The history
In the winter of 1944–45, Arrow Cross militia — Hungary's fascist party, then in power — marched Jewish citizens to the Danube embankment, ordered them to remove their shoes (a valuable, resellable item), and shot them into the river. Unveiled in 2005, the memorial by sculptor Gyula Pauer and film director Can Togay places 60 pairs of period-accurate iron shoes directly on the stone embankment where these killings took place.
Visiting
There's no ticket, no gate, no set hours — it sits directly on the public embankment between the Parliament building and Chain Bridge, easily folded into a walk along the river. Many visitors find it more affecting for its quiet, unmarked presence among everyday foot traffic than a formal museum setting would be.
Visiting respectfully
It's an active memorial, not simply a photo backdrop — small stones, candles, and flowers are often left in the shoes by visitors, a tradition worth being mindful of if you stop to look.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Shoes on the Danube memorial?
A row of 60 pairs of cast-iron shoes set into the embankment, commemorating Jewish citizens shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militia in the winter of 1944–45 — victims were told to remove their shoes before being shot, since shoes were valuable and could be resold.
Where exactly is the memorial?
On the Pest side embankment, roughly midway between the Parliament building and Chain Bridge — easy to combine with a visit to either.
Is there an admission fee?
No, it's a public memorial on the open embankment, accessible at any time, free of charge.