Importance of Heroes’ Square and Why You Shouldn’t Miss it
Heroes’ Square is one of the most famous sights in Budapest—and for a good reason. This spacious square is home to numerous examples of beautiful architecture, so it’s a truly breathtaking place.
But it’s not just the majestic aesthetics that make Heroes’ Square unmissable. It’s also steeped in myth and history, making it a fascinating and important gateway into Hungary’s past.
Our Budapest Heroes’ Square Tour is the perfect way to experience this iconic site with an expert local guide. But for now, join us on a virtual visit and find out more about Heroes’ Square before your in-person tour.
Have any questions for the E-Magine team? Please contact us for more information about any of our Budapest e-scooter tours.
The Myths and Legends Surrounding Heroes’ Square, Budapest
Altogether, there are 36 statues in Heroes’ Square. These figures all have different stories to tell, and their tales span various eras from our city’s past. Let us guide you through the meaning of each of these statues so you can feel the true essence of Budapest.
Archangel Gabriel
A statue of the Archangel Gabriel is displayed in the middle of Heroes’ Square on a 118-foot column. You can spot the pillar from far away while cruising on Andrássy Avenue. Gabriel holds a double cross in his left hand and the Holy Crown in his right.
According to a legend, Pope Sylvester II had a dream in which Archangel Gabriel spoke to him. He suggested handing the crown to the first envoy who arrived the next morning.
Even though the pope had previously promised the crown to the Polish prince Mieszko, the Hungarian prince Stephen received it instead. This is how Saint Stephen became the first Hungarian king.
The statue of the Archangel Gabriel in Heroes’ Square is not only loved and cherished by Hungarians—it also won the grand prize at the 1900 Paris World Exhibition.
Seven Conquering Leaders
At the base of the column on which the Archangel stands, you can find beautiful bronze equestrian statues. These represent the conquering leaders of the seven Hungarian tribes.
According to the book of the Anonymous Hungarian chronicler, seven Hungarians – Álmos, Előd, Ond, Kond, Tas, Huba, and Töhötöm – left the land of Szittya in the year 872 in search of a less populated place with good resources.
The leaders held a council and decided to travel to Pannonia because it was once the land of the Scourge of God, the Hun leader Attila. For this reason, the seven leaders wanted to settle there by right of inheritance.
They elected Álmos as their leader, took an oath, and made a blood pact according to pagan habit, sealing their vow. According to the oath, they and their descendants will always have the sons of Álmos as their leader and everyone will benefit from the property they acquire.
They and their sons will be members of the leader’s council and officials of the tribal association. If their descendants become disloyal or incite discord between the leader and his relatives, their blood will be drawn, and they will be cursed.
The Great Historical Figures in Heroes’ Square
In the two arcades of Heroes’ Square, there are 14 nine-foot bronze statues of historical figures who played an active role in the creation of modern Hungary. These colonnades stand on either side of the Archangel Gabriel monument, and each one holds seven statues.
Each statue is accompanied by a relief depicting a historical scene typical of the age or activity to which the person being honoured belongs.
There are too many figures to look at in this blog, but they include:
- King Saint Stephen — Hungary’s first king
- King Béla IV — Rebuilt the country after the Tatar invasion
- Louis I of Hungary — Led Hungary to the greatest expansion of its territory
- King Matthias Hunyadi — A famous king with many tales of justice and righteousness
The video below shows one of the colonnades housing seven of the 14 statues.
At the top of the two semicircular colonnades, you can see the two-horse chariots of War and Peace, as well as the allegorical bronze figures of Work and Prosperity, Knowledge, and Glory.
The Heroes’ Memorial Stone was added here later in honour of the heroes of World War I.
The designer behind Heroes’ Square is Albert Schickedanz. He was a renowned painter and architect and focused most of his work on designing and building this incredible monument.
The importance of Heroes’ Square extends beyond its boundaries. On either side of the square, you can find the popular Kunsthalle and the Museum of Fine Arts, both designed and built by Albert Schickedanz and Fülöp Herzog in an eclectic neoclassical style.
The first museum hosts temporary exhibits of contemporary art. It has a bookstore, a library, and a coffee shop for visitors to enjoy.
