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POINT OF INTEREST

Holy Trinity Column (Szentháromság-Szobor)

Szentháromság Square, Budapest, Hungary, 1014

The Holy Trinity Column is a towering piece of history, standing in the heart of Budapest's castle district. A limestone structure, the building was erected in the 18th century to honor the end of the devastating plague, in commemoration of its victims. The Holy Trinity Column is Budapest's oldest Baroque statue and a prominent gathering point for tourists.

The basics

Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of the Holy Trinity and Latin prayers, the column also boasts exquisite carvings of heavenly angels and six saints. The pedestal features dramatic reliefs depicting King David's plea for an end to the plague, a poignant depiction of the outbreak with Buda Castle in the background, and the construction of the Holy Trinity Memorial. Plus, don't miss the majestic Hungarian crest.

Things to know before you go

  • The Holy Trinity Column is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located right in front of Matthias Church.

  • It makes for a great meeting location, being a centrally located landmark in the middle of a square. It’s always bustling with people, at all hours of the day.

  • As it's close to other major attractions, there are plenty of restaurants and shops in the surrounding area from Starbucks to upscale Hungarian eateries.

How to get there

The Holy Trinity Column can be reached by the metro to Deák Ferenc tér (M1, M2, M3) and then by walking across the Chain Bridge. If you're taking public transportation, the closest bus stop is "Szent István tér", which is served by several bus lines, including 1, 2, 2Y, 3, 3Y, 4, 4Y, and 6.

When to get there

For those seeking to capture the beauty of this monument without the crowds, the ideal time is early fall. The September weather provides a comfortable climate for walking around the city, and the colors of the leaves add an extra layer of richness to the already striking scenery. However, if you're interested in winter festivals and Christmas markets, Budapest offers a variety of festive activities during this time.

Detailed column of statues and reliefs

The Holy Trinity Column (Szentháromság-Szobor) is a baroque-style sculpture that continuously enchants visitors with its intricate detail. Its foundation has a statue at each point, including Saint Christopher carrying baby Jesus, Saint John, and Saint Joseph. At the top of the monument is the Holy Trinity, while there are also coats of arms on the pedestal. The more you look at it, the more you'll discover.

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