Inner City Parish Church (Belvárosi Plébániatemplom), Budapest
The Inner City Parish Church, standing flush against the Erzsébet Bridge on the Pest side of Budapest, is one of the city's great architectural achievements. It is also the oldest building in Pest.
History
The 12th-century Romanesque church that was first built on this spot was constructed inside the remains of the walls of the Roman fortress of Contra-Aquincum. In the early 14th century, a Gothic church was built where the Romanesque church once stood, and this medieval church, with numerous trendy additions and renovations, still stands today.
What to See
Both Gothic and Baroque elements can be observed on the exterior, and the interior niches are built in both styles.
Inside, you'll also find a mihrab (prayer niche) dating from the Turkish occupation, when the church was temporarily converted into a mosque. The painting on the altar is the work of the 20th-century artist Pál Molnár, whose work can also be seen in St. Anne's Church.
The church was almost torn down when the Erzsébet Bridge was built in the late 19th century. Fortunately, an alternative plan won out, calling for the new bridge to wind around the church in a serpentine fashion (this interesting construction is best viewed from Gellért Hill).
Map
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Quick Facts
| Address: | V. Március 15 tér, Pest, Budapest, Hungary |
| Phone: | 1/318-3108 |
| Metro: | Ferenciek tere (Blue line) |
| Hours: | Mon-Sat 6am-7pm, Sun 8am-7pm |
| Services: | Daily mass is held at 6:30am and 6pm; Sunday mass at 9am, 10am, noon, and 6pm. |
| Cost: | Free |
