"

Liberty Statue

Standing tall at the highest point of Gellért Hill, near the eastern bastion of the Citadel, is perhaps the most iconic figure of the Hungarian capital. The female figure holding a palm branch aloft not only dominates the skyline but also bears witness to Budapest's turbulent history and constant renewal. Following the major reconstruction in 2025–2026, the statue and its surroundings now exemplify modern, sustainable, and inclusive tourism.

  • Parking available

The History of the Statue: From Ideologies to Freedom

The Liberty Statue was erected in 1947, based on the designs of Zsigmond Kisfaludi Strobl. Originally, it was dedicated to the glory of the Soviet Red Army, in gratitude for the liberation of Budapest. According to legend, the model for the statue was Erzsébet Gaál, a nurse whom the sculptor happened to see on the street.

At the time of the regime change (1990), unlike many other monuments, the Liberty Statue remained in place but underwent significant alterations: Soviet inscriptions were removed, as was the statue of a soldier with a submachine gun among the auxiliary figures. It then became a symbol of universal freedom and Hungarian independence, instead of political ideologies. During the most recent renewal between 2024 and 2026, a cross was added to the statue’s pedestal, further enriching its symbolism and reflecting the nation’s thousand-year-old Christian roots.

Unparalleled Panorama: Budapest at Your Feet

From the base of the statue, one can enjoy one of the most stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Budapest. From this vantage point, not only can you see the winding Danube and its bridges, but also the entire Pest plain with the Parliament and Basilica, as well as the rolling hills of Buda. Thanks to the newly designed viewing terraces, visitors can now admire the sunset or the city bathed in evening lights more comfortably and safely than ever before.

Sustainability and Modern Infrastructure

The most recent renewal of the Citadel and the statue’s surroundings focused on sustainability:

  • Green Mobility: The area is easily accessible via frequently running buses or the renewed, safe pedestrian pathways. For those arriving by car, family parking spaces and modern electric vehicle charging stations are available.

  • Waste Management: Aesthetic selective waste collection points have been installed along the entire Citadel Promenade, helping to keep the environment clean.

  • Inclusivity: The area is fully accessible. Modern ramps and lifts ensure that visitors using wheelchairs or prams can reach the statue and viewing points without any restrictions.

  • Liveable Environment: Wherever possible, asphalt surfaces have been replaced with green spaces and new relaxation parks, helping to reduce the urban heat island effect.


Target group

  • Class trips
  • Families with younger children
  • Families with older children
  • Multigenerational programs
  • Friends
  • Seniors
  • Couples

Other services


Sights, programs

All

Parking information

  • Free outdoor parking available
  • Paid parking available
  • Paid bus parking available

Our partners