The Miners’ Memorial was erected in 1938. Its base is constructed of phonolite and red sandstone, while the figures are made of salt-glazed pyrogranite produced by the Zsolnay Factory in Pécs. The monument was designed by sculptor László Szomor.
The monument takes the form of an irregular pyramid and features three symbolic figures. In the lower left stands a miner, while an infantryman is depicted higher up on the right. The central and most prominent figure is Patrona Hungariae—the Virgin Mary as the patron saint of Hungary. She wears the Holy Crown of Hungary and is portrayed as a strong warrior, holding a shield and a sword.
The infantryman is shown in uniform and wearing a helmet, armed with a rifle and poised to throw a grenade. This representation reflects a common depiction of First World War infantry soldiers found on many war memorials. The bare-chested miner strides forward carrying a pickaxe and a Davy lamp, which can still be lit during commemorative ceremonies.
The following inscription appears on a white marble plaque at the base of the monument:
“In memory of the heroes of the mines, who sacrificed their lives for the honour of their homeland and in the fulfilment of their professional duties. Erected by the First Danube Steamboat Shipping Company on 8 June 1938.”
(A bányaművek hőseinek emlékére, akik a haza becsületéért és hivatásbeli kötelezettségük teljesítése közben életüket áldozták. Emelte az Első Dunagőzhajózási Társaság, 1938. június 8.)
Location:
Hősök tere 2-1
Pécs, 7628 Hungary
