In front of the monument there is a large stone cenotaph surrounded by an ornamental iron chain. The cenotaph is dedicated to “the memories of the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of our people and our national independence”. While it looks like a real tomb, there is no way for the government of Hungary to bury that many soldiers who have lost their lives underneath the square. So this tomb just serves as a monumental piece and not the real burial site. Wreath-laying ceremony is conducted at this Hungarian War Memorial on national day. 

Behind the cenotaph, there is a column topped by the statue of the archangel, Gabriel. He holds the Holy Crown of St Stephen, who was the first king of Hungary, in his right hand. In the other hand, he holds a two barred apostolic cross, a symbol awarded to St Stephen by the Pope in recognition of his efforts to convert Hungary to Christianity. At the bottom of the column, there are the statues of the Chieftains of the Magyars. In a glance, these statues look like they are ready to come alive at night just like those from the Lord of the Rings movie. 

Right across the Heroes Square, there is Vajdahunyad Castle, one of the romantic castles in Budapest. It’s located right in the City Park by the boating lake/ skating rink. The castle was built in the year 1896 and it displays the evolution of architecture through centuries and styles in Hungary. Several festivals, concerts and exhibitions are held at the castle. I reallly wanted to check out the castle from closer distance but I did not really have much time to linger because I followed a tour. Sob. 

The Heroes Square is flanked by two museums. One is Museum of Fine Arts which is currently undergoing renovation (due for completion in 2018) and the other one is Hall of Art which hosts Hungarian and international works of art. Hall of Art opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM to 6PM. On Thursday, it opens from 12PM - 8PM. Please note that it closed on Monday and national dates.