Once upon a time, a gigantic polysterene
statue of Michael Jackson stood here, engulfing this column, as film prop for the History video.
But even though he's not Hungarian, the fact that he picked Budapest as the venue for his extravagant vid , and so soon too after the Iron Curtain fell, earned himself a place as a hero in their hearts.
To get here, take the M1 underground and get off at Hösök tere.
Emerge from the metro and this is what you will see .
Traffic is light. There's not much jams since the public transport system is so plentiful , far reaching and efficient.
But I believe it's always better to use the crossing.
Or so I thought !
When you cross from this side, take note that one crossing is for people and the one on the left is for bicycles ONLY !
I got bumped on the heel by an irate cyclist for standing in the way.
Next, you have to cross it at an angle and especially when you try to cross where the hop on and off tour buses are, the vehicles, those drivers seem intent on running people down.
They're not all like that. It's only this place that turns them a little nuts so please be careful here.
You are not in Paris or Rome.
Back to the monument.
Built in 1896 , it has been accorded Unesco World Heritage status.
The central focus is the 36 meter corinthian column
topped by Archangel Gabriel holding the Holy Crown in one hand and an apostolic cross from Pope Slyvester II in the other.
At the base are the 7 Magyar chieftains led by Prince Árpád who founded Hungary.
Directly in front lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Don't worry it's just a cenotaph, there's no body buried inside , just a deep well of hot spring water .
Flanked by 2 colonades , this is one on the right, represents Peace , Knowledge and Glory .
Each one also features 7 statesmen...John Hunyadi, Matthias Corvinus, István Bocskay, Gabriel Bethlen, Imre Thököly, Francis II Rákóczi and Lajos Kossuth .
The opening between both colonades , pits the female Chariot rider of Peace against the male , snake wielding War Chariot .
Which brings us to the left colonade which represents Labor, Wealth and War .
Here are the names of the 7 immortalised.
Stephen I, Ladislaus I , Coloman, Andrew II,
Béla IV, Charles I and Louis I
Let's go check out the chieftains .
It's such a hot day today and these kids who came in a big group are trying to stay in the shade.
At the forefront is Prince Árpád , said to be a descendant of Attila the Hun.
It was he who led the 7 tribes into the Carpathian basin .
The identity of the other 6 are the subject of disputes so let's just leave it at that and admire the physique and commanding presence..
...the horses
...as well as the horsemen .
Majestic don't you think ? Notice the deer antlers on the horses reins .
The way these bronze statues were molded, makes them look
and feel perpetually alive.
Which is why I probably wouldn't come here alone at night even though it's recommended, since they look so , um, green yet real . Time for me to go see other things .
Back shot number two.
From here, you have many relaxing options depending on the season .
Summer - Szechenyi spa, a beautiful park and the Vajdahunyad Castle is but a stroll away.
Winter - spa and ice skate or ice skate and then spa.
Up to you but best done if you're not on a package tour.
Location : Budapest
No comments:
Post a Comment