Matthias Corvinus Monument, Cluj-Napoca (must see)

The Matthias Corvinus Monument, located in Union Square, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The monument features a grand equestrian statue of Matthias Corvinus, a revered historical figure who was born in Cluj-Napoca in 1443 and later became the King of Hungary and Croatia. His reign from 1458 to 1490 was marked by significant achievements, including the centralization of state power, which helped to fortify his kingdom against the Ottoman Empire. To support his military campaigns, Matthias Corvinus increased taxes and expanded his territories, ultimately creating the first permanent professional army in Europe, known as the Black Army.

The monument, crafted by the renowned sculptor János Fadrusz, was unveiled to the public on October 12, 1902, amidst grand festivities. The bronze statues, including the main figure of Matthias Corvinus and four of his most trusted generals, were transported to Cluj-Napoca by train and then carefully moved to Union Square on the tracks of an old horse tram line. The monument’s placement in the heart of the city emphasizes its significance in Cluj-Napoca’s cultural and historical landscape.

One of the unique features of the equestrian statue is that all four of the horse’s hooves are firmly on the ground. This detail is traditionally interpreted to signify that Matthias Corvinus, depicted on the horse, died a natural death rather than in battle. Surrounding the statue of Matthias Corvinus are his four generals, each holding flags representing the military battalions they led to victory. These generals include Blasius Magyar, the leader of the Black Army; Pál Kinizsi, Count of Timiș; Stephen Zápolya, Palatine of Hungary; and Stephen Báthory, Prince of Transylvania.

The Matthias Corvinus Monument not only serves as a tribute to one of Cluj-Napoca's most illustrious sons but also as a symbol of the city's rich historical legacy.