The Liberty Statue (also known as the Freedom Statue) on Gellért Hill in Budapest, Hungary, is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks and a symbol of the nation’s history. The statue stands atop the hill, offering a panoramic view over the Danube and the entire city. It was erected in 1947 to commemorate the liberation of Hungary from Nazi occupation by the Soviet troops during World War II.

The Liberty Statue is a tall, bronze monument that stands at 14 meters (46 feet) high, with the overall height including the pedestal reaching 40 meters (131 feet). The statue depicts a woman holding a palm leaf aloft, representing victory and peace. It was originally designed by Zsigmond Kisfaludi Strobl, a Hungarian sculptor of considerable renown during the 20th century.

Originally, the statue was dedicated to the “memory of the liberating Soviet heroes” erected by the communist government that took power after the war, as inscribed on its pedestal. However, following the end of the Cold War and the fall of communism in Hungary, the statue’s meaning was reinterpreted. New inscriptions were added to commemorate all who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom, and prosperity of Hungary.