Stephanskreuz, memorial cross

The cross erected here commemorates the events that took place in Hungary in October 1956. A cross had previously stood here in memory of Albert Leo Schlageter (1894–1923), a prominent figure in National Socialism. The area surrounding the cross was formerly called Schlageter-Platz, and the hill was known as Schlageter-Höhe. Today it is called Hammersberg. The cross received its new name in connection with the events in Hungary, which the people of Passau once commemorated with a candlelight procession. The so-called “Hungarian Cross” is a friendly symbol of solidarity with Hungary. The cross was named after Hungary’s first Christian king, Saint Stephen. That is why it is also called the “Hungarian Cross” in Passau. It was renovated in the spring of 2021. We recommend that anyone who wants to see the city from above take a walk up here, because the view is truly magnificent.

The text on the memorial plaque, written in German, commemorates the Hungarian people’s 1956 struggle for freedom and their sacrifices. The plaque symbolizes the stand against oppression and the historical solidarity between Bavaria and Hungary.