A Moving Sculpture Creates a Beautiful Place of Reflection and Reverence. Dear Pip, It is from a cold, dark place that I write you this postcard. A place that…
A Moving Sculpture Creates a Beautiful Place of Reflection and Reverence.
Shoes on the Danube Promenade – Budapest’s holocaust memorial.
Dear Pip,
It is from a cold, dark place that I write you this postcard. A place that reminds me of a horrific time in history – a time that should never be forgotten.
I refer to the Holocaust memorial, the “Shoes on the Danube Promenade” in Budapest, Hungary, dedicated “To the memory of victims shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944-45”.
The “Shoes on the Danube Promenade” monument was erected in April 2005. It comprises 60 life-size iron shoes sculpted by Gyula Pauer and stretching along a section of the Danube’s riverbank. Deliberately cast in the style of footwear worn in the 1940s, the shoes are in different sizes, representing the men, women, and children to whom this memorial is a tribute.
The “Shoes on the Danube Promenade” Holocaust memorial is dedicated to the thousands of Jews (approximately 20,000) executed along the Danube riverbank during 1944-1945. They were shot by members of the Hungarian fascist and anti-Semitic organisation, the Arrow Cross Party. The Jewish victims, standing on the riverbank, were forced to remove their shoes and face their executioner. The Arrow Cross militiamen then shot them, so they tumbled into the river. The river would then carry their bodies away, saving the killers from having the hard labour of digging graves. The victims were often forced to remove their shoes because shoes were a valuable commodity that the executioners could sell.
‘Sixty’ was not just a random number of shoes to include in the monument. It reflects the 600,000 Hungarian Jews who died during World War 2, and the memorial was created 60 years after the war.
The shoe sculptures lie scattered and abandoned on the bank of the Danube River on the Pest side of Budapest, between two well-known landmarks: the Chain Bridge and the Parliament Building. The memorial is unique, unlike anything I have ever seen. I found it poignant and haunting, even with all the tourists around, a place for reflection and contemplation.
I passed the “Shoes on the Danube Promenade” Holocaust memorial again several hours later after visiting the Parliament Building. Someone had put a white carnation into two of the shoes. I like to think it was the wedding couple being photographed nearby. On a day that was so memorable for them, they had taken the time to remember and honour those who so tragically had their memories taken from them. Perhaps they were remembering a family member.
This Holocaust memorial profoundly moved me (more so than any other I have visited on this trip), and I am thankful for my fortunate circumstances.
Love,
Joanna
A carnation flower is placed in one of the memorial shoes as a sign of remembrance.
Shoes on the Danube – commemoration of a tragedy.
Editor’s Note: I first published this blog post in August 2019 and have since revised it for accuracy, thoroughness, and relevance.
Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. All photos are my own and remain the copyright of Joanna Rath/Just Me Travel.
© Just Me Travel 2018-2025. All rights reserved.
This memorial reminded me of how cruel humankind can be to each other. Has there been a memorial that had a similar impact on you?
I love hearing from you and look forward to reading and responding to your comments. Join the conversation.
Like this post? Save it for Later!
Author’s Note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and follow government advice.
© Just Me Travel 2018-2025. All rights reserved.
No Comments on SHOES ON THE DANUBE – A Chilling Holocaust Memorial to Hungarian Jews (2025 Update)
