Heroes Square in Budapest, Hungary - A world heritage site!

I simply love walking through the squares of European cities. Architectures, sculptures, fountain, cafes, people, discussions, demonstrations, open shows, street performances etc, are often part of such squares. A vibrant atmosphere which can instantly energize any soul. Painters, musicians, dancers, stunt men add an extra charm to such esplanades. One can feel the beating heart of the city while taking a stroll on European squares. They are always buzzing and brimming with life.

Heroes' square along with Millennium monument in the Hungarian capital is a part of the urban architectural ensemble of Andrassy Avenue, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. It was built to commemorate 1000th year of the Hungarian state. It is one of the most photographed and most visited places in Budapest.





The millennium monument consists of a semi-circular colonnade, a set of statues, sculptures and a tall column in the middle of the square.
















I believe there are hundreds of ways and forms to express any concept. It is a creative challenge. I have always been passionate about such expressions. When it comes to symbolic sculptures, I love to note the way the symbol has been expressed through the sculpture.


                        FACT

The top of the tall column in Heroes' square holds the statue of Archangel Gabriel holding the holy crown of St.Stephen, the first king of Hungary, in the right hand and the double cross of Christianity in the left hand which he gifted to the first king in recognition of his efforts to convert Hungary to Christianity.















    CREATIVE EXPRESSION 

In the name of religion, there were so many wars in the past and some are still going on today. To me the best possible message from all the messengers of any religion at present should be love and only love. No more crowns; No more kings;















In this square in Budapest, I came across four symbolic sculptures that represent War, Peace, Labor & Wealth and  Knowledge & Glory. 


                   

                    FACT

On top of the left colonnade, one will find an equestrian statue representing war. A male figure driving a chariot using a snake as a whip. 









    
  CREATIVE EXPRESSION 

When I clicked the photograph of this statue, incidentally a flying white dove was captured.

The most important war now is to stop war - the greatest causes of human suffering and death. I wish a world beyond war.  Let the messenger of our war to stop war be this dove.






                    
                   FACT

Another sculpture that is perched on top of the left colonnade, represents labor and wealth.


CREATIVE EXPRESSION 

In today's perspective, to me let sweat represent labor and the greatest wealth be a smiling baby (irrespective of sex).





















                   FACT

Peace is represented by a female figure in chariot holding a palm frond on top of the right colonnade.










CREATIVE EXPRESSION 

There are many ambassadors of peace as I have seen in The Nobel Peace Center in Norway . To me one of the most powerful expressions of peace is a quote by Mahatma Gandhi.

"The day power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace".