Gradina Reconcilierii Arad

The Romanian-Hungarian Reconciliation Park is a memorial and commemorative space located in the city of Arad, dedicated to the events of 6 October 1849, when the 13 generals of the Austrian imperial army, known as "The 13 Martyrs of Arad", were executed following the defeat of the Revolution of 1848–1849. The park brings together two monuments with complementary historical significance, symbolising the reconciliation between Romania and Hungary. The Statue of Liberty, standing 12 metres tall, was originally erected on 6 October 1890 and is the work of sculptor Zala György from Budapest. The monument, composed of an allegorical sculptural group of seven figures, pays tribute to the 13 executed generals, with their bas-relief portraits placed around the statue. Demolished in 1924 on the orders of the government of Ionel I.C. Brătianu and kept within the Arad Fortress for 80 years, the statue was reinstalled in public space on 25 April 2004, in the presence of officials from both the Romanian and Hungarian governments. The second monument, a 9-metre Triumphal Arch created by Romanian sculptor Ioan Bolborea, commemorates the Transylvanian revolutionaries of 1848–1849, featuring the figures of Avram Iancu and other revolutionary leaders. The inauguration of the entire park took place in August 2005, when the Triumphal Arch was completed. The park is regularly visited by tourists from Hungary and stands as a symbol of cultural and historical dialogue between the two nations. It is accessible from the centre of the city of Arad, either on foot or by public transport.