St. Stephen's Basilica

Budapest, Hungary

St. Stephen's Basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c. 975–1038), whose supposed right hand is housed in the reliquary. It was the sixth largest church building in Hungary before 1920. Today, it is the third largest church building in present-day Hungary.

The basilica was completed in 1905 after 54 years of construction, according to the plans of Miklós Ybl, and was completed by József Kauser. Much of this delay can be attributed to the collapse of the dome in 1868 which required complete demolition of the completed works and rebuilding from the ground up.

The architectural style is Neo-Classical; it has a Greek cross ground plan. The façade is anchored by two large bell towers. In the southern tower is Hungary's biggest bell, weighing over 9 tonnes. Its predecessor had a weight of almost 8 tonnes, but it was used for military purposes during World War II. Visitors may access the dome by elevators or by climbing 364 stairs for a 360° view overlooking Budapest.

At first, the building was supposed to be named after Saint Leopold, the patron saint of Austria, but the plan was changed in the very last minute, so it became St. Stephen's Basilica.

The Saint Stephen Basilica has played an active role in the musical community since its consecration in 1905. The head organists of the church have always been very highly regarded musicians. In the past century the Basilica has been home to choral music, classical music as well as contemporary musical performances. The Basilica choir performs often in different parts of Europe as well as at home. In the summer months they perform every Sunday. During these months you can see performances from many distinguished Hungarian and foreign organ players alike.

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Details

Founded: 1905
Category: Religious sites in Hungary

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tammam Hasan (2 months ago)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting St. Stephen's Church, and it was an incredible experience. The church, known for its stunning architecture and rich history, left a deep impression on me. As I walked through the grand entrance, I was captivated by the intricate designs, the beautiful stained glass windows, and the peaceful atmosphere that filled the space. St. Stephen's Church is renowned as one of the most significant historical landmarks. It was built in [mention the year if known] and has since been a place of worship and a symbol of cultural heritage. The church's architecture reflects a blend of different styles, including [mention specific styles, e.g., Gothic, Baroque], showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the era. Inside, the church features high ceilings, ornate decorations, and numerous religious artworks, all of which contribute to its serene and majestic aura. One of the most striking features of St. Stephen's Church is its bell tower, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Many visitors, including myself, take the opportunity to climb to the top to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The church also houses several historical relics and artifacts, adding to its significance as a cultural and religious treasure. Overall, my visit to St. Stephen's Church was a memorable and enriching experience. It is not just a place of worship but also a testament to the architectural and historical legacy that has been preserved over the centuries. I would highly recommend anyone visiting the area to explore this magnificent church and immerse themselves in its beauty and history. But I did not like the new applied fees, houses of god should always be free, or donations like before.
Isuru Dissanayake (2 months ago)
One of the massive buildings in Budapest. Worth visiting. This is a popular tourist attraction. I couldn't go in due to time constraints. But I managed to capture it's beauty from the outside. Located next to the city street and it's a well recognized location. Recommended..
JP Bouchard (2 months ago)
Gorgeous church on the Pest side of Budapest. A ticket is needed to enter and the ticket office is located in the row of building on the right side of the church. A supplement must be paid to climb the tower and it gives a good 360 view of Budapest. The tower is accessible by stairs or elevator and we took the stairs since there was a line at the elevator so it is much quicker. Budget 30 minutes to visit the church and an additional 30 minutes for the tower.
Dawn Ho (2 months ago)
I visited the holy site twice during my 4-day stay. Words seem futile to try and describe how the sculptures and architectures can mesmerize you into a constant awe and admiration. Download the app and listen to a short but informative narration of the different altars and flagship structures. https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/churchapp-esztergom-budapest/id6472082367 You should make this visit a priority.
Frank Yen (2 months ago)
Very gorgeous and serene place in Budapest! The ticket can be chosen for the hull ways or combined. Inside the architecture, there is an organ which is hang on the top and look magnificent. The ceiling is of most significance in my opinion, paving the way for a more serene and holy feeling even if you are not religious. Overall, recommend visiting here for around half an hour! The ticket office is located at the right side of the site.
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