Saint Stephen Statue, Budapest, Hungary Poster

"Saint Stephen Statue, Budapest, Hungary" by Catherine Sherman A majestic equestrian statue of St. Stephen stands prominently in the centre of an ornate, historic courtyard on top of Castle Hill near Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary. The surrounding Mediaeval-style architecture features intricate stonework and towering conical spires, creating a picturesque and grand atmosphere under an overcast sky. The statue of St. Stephen, who was the first king of Hungary, is near Matthias Church. King Stephen united the Magyar tribes and established Christianity in the country at the beginning of the 11th century. Fisherman's Bastion offers spectacular views of the Danube river and the Pest side of Budapest. Fisherman's Bastion is one of the best known historical monuments in Budapest, located near the Buda Castle, in the Várkerület (Buda Castle District). Since 1987, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Várkerület District (Buda Castle District). The pedestal is covered with reliefs-scenes from King Stephen’s life. It was created in 1906 by sculptor Alajos Stróbl. Stephen I was born around 975 and was the first King of Hungary from 1000 or 1001 until his death in 1038. Stephen established at least one archbishopric, six bishoprics and three Benedictine monasteries; thus the Church in Hungary developed independantly of the archbishops of the Holy Roman Empire, according to EquestrianStatue.org. He encouraged the spread of Christianity with severe punishments for ignoring Christian customs. Hungary, which enjoyed a lasting period of peace during his reign, became a preferred route for pilgrims and merchants travelling between Western Europe and the Holy Land or Constantinople. He survived all of his children. His death caused civil wars, which lasted for decades. Stephen is a popular saint in Hungary and the neighbouring territories.