The Millennium Monument
Built in 1896 to mark 1,000 years since the Magyar tribes settled the Carpathian Basin, the square's centrepiece is a 36-metre column topped by the Archangel Gabriel, holding the Hungarian crown and cross. Around its base stand the seven mounted Magyar chieftains, and the two sweeping colonnades on either side depict fourteen more figures from Hungarian history, from King Stephen I to Lajos Kossuth.
The museums flanking the square
Two grand neoclassical buildings frame Heroes' Square: the Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum), home to an outstanding collection of European masters including Goya, El Greco and Raphael, and the Kunsthalle (Műcsarnok), a contemporary exhibition hall with a rotating programme.
What's just beyond it
Heroes' Square opens directly onto City Park (Városliget), Budapest's largest park, which contains Vajdahunyad Castle (a fantastical replica combining dozens of architectural styles), the Budapest Zoo, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and a seasonal ice rink / lake. It's easily a half-day out if you combine the square with even a short walk into the park.
Frequently asked questions
Is Heroes' Square worth visiting?
Yes — it's free, open all the time, and acts as the natural gateway to City Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Széchenyi Baths and the Budapest Zoo, so it's easy to combine with a longer visit to the area.
What is the Millennium Monument?
A 36-metre column topped by the Archangel Gabriel, surrounded by statues of the seven Magyar chieftains who led the tribes into the Carpathian Basin in 895 AD, flanked by colonnades depicting later Hungarian kings and leaders.
Is Heroes' Square near the thermal baths?
Yes — Széchenyi Baths is a 5-minute walk through City Park from the square, making the two an easy pairing for one afternoon.