Heroes' Square

Situated at the end of Andrassy Avenue, Heroes’ Square (or Hősök Tere in Hungarian) is one of the most-visited attractions in Budapest, both by visitors and locals. The centerpiece of the square is the Millennium Monument, built in 1896 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest.

Inside the niches of the two semi-circles that make up the monument you’ll find statues of famous men of Hungarian history, including kings, governors, and others held in high regard like King Stephen I, who brought Christianity to the country. Atop the semi-circles are the symbols of War and Peace, Work and Welfare, and Knowledge and Glory.

Around the base of the monument are a number of equestrian statues honoring Arpad and the seven chieftains of the Hungarian tribe, who settled their people in the area now known as Hungary.

Soaring above the monument, you’ll see the Millennial Column, standing 118-feet-tall and topped with a statue of the Archangel Gabriel, meant to be a symbol of the Roman Catholic Church.

In front of the column is the Monument of National Heroes, also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, a tribute to Hungary’s nameless heroes of war.

Heroes’ Square has been the site of numerous special events throughout the last century, including many Socialist holiday celebrations staged during the country’s Communist era. Pope John Paul II preached here and many heated political rallies continue to take place at this popular location.