Buda Castle Buda Castle, Budapest
Many visitors strolling through Buda Castle District—perhaps after a visit to Ruszwurm Café or a meal at Jamie’s Italian—will come across the equestrian statue of András Hadik, a striking monument dedicated to one of Hungary’s most famous hussars. While this statue is often included in guided tours, few know the fascinating history behind both the man and the monument.
Who Was András Hadik the Iconic Hussar of Buda Castle?
Born in 1710, Hadik rose through the ranks of the Habsburg army, becoming a renowned military leader under Queen Maria Theresa. His most legendary feat was the daring raid on Berlin in 1757 during the Seven Years’ War, where he led a lightning-fast hussar attack deep into Prussian territory. The operation humiliated Frederick the Great, as Hadik’s troops occupied Berlin long enough to demand a ransom—including fine women’s gloves decorated with the Berlin coat of arms for Maria Theresa. For this bold action, Hadik was awarded the Order of Maria Theresa and later became Count Hadik.
The iconic Hungarian hussar (most famous Hungarian army unit from the 18th century) and favourite soldier of Maria Theresa, Andras Hadik – called the Hussar of all hussars – became the governor of Bukovina and the president of the the highest military rank within Austria-Hungary within a blink of an eye.
He was born as a simple nobleman but due to his intelligence he rose steadily in the military hierarchy and gained fame for his brave actions using tricks and surprises.
History of the Hadik Statue in Buda Castle
Unveiled on April 29, 1937, the equestrian statue of András Hadik was created by sculptor György Vastagh Jr., who also crafted the famous Csikós statue in Buda Castle. The monument was erected at the intersection of Úri Street and Szentháromság Street to honour Hadik and the legendary 3rd Hussar Regiment. The pedestal bears the names of the regiment’s fallen soldiers from various wars since its founding in 1702.
Unlike many other noble military statues, Hadik’s remained untouched during the communist era, a testament to the enduring respect for his legacy. However, starting in the 1950s, the statue became famous for a rather unexpected tradition—thanks to Budapest’s university students.
The Student Tradition: How the Statue Became a Good Luck Charm
In the 1950s, the Budapest University of Technology (BME) had a dormitory in Buda Castle, primarily housing electrical engineering students. As part of their graduation ritual, students began a strange but humorous custom: polishing the bronze testicles of Hadik’s horse with Sidol metal cleaner before exams.
According to historian Emoke Kovacs, the tradition began when the Technical University Dormitory students held farewell parades upon graduation, marking the occasion with this unusual “heroic act.” Since the statue sits on a high pedestal, climbing up to reach the horse’s underbelly required real effort—turning it into a daring rite of passage.
To this day, the glistening, well-polished area beneath Hadik’s horse stands out against the rest of the statue, proving that the tradition is still very much alive. Engineering students, and now even tourists, continue the custom, believing it brings good luck for exams and life challenges.
Reputedly, touching and stroking the testicles of the horse brings everyone good luck.
10 Interesting Facts About the Hadik Statue
- It was unveiled in 1937 and created by György Vastagh Jr., who also sculpted the Csikós statue.
- The initiative to erect the statue came from the officers of the 3rd Hussar Regiment, which was named after Hadik.
- Hadik’s Berlin raid in 1757 is considered the most famous “hussar prank” in military history.
- The statue’s pedestal bears the names of fallen soldiers from the 3rd Hussar Regiment dating back to 1702.
- It was one of the few noble military statues not removed during the communist era.
- The statue’s good luck tradition started in the 1950s with electrical engineering students at BME.
- Polishing the horse’s testicles is believed to bring luck before exams.
- The tradition requires climbing, as the statue stands on a tall pedestal, making it more of a challenge.
- Hadik was the first to formally propose the abolition of serfdom, showing his progressive thinking.
- He was one of the few Hungarians to have a street named after him in both Budapest and Vienna.
Whether you visit for its historical significance or just to take part in the quirky student tradition, the Hadik Statue remains one of Buda Castle’s most popular landmarks. It stands as a tribute to Hungary’s legendary hussars, reminding visitors of both military bravery and playful student spirit. So next time you’re in the area—whether stopping by Ruszwurm Café or strolling down Tóth Árpád Avenue in spring—make sure to pay a visit to Hadik and perhaps even add a little shine for good luck!
Address: on the corner of Szentharomsag and Uri street, Budapest 1014
Last updated: Feb 14, 2025
