Introduction to the recent history of Hungary, the Communist dictatorship, the Soviet Era, and the Uprising in 1956.

After the Second World War Hungary became a communist country and ended up being controlled by the powerful Soviet Union. This almost half-a-century period between 1945 and 1989 is a very interesting part of Hungarian history. During the tour, you will see the unique collection of communist statues in Memento Park (formerly known as Statue Park) outside of Budapest, which represents the socialist realistic art, and visit places that had great interest during the uprising in 1956, which was a desperate attempt to get away from dictatorship and become free. The uprising was not successful and it became possible only to commemorate the heroes of the revolution after the change of regime in 1989. You will see several of these memorial places as well. You will be able to hear from an authentic local person (your guide) how it was to live under communism, how everyday life was, and how everything changed since the end of communism.

The tour includes:

• Memento (Statue) Park (outside of Budapest – 30 min drive)
• Liberation Monument (Gellért Hill), Szabadság Square: Memorial to the Liberating Soviet Soldiers
• Revolutionary hero statue of Imre Nagy
• Lajos Kossuth square: Eternal Flame – 1956 Memorial
• Parliament (exterior)
• Dózsa György Avenue (the scene of military parades during the dictatorship)
• Heroes Square

The tour ends at the House of Terror (or at your selected location).