Statue of Szent István (king Saint Stephan I) by Alajos Stróbl and Frigyes Schulek, in the Fishermman's Bastion.

Saint Stephen I, born as Vajk, was the Grand Prince of the Hungarians (997–1000) and the first King of Hungary (1000–1038). He greatly expanded Hungarian control over the Carpathian Basin during his lifetime, broadly established Christianity in the region, and is generally regarded as the founder of the Kingdom of Hungary. Pope Gregory VII canonized Stephen I, together with his son, Saint Emeric of Hungary and Bishop Gerard of Csanád, on the 20 August 1083. Stephen became one of the most popular saints in Hungary, and 20 August, which was also his feast day until 1687, is celebrated as a public holiday in Hungary commemorating the foundation of the state.

The Fishermen's Bastion (designed by Frigyes Schluek) is made up of seven round towers — each one symbolising the seven Magyar tribes that effectively gave rise to the nation a thousand years earlier.

Photo 1478 Sept 2008

Statue of Szent István detail

Photo 1478d Sept 2008

Statue of Szent István

Photo 1479 Sept 2008

Statue of Szent István detail

Photo 1479d Sept 2008

Statue of Szent István

Photo 1449 Sept 2008