Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) is one of the major squares in Budapest and located in the heart of the city, at the end of the grand World Heritage Boulevard, Andrássy Avenue. The square acts as the entryway into Budapest best-known park, the popular City Park (Városliget) where there are more famous spots locate like City Park Ice Rink, Vajdahunyad Castle, Széchenyi Spa and Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Heroes’ Square in Budapest is the proud home of the Millennium Memorial with its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Hungarians and other important Hungarian national leaders, the Heroes’ Monument (often erroneously referred as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) and two of Budapest’s major museums: the Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Hall.
Millennium Memorial
The presence of the Millennium Memorial (Millenniumi Emlékmű) makes Heroes’ Square certainly one of the most historic places in Budapest and one of the city’s important sites. The Millennium Memorial was built in 1896 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin.
The monument consists of two semi-circle colonnades on the top of which the symbols of War and Peace, Work and Welfare, Knowledge and Glory can be seen. The two semi-circle colonnades of the monument also feature figures that played critical roles in Hungary’s history. There are seven heroes of Hungarian history on each side; among them are statues of kings, state leaders, heroes and other major historical figures that shaped the country.
In the center of the monument there is a Corinthian column with the statute of Archangel Gabriel on the top. Gabriel holds religious symbols in both hands: the apostolic cross and the holy crown. At the base of the column the chieftains of the seven Hungarian tribes can be seen on horseback. The one in the forefront is Árpád, the leading chieftain whose descendants later formed the only Hungarian royal dynasty.
Heroes’ Monument
In front of the column, in the middle of the square, there is a large stone cenotaph surrounded by an ornamental iron chain. This monument is dedicated to the memory of those heroes who have sacrificed their lives for freedom and national independence in World War I. While some guide books refer to this as a “tomb” it is not a burial place.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) was built in an eclectic-neoclassical style between 1900 and 1906 as part of the commemoration of the thousand year anniversary “project”, based on the plans of Albert Schickedanz and Fülöp Herzog, the architects designing the Art Gallery and Heroes Square as well.
The main facade has three classical Greek temples connected by colonnades. The temples represent the grove of muses, a place of relaxation. The Greek influence is further incorporated with the Corinthian columns and sculpture in the pediment.
The museum was reconstructed and modernized to meet the 21st-century visitor needs and professional requirements and has already welcomed more than a million visitors since its reopening in 2018.
Art Hall
The Art Hall (Műcsarnok) was erected in 1896 for the millennium celebrations and was built in eclectical-classical style and designed by Albert Schickedanz. Since the building was renovated in 1995 the Art Hall has welcomed visitors and leading Hungarian and international contemporary artists alike, mediating and representing modern artistic tendencies whilst not maintaining its own permanent collection.
Today the hall operates on the pattern of the German Kunsthalle: it is an institution run by artists that does not maintain its own collection.
Where to stay near Heroes’ Square in Budapest
Hotel Alice
The lovely Hotel Alice is located on the UNESCO world heritage Andrássy Avenue, close to the famous Heroes’ Square and House of Terror. The stylish villa was built at the end of the 1870’s and was owned by the family of the Hungarian manufacturer, Manfréd Weiss. The fully renovated and new-born Hotel Alice offers a complex recreational experience to all of its visitors.
Ibis Budapest Heroes’ Square
Ibis Budapest Heroes’ Square is located next to the Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian Art Gallery, Széchenyi Spa, Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, Heroes’ Square and City Park. A breakfast buffet is available every morning at the hotel. A terrace and a bar are also at guests’ disposal. If you arrive by car, no problem, the hotel provides parking for an extra fee.
Smart Hotel Budapest
Experience the smart technology in Smart Hotel Budapest! Innovation and wise resorts are waiting for you and your family. Two clicks for personalize room by using located tablets or even your mobile phone. Make yourself at home.
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest
This upscale boutique hotel is located in the historic Andrássy Avenue, also known as the Champs Élysées of Budapest and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll enjoy being a 5 minute walk away from Heroes’ Square and Széchenyi Spa. The elegance of this recently renovated building was erected in the 1930s. This Bauhaus style hotel offers modern comforts, gourmet breakfast, a restaurant and lounge and conference rooms.
Have a nice stay in Budapest!
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