Via Sancti Martin

First period (1948-1956)

In 1948, the reinforcement of the western border began. Barbed wire was fixed to wooden poles and a minefield was installed next to it. For 8 years, this line of defence prevented people from escaping to Austria.

In the autumn of 1955, as a result of the political easing, the removal of the border barriers began and was completed on 20 October 1956. Subsequently, 300,000 people managed to leave the country illegally through the demined border.

Second period (1956-1965)

Following the crushing of the revolution, confrontation with the West escalated again. The government ordered the reopening of the western border. Two wire fences were built in parallel, with 800,000 mines laid between them. The minefield was flanked by a track, which was regularly dialled and boroned. A road was built alongside the track for patrols.

Third period (1965-1989)

In 1964, a political decision was taken to clear the minefield and install the then state-of-the-art Soviet SZ-100 beacon system in the country. This marker system was not installed directly on the borderline, but 500-2000 m inland from it. If the wire of the fence was cut or even touched, it was indicated by a device at the station. Before the fugitive reached the border, the border guards managed to apprehend him.

After 36 years, the system became obsolete. In February 1989, the government decided to abolish it.

The Iron Curtain Memorial near Hegykő was inaugurated on 15 July 2008.

This place is a memorial to the people who successfully broke through the technical barrier separating Austria and Hungary, who were captured during their escape attempt, who were wounded or shot while trying to escape. It should also remind us of the border guards who, in winter and summer, in rain, mud, snow and frost, have been sworn to protect the state border. Remember those who have been wounded, crippled or killed in the line of duty, while picking up mines.