HEROES' SQUARE, Budapest Overview

Situated between the museum of fine arts and the palace of art, It is known for its high-rise statues of Budapest freedom fighters and leaders. During the sunset, this spot attracts the most tourists and photographers. Eating and sightseeing ar the main activities, here.

Hero’s square was mainly built to celebrate the millennial celebrations of Budapest. The main statue that is situated in between of the circle is 40 meters high. This square is known to be one of the oldest man made monuments in the world and in 2002 was also titled as a world heritage site. The statues pay homage to the seven tribes of Hungarian religion, who are known to be the founders of the country. If one wishes to inhale the freshness of dew, then they can head to City Park early in the morning or saunter in the Andrassy Avenue. All of the statues have been made by Zala György. This attraction’s invention dates back to 1896. Surprisingly, this attraction received its name long after it was made in the 1930’s.

Many major events take place here like the socialist celebrations in the old times and the reburial of Imre Nagy, a leader who stood against the Soviets and also served as the Prime Minister. Additionally, Nemzeti Vágta, an event where the Hungarian horsemanship is showcased, is held here. Other various art exhibitions take place all around the year at this square.

HISTORY

At the time of its inception, the last five spots for statues were reserved for Austrian-Hungarian leaders, the Habsburgs, as they were ruling in Budapest then and this city was a part of theirs. Post Second World War this square was rebuilt and then these leaders were replaced by Hungarian freedom fighters. Like most other monuments of Budapest, Heroes’ square too is a replica of Shanghai’s

A memorial was built earlier at hero’s square for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Hungary’s freedom but it was removed when the Communist party took the throne as the message being conveyed seemed politically incorrect to them. It was rebuilt again and is today not open to citizens. It is only open to official dignitaries.

STRUCTURE

On the top of the 36 m stand is the posture of Archangel Gabriel with St. Stephen’s Crown constructed by Albert Schickedanz in 1894. Today the original holy crown is kept safe in Hungarian Parliament. The equestrian statues surround the structure. A semi-circle shaped portico is built behind the structure which contains statues of the 13 leading faces of Budapest namely- St. Stephen, Charles Robert, King Béla IV, Kálmán Könyves, Ferenc Rákóczi and many more. All the statues portray war, peace, glory, welfare etc. Just in front of the square stands the Hungarian War Memorial.

THINGS TO SEE AROUND

Museum Of Fine Arts
Located just 150m from the attraction, this museum houses one of the best European artworks made by Raphael, Titian, Vermeer etc. it contains ancient and medieval art sculptures and artifacts too.

Palace of Arts
This is just opposite to Museum of Fine Arts and is home some extravagant temporary exhibitions. This exhibition hall is also known as Műcsarnok by Hungarians.

City Park
This is located 600 m away from Heroes’ square and is spread across 302 acres. From a little pond to picturesque picnic spots this park has it all and is a great place for weekend chill out.

Vajdahunyad Castle
This castle was originally made of wood and cardboard, but later was transformed to a concrete structure. It is located 400 m away from the main attraction and is an unrealistic experience of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque architectural styles under one roof.

WHAT TO EAT

Food is a MUST TRY in this main hub of Budapest. Restaurant like Robinson, which is situated next to a lake, serves affordably lip smacking Hungarian and Mediterranean cuisine dishes in about 2500-3000 HUF. Other recommend worthy restaurants are Gundel, Kara Café, Varosliget Restro and café, Bagolyvar etc.

WHERE TO STAY

Heroes’ square being the main hub of Budapest costs a little more than average for bed ‘n’ breakfast places. One of the best hotels is Mirage Fashion hotel which is located at a distance of just 150 m from the square. Other places recommended are:-Ibis Budapest Hotel, Benczur hotel, Mamaison Hotel etc.

How to Reach Heroes Square

The three main public transports that will connect here are:

· M1 Metro, also known as the yellow line can be taken and one can de-board at Hősök Tere station.

· Bus numbers 20E, 30, 30A and 105 can be taken to reach the square

· Tram line number 75 and 79 also connect to this attraction.

· A taxi can also be taken, which is more comfortable but lacks adventure. Taxi4 and 6x6taxi are some of the online taxi providers in Budapest