A magnified replica of the Holy Crown of Hungary can be admired for the next 10 days in the city of Székelyudvarhely (Odorheiu Secuiesc, Odorhellen), the Székelyhon news portal reported. The large, shrine-like installation was presented on Monday in the Márton Áron Square of Székelyudvarhely.
Three years ago, in preparation for the St. Stephen’s Day celebration in Székelyudvarhely, visual artist Gyula Elekes, president of the Association for the Culture of Udvarhely, created a magnified replica of the Holy Crown of Hungary. The mobile installation has since been exhibited in 18 locations.
Given the interest, the artist then decided to create a metal-framed, more durable version of the work, with the support of the Hungarikum Committee and the Rotary Club of Székelyudvarhely. The installation is constructed to be similar to a shrine: People can walk into it and admire the sunlight shining through the transparent parts of the crown, Elekes said, reminding people that the Holy Crown of Hungary is unique in the world and was the coronation crown of Hungarian kings.
At the inauguration ceremony, city manager Albert Sándor welcomed the artwork adorning the square and encouraged people to come and see it for the next 10 days. “We are proud that there are excellent artists in the city who can create such works and NGOs that support these endeavors,” he said. Antal Bálint, the President of the Rotary Club, said that it was important to finance this artwork.
St. Stephen’s Day, celebrated on the 20th of August, is the national holiday of Hungary. It is held in the memory of King Saint Stephen (Stephen I) of Hungary, the founder of the Christian Hungarian State. August 20 is one of the most important feasts of the Hungarian Catholic Church too, as King Saint Stephen is the first and main patron saint of Hungary. King Stephen I received the crown from Pope Sylvester II and was crowned as Hungary’s first king on Christmas Day in 1000 AD. He ruled until his death on August 15, 1038. He was canonized on August 20, 1083, and his crown is Hungary’s most precious treasure.
Title image: The installation depicting the Holy Crown of Hungary was created to resemble a shrine: People can walk around it and into it to admire the details
Source: Elekes Gyula/Facebook
