Anniversary – Holy Crown of Hungary returned to its homeland 230 years ago

Buda was full of festive decorations, shining in floodlight on that special day in 1790. Everybody was so excited – the entire leadership of the city lined up at the gates of Vienna, in full regalia; greeting the return of the Holy Crown with a string of fire.

Joseph II had controversial fame in the past. Actually, good intentions led him; his excessive haste and sense of mission impeded him to introduce his reforms in the country. At the end of his ten years long reign – 28^th January 1790 – all his regulations were withdrawn, only three of them maintained, including the one that concerns the Holy Crown.

Read alsoAnniversary – Holy Crown of Hungary returned to its homeland 230 years ago

Originally, the Holy Crown was guarded in Bratislava. In April 1784, based on the regulation of the king that was opposed to the Hungarian law, it was transported to Vienna. The Hungarian nobility considered this as an offence and complained about the action.

On 28^th January 1790, Joseph II published the patens that include the withdrawal of all his regulations, except three of them.

These patens concluded the future of the Holy Crown – after providing the right guiding conditions, it must be delivered to the Buda Castle.

Preparations began immediately, and finally, the Holy Crown was delivered from Vienna on 18^th February, within the framework of strict restrictions and ceremonial features. The route and every tiny detail of the procession were precisely determined.

Thanks to the event, the return of the Holy Crown has become a national celebration.

The procession arrived at Buda on 21^st February; for that day, the whole city was well-prepared. Everyone was extremely excited, dressed up in new regalias in order to express their honour.