Herma of Saint Ladislaus (Cult of Saint Ladislaus) – Győr
Fact of the Hungarian figure „St. Stephen and others – First christian saints in Hungarian Kingdom”
Part of the „The patrons and guardians of the land” topic
Saint Ladislaus I, one of Hungary’s most revered kings, was canonized in 1192 by King Béla III with papal approval, recognizing his significant contributions to the Christianization of Hungary and his role as a model of chivalric and Christian virtues. After his death in 1095, Ladislaus was initially laid to rest in Somogyvár, and later, around 1113, his remains were transferred to Várad (now Oradea), where his tomb became a site of numerous miracles and pilgrimages, further solidifying his status as a saint.
To honor his memory and sanctity, Béla III commissioned a herma, a silver-gilt bust reliquary, to house the skull relic of Saint Ladislaus. Although the original herma was destroyed in a fire in 1403, a later reproduction created in the 16th century has survived and is now preserved in the cathedral of Győr. This herma is not only an exquisite example of medieval craftsmanship but also a central object of veneration in the cult of Saint Ladislaus.
After his canonization, Saint Ladislaus was celebrated as a warrior saint, embodying the ideals of chivalry and Christian kingship. His image as a protector of the faith and a hero against pagan forces was further developed during the Angevin era, solidifying his place in Hungarian cultural and religious history. The herma in Győr, which continues to draw pilgrims and devotees, symbolizes the enduring reverence for Saint Ladislaus, who is remembered for his laws, his heroic deeds, and his unwavering commitment to the Christian faith.
The legend of Saint Ladislaus has been preserved in two slightly different versions, both tracing back to a common source. These versions, which were likely created independently—one in a longer form and the other around 1216-17—contribute to the rich tapestry of his legacy. Today, Saint Ladislaus remains one of Hungary’s most important kings, honored through statues, institutions, and ongoing veneration, with the herma in Győr serving as a focal point of his cult and a symbol of his lasting impact on Hungarian spirituality.
