Cave Church, Budapest

Located on Gellert Hill overlooking Liberty Bridge (Szabadsaq Hid) in Budapest, the Cave Church is a unique grotto chapel cared for by the Hungarian Paulite order of monks. Closed during the Communist years, it has since been reopened and offers a peaceful respite from the noise of the city.

History of Cave Church

This cave on Gellert Hill was originally home to Saint Istvan, a hermit monk who cured the sick with thermal waters that sprung in front of the cave.

The Cave Church was founded in 1926 by expanding the hermit's cave. The church was further enlarged in the 1930s by the Archbishop of Kalocsa to hold more worshippers, using the grotto at Lourdes as a model.

In 1951, the Communist secret police arrested the entire order of Pauline monks. The superior Ferenc Vezer was condemned to death, while the others received 5- to 10-year prison sentences. The chapel was blocked up with a 2.25m thick concrete wall, behind which it stood silent for nearly 40 years.

After the fall of Communism in 1989, the Cave Church was returned to the Paulite order and immediately reopened.

What to See at Cave Church

The Cave Chapel's small interior, with natural rock walls and various niches filled with statues and altars, is atmospheric and peaceful. The acoustics of the cave make for a memorable experience when music is played during a service. Outside, there are fine views of Liberty Bridge and a modern statue of St. Istvan holding a church.

Quick Facts on Cave Church

Site Information
Names:	Cave Chapel · Cave Church · Church of St. Istvan · Gellert Hill Grotto
Country:	Hungary
Categories:	churches; caves
Dedication:	St. Istvan
Dates:	1926
Status:	active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	47.484765° N, 19.052262° E
Address:	Budapest, Hungary
Hours:	Open daily 9am-8pm except during services
Lodging:	View hotels near Cave Church

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

Budapest - The Cave Church - David Pride
Cave Chapel Reviews - Virtual Tourist
Panoramic photo of the Cave Church

More Information

Photos of Cave Church - here on Sacred Destinations

Map of Cave Church, Budapest

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