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Shoes on the Danube Bank: A Touching Tribute

Experience the poignant memorial at Shoes on the Danube Bank, a tribute to the victims of World War II, blending art, history, and remembrance in Budapest.

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Shoes on the Danube Bank is a powerful memorial in Budapest, honoring the victims of World War II. This evocative site features 60 pairs of iron shoes along the riverbank, representing the Jewish community who were tragically shot into the Danube. A must-visit for those looking to understand the poignant history of the area, it beautifully blends art, history, and remembrance.

A brief summary to Shoes on the Danube Bank

  • Id. Antall József rkp., Budapest, District V., 1054, HU

Local tips

  • Visit during early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
  • Take a moment to read the plaques near the shoes for a deeper understanding of the memorial's significance.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the Danube Promenade for stunning views of the city.
  • Consider visiting around Jewish holidays for special commemorative events.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If you are driving from Central Transdanubia, head towards Budapest via the M7 motorway. Follow the signs for Budapest and merge onto the M1 towards Budapest. Continue straight until you see signs for the city center. Use the exit toward Kossuth Lajos tér/Parliament. Once in the city, follow the signs to the Danube River. You can park in one of the nearby public parking lots, such as the underground parking at Kossuth Lajos tér, which is a short walk from the memorial.

  • Public Transportation (Train)

    From various cities in Central Transdanubia, take a train to Budapest's Nyugati Railway Station (Nyugati Pályaudvar). Tickets cost around HUF 2,000-3,000 depending on your departure city. Once at Nyugati Station, exit the station and take tram number 4 or 6 from the nearby tram stop towards Széll Kálmán tér. Get off at the stop called 'Kossuth Lajos tér', which is very close to the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.

  • Public Transportation (Bus)

    If you prefer to travel by bus, find a bus station in your location that has services to Budapest. Companies like FlixBus and Volánbusz operate routes connecting various towns in Central Transdanubia to Budapest. Once you arrive at the Budapest bus terminal, take Metro Line M3 to Deák Ferenc tér and transfer to Metro Line M2 towards Déli pályaudvar. Get off at Kossuth Lajos tér station, which is just a short walk from the memorial.

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Discover more about Shoes on the Danube Bank

Shoes on the Danube Bank is a poignant memorial located along the banks of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary. This moving tribute consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes, meticulously arranged to symbolize the Jewish victims who were executed by arrow during World War II. The design was crafted by film director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer in 2005, and it has since become one of the most visited memorial sites in the city. The shoes represent not only the victims but also a stark reminder of the horrors of war, making it a deeply emotional experience for visitors. As you stroll along the riverbank, you'll find the memorial situated near the Hungarian Parliament Building, offering a stunning backdrop that further enhances the significance of this site. The shoes vary in size and style, emphasizing the diversity of lives lost, and they are accompanied by plaques that share the stories of those who suffered. This thought-provoking installation encourages reflection and remembrance, inviting visitors to contemplate the past while appreciating the beauty of the present. Visiting Shoes on the Danube Bank is a unique opportunity to connect with history and honor the memory of those who lost their lives. The site is open year-round, allowing for visits at any time of day, and is particularly enchanting at sunset when the lights of the nearby buildings reflect on the water. While in Budapest, this memorial is an essential stop for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Hungary's complex history and its lasting impact on the present.

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