St. Stephen's Basilica (Budapest)

Dedicated in honour of the first king of Hungary, St. Stephen's Basilica is a magnificent Neo-Renaissance Roman catholic church which was eventually completed in 1905. It is flanked by two soaring bell towers which can be climbed for panoramic views of the city. On cheap city breaks in Budapest, you can enjoy guided tours of the interior and admire treasures such as the main altar statute of St Stephen carved out of marble and intricate ceiling frescoes decorating a huge central dome.

 

The basilica also houses the so called ‘The Holy Right of St Stephen’ the preserved right hand of Hungary’s founding father which is considered to be the nation’s most precious relic. Every August the ‘Holy Right’ is carried around the city in a colourful ritual procession. The interior is elaborately decorated with over 50 different types of marble and adorned with a vast collection of 20th century artwork. Further mosaic tiling and a huge stained glass window give it a dreamlike quality as brilliant natural sunlight fills the interior. On short breaks in Budapest, you can enjoy all this for free, however there is a small charge for organised guided tours and a trip up to the top of the dome.

Visitors can attend mass daily or one of its weekly organ concerts which take place during the summer months. There are also special services, concerts and choral performances during Christmas in Budapest and at Easter. The massive bulk of St Stephen's Basilica overlooks the attractive square of the same name, a picturesque cobbled marketplace flanked by charming open air cafes. They offer unrivalled views of the basilica and a great spot to soak up city life and mingle with churchgoers.