Gellért Monument

On the northeast slope of Gellért Hill stands a large bronze statue that commemorates the man who was responsible for bringing a new religion to the people of Budapest.

In the early years of the 11th century, Gellért (Gerard), the Benedictine Abbot of San Giorgio Maggiore In Venice, was on his way to Palestine on a pilgrimage when he was detained by the country’s King Stephen, who asked the bishop to stay and tutor his son Imre, and to help convert the pagan Magyars to Christianity. Gellért agreed to take on the challenge and remained in the country for many years, spreading the word of Jesus Christ.

It is said that several years after Stephen’s death, in 1046, Gellért himself was put to death at the site now known as Gellért Hill. According to historians, he was sent to his demise in a barrel, rolled down the steep hill by those who opposed Christianity.

The Gellért Monument was erected in 1904 and designed by sculptor Gyula Jankovits. The statue of the Bishop is framed by an imitation antique pillared portico, and below the sculpture sits a pretty man-made waterfall.

The best place from which to view the statue is from atop the Elizabeth Bridge. However, if you want a closer look, you can climb up to the bronze likeness of Bishop Gellért via a flight of steps that originate at the bridge.

The monument can be seen from all over Budapest, especially at night when it is illuminated.