Székely martyrs' sculpture, Historic memorial in Târgu Mureș, Romania.
The Székely martyrs' sculpture is a historic memorial in Târgu Mureș comprising a 6-meter granite column topped by a lion wounded by an arrow at its base. The injured lion holds the national flag clasped between its front legs.
The memorial was unveiled in 1875 to honor three Székely men executed in 1854 during the anti-Habsburg Makk conspiracy. The three condemned individuals were Gálfi Mihály, Török János, and Horváth Károly.
The memorial serves as a focal point for annual gatherings on March 15th, when people come together to honor the Hungarian Revolution and Székely independence. These yearly ceremonies give the site its significance in the community's life.
The site sits on Strada Secuilor Martiri and is readily accessible on foot, with information panels explaining the historical events and the lives of those honored. The memorial grounds are open to visitors year-round and work well as a stopping point while exploring the city.
The memorial survived intact through the Romanian occupation of 1919, preserving its original Hungarian coat of arms shown on crossed swords beneath the lion. This detail reveals how the structure endured through major political transitions.
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