On the opposite side, the Museum of Fine Arts hosts national and international exhibitions where you can gaze at artworks from every country and era. The gallery holds the second-largest collection of Egyptian art in Central Europe.
When to Visit Budapest’s Heroes’ Square?
We recommend visiting the square in sunny weather to enjoy the view without disruption. Of course, this typically means spring, summer, and early autumn. Check out our recommendations for the best things to do in Budapest in spring for an insight into what you can expect from a visit at this time of year.
But we still have some sunny days in winter! What’s more, you can also head to the best Budapest Christmas markets and festivities to feel the magic of the season!
If you do decide to visit during winter, don’t forget your warm clothes! Bring thermal wear and dress in layers. If you join our Budapest Heroes’ Square Tour (or any of our other Budapest e-scooter tours), you can count on us to keep you as warm as possible!
Heroes’ Square also hosts some cool events throughout the year, from pumpkin carving contests to free concerts.
Things to See and Do Near Heroes’ Square, Budapest
If you are in Heroes’ Square, there are plenty of other attractions to visit that will only deepen your connection with Budapest. A unique and significant development project is underway to reimagine the entire area of Városliget, where Heroes’ Square is located.
Visitors will find newly built architecture and renovated historical buildings as well as renewed infrastructure. The project has added some new attractions and a great park to Budapest, so it is certainly worth exploring the area.
House of Music
This is a contemporary cultural landmark dedicated to music. The House of Music is a truly unique building that is worth seeing in its own right. But when you step inside, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history of music over the past 2,000 years.
Museum of Ethnography
The Museum of Ethnography is a cultural space where the past and present combine. This museum is home to a huge collection of items from Hungarian and Eastern European cultures in the 19th and 20th centuries. The architecture is worth visiting alone; it is the famous curved building that completely melts into nature.
Vajdahunyad Castle
The magnificent Vajdahunyad Castle is a vibrant cultural spot, especially during the summer, and hosts many events throughout the year. You may even recognise the architecture—this is a smaller copy of Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania.
City Park Ice Rink
The City Park ice rink is one of Budapest’s main attractions during the winter, as locals and tourists love to glide on the ice for hours and enjoy snacks and hot beverages afterwards. This is one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful ice rinks!
Budapest Zoo
At the Budapest Zoo, you can observe different animal species, and enjoy a tasty Hungarian chimney cake while at it.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
For full relaxation after all your sightseeing, there is no better place than Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Featuring three ginormous outdoor pools, fifteen smaller inside pools, saunas, massage parlours, and beer spas, it is the most popular destination for relaxation for tourists and locals alike.
Looking for a fun way to explore these magnificent sights? The good news is that almost all these spots are included in our Budapest Heroes’ Square Tour!
Budapest Heroes’ Square Tour: An E-Scooter Adventure!
Turn the city into your playground and discover all this beauty on a MonsteRoller electric scooter! Our Heroes’ Square Tour in Budapest offers an immersive experience exploring the square’s rich history, myths, legends, and iconic landmarks—all while having fun on the way!
MonsteRoller electric scooters feature wide wheels, a low platform, and zero emissions, making them a comfortable, eco-friendly, and exciting way to discover the city. Riding feels more like surfing and makes you feel completely safe. Of course, you can ask for a helmet; we are happy to provide it for extra safety. The online booking process is safe and secure, and you can make sure you have your spot reserved.
The two-hour tour starts at our downtown store on Bécsi Way. We then cruise down Andrássy Avenue before exploring Heroes’ Square, City Park, and Vajdahunyad Castle. Next, we proceed to Budapest Zoo, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the House of Music, and the Museum of Ethnography. We then ride across the Ruin bar district and stop by the Synagogue.
The MonsteRoller electric scooter is faster and more comfortable than walking through the city or using public transportation packed with people. Our local and professional tour guides will provide insightful information on the historical and cultural significance of Heroes’ Square and all the sights visited. There’s no better way to explore our home city!
Don’t Miss Out on Our Budapest Heroes’ Square Tour!
Are you ready to discover the wonders of Heroes’ Square? Great! Find out more about our Budapest Heroes’ Square Tour and book your spot. This is one of our most popular Budapest e-scooter tours and regularly sells out, especially on weekends, so don’t miss out!
If you have any pre-booking questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
