman (1095 - 1116) - Implemented legal reforms and strengthened Hungary's feudal system, contributing to its political stability
King Andrew II (1205 - 1235) - Granted the Golden Bull, a historic charter that defined the rights and privileges of Hungary's nobility
King Béla IV (1235 - 1270) - Successfully rebuilt Hungary after the devastating Mongol invasion, focusing on fortifications and economic recovery
King Charles I (1308 - 1342) - Faced internal struggles and external threats but made efforts to strengthen royal power and centralize governance
King Louis I (1342 - 1382) - Expanded Hungary's territory, consolidated royal power, and promoted cultural and economic development during the Angevin period
Historic figures on the left colonnade of the Millenium Monument © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
Historic figures shown on the right colonnade, in order (with the dates of their rule):
John Hunyadi, Regent-Governor of the Kingdom of Hungary (1446–1453) - Renowned military leader, successfully defended Hungary against the Ottoman Turks and contributed to the stability of the kingdom during a critical period. The pope ordered that European churches ring their bells at noon to gather the faithful in prayer for those who were fighting and to commemorate the Belgrade (Nándorfejérvár) victory.
King Matthias Corvinus I (1458 - 1490) - A Renaissance king, known for his enlightened rule, cultural patronage, and efforts to strengthen Hungary's central administration and military capabilities
Stephen Bocskai, Prince of Transylvania and Hungary (1605 - 1606) - Led the Bocskai uprising, securing significant concessions from the Habsburgs and contributing to the recognition of the rights of Hungarian nobility
Gabriel Bethlen, Prince of Transylvania (1613 to 1629) - Skillful diplomat and military leader, negotiated the Peace of Nikolsburg, securing religious freedom for Protestants and autonomy for Transylvania within the Habsburg Empire
Emeric Thököly, Prince of Upper Hungary (1682-1685) - Led an anti-Habsburg uprising, aiming for greater autonomy for Hungary, but ultimately faced defeat
Francis II Rákóczi, Prince of Transylvania (1704 – 1711) - Led the Rákóczi's War of Independence against Habsburg rule, seeking greater political and religious rights for Hungary
Lajos Kossuth, Regent-President of Hungary (1849) - Key figure in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, advocated for constitutional and national reforms, serving as regent-president during the brief period of Hungarian independence
Historic figures on the right colonnade of the Millenium Monument © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
On top of the colonnades there are four allegoric sculptures added in 1906 portraying Labour and Wealth, and War on the left, while on the top of the right colonnade they represent Peace, and Knowledge and Glory.
Charioteer with a snake, symbolising War, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
Heroes' Square is not just a historical landmark; it's a captivating journey through Hungary's cultural and national identity.
